What does Exodus 8:23 mean?
Egyptian religion included deities supposedly controlling the Nile River, various animals, disease, light, and even life and death. God's use of plagues (Exodus 3:19–20) shows that He has power, while these imaginary idols do not. To emphasize this even further, God begins making noticeably clear distinction between the nations of Egypt and Israel (Exodus 8:22). This is a sign within a sign; the miracle shows divine power (Exodus 8:19). The distinction between the two cultures proves that no Egyptian deity could be responsible. The timing shows that Moses and Aaron's communication with God is sure.The same distinction appears to apply to the remaining plagues. Egypt suffers, while the people of the Lord are spared (Exodus 9:4, 11, 25–26; 10:23).