Exodus 8:23 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Thus I will put a division between my people and your people. Tomorrow this sign shall happen."’"

NIV: I will make a distinction between my people and your people. This sign will occur tomorrow.’ "

NASB: I will put a division between My people and your people. Tomorrow this sign will occur.'?’?'

CSB: I will make a distinction between my people and your people. This sign will take place tomorrow."

NLT: I will make a clear distinction between my people and your people. This miraculous sign will happen tomorrow.’'

KJV: And I will put a division between my people and thy people: to morrow shall this sign be.

NKJV: I will make a difference between My people and your people. Tomorrow this sign shall be.” ’ ”

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).

Exodus 8:20–32 presents the fourth plague in response to Pharaoh's continued resistance to Israelite freedom. This involves droves of insects: possibly flies or the larger, biting horseflies. The Hebrew word simply means "swarms." There are so many flies that they even cover the ground. This time, Israelite territory is specifically exempt from the disaster. That restriction further removes doubts that this was an unplanned coincidence. Pharaoh seems willing to allow some measure of freedom for Israel, but quickly changes his mind.

After Pharaoh ignores the first plague (Exodus 7:20–23), God sends a swarm of frogs. Pharaoh's magicians can summon frogs, but they can't get rid of them. So, he appeals to Moses. Though the plague is lifted, Pharaoh re-jects the command to release Israelite slaves. This leads to a plague of gnats and then one of flies, with similar results. The arrival of these creatures might have been caused by the corruption of the Nile River, but only God's supernatural work could make them disappear. Future plagues will be increasingly severe (Exodus 9:6, 10, 22; 10:4, 22; 12:29–32).

Moses and Aaron offered a sign to Pharaoh (Exodus 7:10–13), but he still refused to release the Hebrew slaves (Ex-odus 1:11–14). This triggered the first of the ten plagues of Egypt: turning water into blood (Exodus 7:20–21). This chapter includes the next three disasters: frogs, gnats, and flies. Pharaoh stubbornly refuses to concede each time. Upcoming plagues will escalate (Exodus 9:6, 10, 22, 10:4, 22), leading to the death of Egypt's firstborn (Exodus 12:29–32) and Israel's release (Exodus 12:41).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 7/12/2025 9:56:23 PM