Day 31: Frogs, Gnats, and Flies

 Today's readings:  Exodus 8, Leviticus 6, and Psalm 48.

I. Moses went to Pharaoh again and, through Aaron, gave him God's demand to "let my people go" (8:1), which he would not do, so the Second Plague struck: frogs infested the land of Egypt, which the court magicians again did the same "by their secret arts" (8:2-7). Pharaoh agreed to release the Hebrews if the frogs would be destroyed, which Moses called upon God to do, but then reneged when "there was a respite, he hardened his heart, and would not listen to them" (8:8-15). 

A truly stubborn cuss, who might have been annoyed that this second plague could also be seen as an attack on the Egyptian false goddess Heket.

Interestingly, the Ignatius Bible notes this:

Ironically, the sorcerers [court magicians] worsen the frog plague and compound the hardships pressing upon Egypt. The frog goddess, Heket, was supposed to control the frog population of Egypt by protecting the crocodiles that ate them. (p. 135)

Pharaoh's stubbornness brought on the Third Plague: gnats "throughout all the land of Egypt" (8:16-17). The court magicians again tried their tricks, but couldn't replicate this plague, yet "Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them" (8:18-19).

Thus, the Fourth Plague was unleashed: swarms of flies "in all the land of Egypt [and] the land was ruined by reason of the flies" (8:20-24). Again, Pharaoh asked Moses to intercede and destroy what plagued Egypt, but then "hardened his heart this time also, and did not let the people go" once the flies departed (8:25-32). 

What an obdurate man, who would cause Egypt to suffer even more. This fourth plague was also likely an attack on their false goddess Uatchit.

I do like the BIY Companion, Vol 1, link's Pharaoh's stubbornness to all of us:

Today in Exodus, Moses tells Pharaoh that he can stop the plague of frogs whenever he says the word. Pharaoh responds, "Tomorrow" (Exodus 8:10). Here, Scripture acts like a mirror. Sometimes, when God tells us he can deliver us from something harmful or help us start something good, we respond, "Tomorrow." (p. 70)

II. This one from Leviticus (6:1-7) seems needed and just. As the Ignatius Bible notes:

Property that is stolen, withheld, or confiscated must be restored to its rightful owner, along with a fine of 20 percent, and a guilt offering must be brought to the sanctuary. These scenarios require a guilt offering because the offender swore falsely, i.e., he lied under oath and thus profaned the Lord's holy name (Ex 20:7; Ps 24:4; Jer 5:2). (p. 186)

So, no benefit from such underhandedness and deceit, or a simple apology. Nope, restitution to the one you wronged, a penalty, and a guilt offering required. I like that. 

Specific details on the law of offerings are outlined in verses 6:8-30.

III. Psalm 48 is a praise to God for Zion, a celebration of the glory and strength of Jerusalem, which He gave to them.

That's all for today!