EXODUS 8 GOD SETS APART HIS PEOPLE
EXODUS 8
20 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Rise up early in the morning and present yourself to Pharaoh, as he goes out to the water, and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Let my people go, that they may serve me. 21 Or else, if you will not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies on you and your servants and your people, and into your houses. And the houses of the Egyptians shall be filled with swarms of flies, and also the ground on which they stand. 22 But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where my people dwell, so that no swarms of flies shall be there, that you may know that I am the Lord in the midst of the earth. 23 Thus I will put a division between my people and your people. Tomorrow this sign shall happen.” 24 And the Lord did so. There came great swarms of flies into the house of Pharaoh and into his servants’ houses. Throughout all the land of Egypt the land was ruined by the swarms of flies. – Exodus 8:20-24
EXODUS 8 GOD SETS APART HIS PEOPLE
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When Pharaoh continued to harden his heart after the plague of gnats
The Lord commanded Moses to warn him of the fourth plague of flies
He told Moses that swarms of flies will skip Goshen where his people lived
God sets apart his people from the Egyptians who were evil and wicked.
God’s wrath continued on as Pharaoh hardened his heart more and more. This is so interesting to watch because it seemed like there is nothing this tyrant can do to stop God from saving his people. It is part of God’s plan that his heart is hardened. This is clear evidence of God’s sovereignty and power. It is amazing how patient he is with the Egyptians because he could have just wiped them out instantly. God is so gracious that he wants every human being to have a chance to repent and turn to him.
God’s love for his people was clearly manifested by not letting the swarms of flies cover the land of Goshen, which is also a part of Egypt. This is where Joseph placed his father Jacob and his siblings and their family to settle during the big famine in Egypt. The Lord honors his word to his people. Even though they may not see how God follows through his covenant promise, the absence of the swarm of flies is evidence of his constant protection. He separates his people from wickedness and evil.
REFLECTION
- Share how God manifests his setting you apart from the world as a believer.
