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Bible Study Online ArticleLocated at the Bottom of Page In the last article we discovered that God had unleashed His fifth plague against Pharaoh and the Egyptian kingdom. This "plague" dealt with God releasing a swarm of flies upon the land where the Egyptians dwelled:
"And the Lord said to Moses, 'Rise early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh as he comes out to the water. Then say to him, 'Thus says the Lord: "Let My people go, that they may serve Me. Or else, if you will not let My people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies on you and your servants, on your people and into your houses. "The houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground on which they stand.'"'" -- Exodus 8:20,21 Also in the previous article we'd touched on some things when it came to which Egyptian deity that God was directing this "plague of flies" towards. Now remember that we'd learned that although "Kheper the Beetle god" is the main deity that is found within the consensus of opinion when it comes to this "recorded account." I'd also pointed out that they're two more deities that are, at times, mentioned amongst others when it comes to this "plague" as well. And those two deities that are mentioned are known as "Baalzebub (Beelzebub) the lord of the Flies" the pagan god that the Philistines had served. And the second deity would be "Uachit the Fly god." Now keep in mind that when it comes to "Uachit" - very little is known about this deity, and it's not totally clear if the Egyptians had served a pagan god with a name of such. But know that if they did serve this deity it would probably be the logical choice when it comes to this particular "plague." Now I was surprised to see Bible scholars assigning "Baalzebub (Beelzebub) the lord of the Flies" to this "recorded account." And the reason why I was surprised, deals with the fact the "Baalzebub" was a god that the Philistines' had served - not the Egyptians. And honestly, it's really hard for me personally, to see the prideful Egyptians serving a "pagan god" that belonged to a different nation. Not to say that it's not possible - but I'm going on the record by stating - that I highly doubt it. So I basically took the long way around to point out that even though I don't completely agree with this choice, I'm going to pick and stick with "Kheper the Beetle god" for the time being. However, it's time for us to move forward...
Now in the last article we started to take a look at the instructions that God had given to Moses when it came to the new judgment plague that He was about to unleash against Pharaoh and the Egyptians. In the previous article we were able to take a look at the first part of what God had told Moses, and now were going to briefly explore the second part: "And in that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, in which My people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there, in order that you may know that I am the Lord in the midst of the land. I will make a difference between My people and your people. Tomorrow this sign shall be." -- Exodus 8:22,23 Now I want you to know that I find the second half of what the Lord had to tell Moses very interesting, for we now find God once again taking things up another notch, when compared to the "judgment plagues" that He'd already brought against the Egyptian kingdom. Now the thing that I want you to notice, is how the Lord talks about limiting the plague to affect just the land that the Egyptians occupied and not the area where the Israelites dwelled at: "And in that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, in which My people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there." Like I stated earlier, this part of God's statement is very intriguing, since one would have already assumed that the Israelites were already being exempted from the judgment process that was taking place against the Egyptians. After all, this is the main approach that most Bible teachers tend to take when this "recorded event" is being taught. For one would just assume that God was already keeping the Israelites separate from the "judgment plagues." But if He were already keeping the Israelites separated up to this point from within the "judgment process," why mention this detail about them being "set apart" now - if it were already happening? I mean after all, the Lord had already enacted five moves from within the "judgment process." So again - why mention it now? First off, know that God is mentioning this "separation" at this time, in order to reveal, to the Israelites that there's something deeper, something more meaningful to what He was doing. God wanted them to see that this "judgment process" was more than keeping His promise to Abraham. It was more than the Egyptians reaping what they had sown against Israel. He wanted the Israelites to know that the situation with the Egyptians had now turned personal. And of course it's easy for us to see how personal God is when it comes to those who are in His covenant, when it comes to those who have chosen to follow in His ways. For we must remember that God will always keep His promises, and it doesn't matter if those promises are old or new - know that God's Word will never expire. And it helps tremendously that we have access to this Sacred Record - for it affords us the ability to see how God moved, and how He kept His promises through a 1600 year process. The Word of God also shows us a "record" of recorded prophecies that were foretold, and how those same prophecies were eventually fulfilled. Also keep in mind that the Israelites didn't have access to a Testament of such at this point in time. But know that they were still fortunate, for we now find God beginning to show them some things as He continues to deal with the Egyptians on their behalf. So this thing with the Egyptians is now personal and God will show Israel that as long as they remain obedient and in His covenant, He will always provide and protect them. And the same is true for us today, for we must know that God is the same, yesterday, today and forevermore. And since He did it for those who were in the Abrahamic Covenant, He will definitely do the same for us today, who are in His "New Covenant" that was made possible through the sacrifice and acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ. But the "slaves of the world" simply don't understand this side of God - for they see a God that's: jealous, angry and vengeful. Know that it's hard for them to see the Lord for what He truly is, which is a loving, caring and protective God. And the reason why the "slaves of this world" view Him as such, is because they have given themselves over (sold their souls) to serving the world, instead of the "God" that has poured so much value and love into them as gifted individuals. And since the Word of God warns and teaches us to be set apart from the world they have chosen to serve - the "worldly slave" becomes offended by those who speak out against the things, and people that they're serving. So therefore, they now consider themselves the opposition against those who speak out against them, and if this, so happens to include the Almighty God as well - then so be it. But understand it's no different from a person who has given their mind over (selling their soul) to making a living by breaking the law. For a person of such, would soon develop a disdain and arrogant attitude against those who have vowed to stop them (law enforcement), and because of this, they now consider anyone who stand against them, as the enemy. Oh well, enough of my ranting - its time to move forward, and we will definitely move ahead in the next article. For we will discover that God will finally unleash this "plague of flies" upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians. So how will Pharaoh respond to this particular "plague?" Will he ask Moses to pray for him again? Will he finally give in to Moses' demands? Will Pharaoh remain stubborn, prideful and steadfast in his pagan beliefs?
Moses & the Swarm of Flies Plague **YOUR CURRENT BIBLE STUDY ONLINE SERIES WOULD BE HERE**
172) <-CURRENT BIBLE STUDY ONLINE PAGE-> 173) How Far Are You Willing to Go 175) Although Exempted - The Israelites Still Had to Endure 176) Go & Serve Your God - Wait A Minute... 177) The God of Israel vs The Egyptian Bull Cults 179) The Plague of Boils 181) God tells Pharaoh - You Owe Me Everything! 183) God vs Nut the Sky goddess 184) Moses Tell Your God - I've Sinned 185) The Lord Giveth and Taketh 186) God Tells Moses - Keep A Record 188) Pharaoh's Moment of Intervention 
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