Exodus 8

Second Plague – Frogs (vv. 1–15):
God tells Moses to command Pharaoh to release His people. When Pharaoh refuses, Aaron stretches out his staff and frogs come up from the Nile and cover the land. Pharaoh’s magicians replicate the plague, but Pharaoh begs Moses to pray for relief. Moses does, and the frogs die—but Pharaoh hardens his heart once again.

Third Plague – Gnats (vv. 16–19):
Without warning, God instructs Moses to have Aaron strike the dust of the ground, turning it into gnats (or lice). This time, the magicians cannot replicate it and admit, “This is the finger of God.” Still, Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened.

Fourth Plague – Flies (vv. 20–32):
God sends swarms of flies, but this time He makes a distinction—Goshen, where the Israelites live, is spared. Pharaoh again pleads for relief and offers a compromise: the Israelites can sacrifice, but only within Egypt. Moses insists on full obedience. Pharaoh promises to let them go, but once the flies are gone, he hardens his heart again.

Key Takeaways:
God Escalates His Warnings with Purpose: Each plague builds in intensity, showing God’s power and calling Pharaoh to repentance.

God Makes Distinctions: Starting with the flies, God spares His people from the plagues—demonstrating His protection and favor toward Israel.

Partial Obedience is Disobedience: Pharaoh tries to negotiate with God’s command, but God doesn’t compromise.

God’s Power is Unmistakable: Even Egypt’s magicians begin to recognize God's hand, yet Pharaoh still resists.