Day 5 – Lice from the Earth’s dust

God vs Geb

Pharaoh’s prideful heart is slowly turning on him and he does not want to listen to Moses and Aaron.

Exodus 8:17 “Aaron stretched out his hand with his staff and struck the dust of the earth, and there were gnats on man and beast. All the dust of the earth became gnats in all land of Egypt.”

Aaron caused the release of the third plague (Lice) by striking the dust of the earth. This dust, which was mentioned during creation, caused gnats (Lice) to appear on both humans and animals. Nobody was exempt from this plague, and it caused discomfort for all. God is now increasing the pressure on Pharaoh and his magicians by altering the battle plan. Despite their best efforts to produce gnats using secret arts, the magicians failed. They admitted defeat by telling Pharaoh “This is the finger of God,” but Pharaoh refused to accept defeat and continued to refuse to release the Israelites. The stage is now set, and the Egyptians noticed cracks in their belief system and acknowledged the power of the God of Israel.

Geb, the son of Shu and Tefnut and grandson of Ra, is the Egyptian deity of the earth. The ancient Egyptians associated the earth with Geb, calling it “The House of Geb” and referring to the Pharaoh’s throne as “The throne of Geb.” His role is to take care of the earth and ensure its well-being for the people. The gnats that emerged from the dust of the earth were a source of discomfort for both the Egyptians and Israelites, challenging the power of Geb and highlighting the superiority of God.

God 3 and the Egyptian gods 0.

Prayer: Luke 10:19 “Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and overall power that the enemy possesses, and nothing shall in any way harm you”. Thank You, Lord, for your protection over my life. Amen.

Written by Mari Swanepoel

www.womenoftheword.co.za