one particular species of animals is meant, appears evidently from Exodus 8:31 where it is said, there remained not one. The LXX renders it, by κυνομυια, the dog-fly; which Bochart and others approve: and the rather, as this insect was particularly offensive to dogs; animals held in religious veneration among the Egyptians. Oppida tota canem venerantur (all their towns venerate the dog), says Juvenal, Sat. xv. See Pliny's Natural History, lib. ii. c. 34. and Stockius.
There remained not one— This immediate and entire removal of the flies was as extraordinary, and as plainly indicated the hand of God, as the bringing them upon the land. Probably a strong wind swept them into the sea, or into the desarts of Africa.
REFLECTIONS.— 1. Pharaoh is warned of God's resolution to send a grievous swarm of flies. He was probably praying at the river to his false gods, and here is a message to him from Jehovah. Distinction shall be made between God's people and his, more evidently to demonstrate the hand of God in the judgment. Whilst Egypt in general is full of flies, Goshen shall be free. Note; God is able to secure his servants from common desolations here; but if they should now sink with others in affliction, the day is near when he will make an awful and eternal separation between the righteous and the wicked.
2. Pharaoh calls for Moses and Aaron; and, tormented with these noisome insects, he makes some reluctant concessions: they shall worship, but in Egypt.
The proposal is rejected, and the reason given. They insist upon liberty to depart, and he with unwillingness consents they shall go, but not far out of his reach. Note; (1.) Sins which we are driven from by a tormented conscience through fear only, like a favourite cast off in a passion, will soon be taken in again. (2.) In order to serve God acceptably, we must be separate from the ways and company of a wicked world. (3.) No service can please him, but what is according to his will and word.
3. Moses is content to intercede for him, but admonishes him not to deal deceitfully. God is not mocked. Forced repentance usually betrays itself; but though we impose upon men, we cannot upon God: we can only deceive ourselves to our ruin.
4. The plague is removed, and Pharaoh's hypocrisy appears. It is bad trusting to wicked men's words. The ambition and pride of despotic kings make them often break their solemn treaties; but they only thereby court their own destruction.