Lent · The Third Sunday in Lent (Oculi)
Exodus 8:16-24
The Plague of Gnats
March 8, 2026
Overview & Insights
“Then you shall know that I am the Lord.” (Exodus 8:22)
The third plague was gnats, that came from the dust. “Gnats” is the traditional interpretation, but the word can mean “mosquitoes.” The word kinnam (translated “gnats”) is used only in reference to this plague. Other suggestions are “ticks” and “lice” or, generally, “vermin.” Both gnats and mosquitoes were indigenous to Egypt, but the latter were much more personally invasive. This third plague, like the sixth (boils), is in a short form concluding its cycle of three. Although the account is short, the rhetorical effect is striking. The word “gnats” occurs five times in three verses. The Lord told Moses to tell Aaron, “Stretch out your staff” for the third and final time. The chords of the theme of creation are struck again, for when Aaron stretched out his hand with the staff and struck the dust of the ground, gnats came upon men and animals.
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Commentary
Enduring Word Commentary, Exodus 8 Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik walks the plagues of gnats and flies and the magicians' confession that this is the finger of God.
Exodus 8:16 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators on the third and fourth plagues and the distinction God draws over Goshen.
Exodus 8 Commentary | Precept Austin Precept Austin
Verse notes, cross references, and study helps on the escalating signs against Pharaoh.
Background & Word Study
Exodus | Enter the Bible Enter the Bible
Overview of Exodus and the plague cycle as God's contest with Pharaoh's gods.
Exodus 8 with Commentaries (Sefaria) Sefaria
Hebrew and English side by side with Rashi and Jewish commentators on the plagues.
Exodus 8:16 Interlinear BibleHub
Hebrew text with Strong's numbers and parsing for the plague of gnats.
Overview: Exodus 1-18 BibleProject
Animated overview of the exodus story through the plagues and deliverance from Egypt.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What are the plagues of Egypt about?
Through the plagues God presses Pharaoh to let his people go, distinguishing Israel from Egypt so that all may know the Lord is God.
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