Exodus 8:23
And I will put a division between my people and thy people: to morrow shall this sign be.
Original Language Analysis
וְשַׂמְתִּ֣י
And I will put
H7760
וְשַׂמְתִּ֣י
And I will put
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
1 of 10
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
בֵּ֥ין
H996
בֵּ֥ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
3 of 10
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
עַמֶּ֑ךָ
and thy people
H5971
עַמֶּ֑ךָ
and thy people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 10
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וּבֵ֣ין
H996
וּבֵ֣ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
5 of 10
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
עַמֶּ֑ךָ
and thy people
H5971
עַמֶּ֑ךָ
and thy people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
6 of 10
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לְמָחָ֥ר
to morrow
H4279
לְמָחָ֥ר
to morrow
Strong's:
H4279
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter
יִֽהְיֶ֖ה
H1961
יִֽהְיֶ֖ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
8 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Historical Context
Khepri, the scarab-headed god, symbolized the rising sun and transformation. The distinction between Egypt and Goshen shows this is not natural disaster but divine judgment. God's protection of His people proves His sovereignty.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's protection of His people encourage you in judgment?
- What does the Egypt-Goshen distinction teach about being 'in the world but not of it'?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Verse 23 describes the plague of flies (עָרֹב, arov—swarms), with crucial distinction: Goshen is protected. God says 'I will sever... the land of Goshen' (v.22), demonstrating selective judgment. This plague may target Khepri, scarab beetle god representing resurrection and transformation.