Exodus 9:8
And the LORD said unto Moses and unto Aaron, Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָה֮
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֮
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
פִּ֖יחַ
of ashes
H6368
פִּ֖יחַ
of ashes
Strong's:
H6368
Word #:
11 of 17
a powder (as easily puffed away), i.e., ashes or dust
הַשָּׁמַ֖יְמָה
it toward the heaven
H8064
הַשָּׁמַ֖יְמָה
it toward the heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
15 of 17
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
Historical Context
Sekhmet was lioness goddess who both caused and healed disease. Imhotep, deified architect, became god of healing. Their inability to prevent or cure boils demonstrates YHWH's supremacy over health and disease.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the magicians' personal affliction teach about false religion's impotence?
- How does physical suffering sometimes reveal spiritual realities?
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Analysis & Commentary
Verse 8 introduces the plague of boils (שְׁחִין, shechin—inflamed sores), targeting Sekhmet (goddess of healing) and Imhotep (god of medicine). The magicians themselves are afflicted and cannot stand before Moses. This plague physically marks Egypt's defeat.