The Fourth Plague: Swarms of Flies
(Exodus 8:20–32)

Pharaoh was still saying "No!" to God, even after the second and third plagues. Remember, God was showing everyone, Egyptians and Israelites, that He is the one true God who rules over everything! So, God sent Moses to Pharaoh again with a warning. God told Moses to tell Pharaoh, "Let My people go, so that they may worship Me! If you won't let them go, I will send swarms of flies on you, your officials, your people, and your houses."

Then God added an amazing promise. He said, "I will make a difference between My people and your people. The swarms of flies will not be in the land of Goshen, where My people live." This was the first time God promised to separate the land of His people from the land of the Egyptians.

Just as God warned, if Pharaoh did not obey, the flies would come the very next day. And Pharaoh still had a hard heart, so the next day, a horrible swarm of flies filled Pharaoh's palace and the homes of his officials. The flies covered the whole land of Egypt, and the land was ruined because of them. But just like God promised, there were no flies at all in the area of Goshen where the Israelites lived!

Pharaoh was finally afraid! He called for Moses and Aaron and said, "Go! Go and offer sacrifices to your God, but you must stay here in Egypt!"

Moses knew this wasn't what God wanted. He told Pharaoh, "No, we cannot sacrifice to our God here in Egypt. That would be an abomination to the Egyptians, and they would stone us. We must go three days' journey into the wilderness, just as the LORD told us to do."

Pharaoh gave in a little more. He said, "Okay, I will let you go to sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness, but do not go very far. Now, pray for me!"

Moses agreed to pray and asked God to take the flies away. God heard Moses' prayer, and every single fly left Egypt. The land was clear! But as soon as Pharaoh saw there were no more flies, he was stubborner than ever. He went back on his promise and would not let the people go. His heart was still hard against the one true God.

A Curious Question

The plague of flies was the first time God made a big difference between the land of Egypt and the land of Goshen. Why do you think it was important for God to show Pharaoh and the people that He protects His people in a special way? What does this teach us about how God sees the people who belong to Him?

Jesus Connection

This story shows us how God separates His people for protection. In the Old Testament, God separated the Israelites from Egypt by putting a boundary between the swarm of flies and Goshen. This foreshadows the ultimate separation that Jesus provides. When we trust in Jesus, God separates us from the spiritual plague of sin and the final punishment of judgment that the world faces. Jesus is the One who died on the cross and rose again to create a safe place for us in Him, not just a safe place in one location, but a new, perfect relationship with God. He is our ultimate protector and He is the only way to be set apart from the world and brought close to God.

Discussion Questions

  • When Pharaoh asked Moses to sacrifice to God in Egypt, why did Moses say they had to go three days into the wilderness?
  • How did God show the people of Israel and the Egyptians that He is completely in charge of everything, even the tiny flies?
  • What does it mean to have a "hard heart" like Pharaoh? How can we make sure our hearts are soft and willing to obey God?
  • God drew a clear line between the Israelites and the Egyptians. How does God want us, as His followers, to be set apart from the world today?
  • The flies were completely gone after Moses prayed. What does this tell us about the power of prayer and the importance of praying for people, even our enemies?

“So What” What Can I do?

The people of Israel were protected because they belonged to God. Since you belong to Jesus, how can you show others that you are set apart for Him this week?

  • Am I choosing to spend my time on things that honor God, even if my friends are doing something else?
  • Am I using kind and loving words, even when others around me are using angry or mean words?
  • Will I obey my parents and teachers right away, just as God wanted Pharaoh to obey right away?

Memorize God's Word

"For I will make a distinction between My people and your people." (Exodus 8:23a, ESV)

Hand Motions:

  • "For I will make a distinction" - Hold up your hands side-by-side, then pull them apart slowly to show a separation.
  • "between My people" - Point up to God, then point one thumb toward your chest (to show belonging to Him).
  • "and your people." - Point your other thumb out away from your body.

Praying with Kids

Dear Father, thank You for being the powerful God who is in charge of everything, even the smallest flies. Thank You for sending Jesus to save us and set us apart from sin. Please give us soft hearts that want to obey You right away, not hard hearts like Pharaoh. Help us to show the world that we are Your children by living a life that is separate and holy for You. Amen.

Craft or Activity: "Flies and Freedom" Separation Art

This craft visually represents the division God made between Goshen and Egypt during the plague of flies.

Materials Checklist

Instructions

  1. Take the blue/light green paper (representing Goshen/Israel) and the yellow/beige paper (representing Egypt). Have the children write or draw a picture of a house or a field on each paper.
  2. Fold the yellow/beige paper in half the long way. Cut out small, simple fly shapes from the black cardstock scraps or use the black foam stickers. These are the flies that swarmed Egypt.
  3. Have the children glue the fly shapes all over the yellow/beige paper (Egypt). Make sure to leave the blue/light green paper (Goshen) completely clean and fly-free.
  4. Glue the "Goshen" paper onto the left side of a larger background paper (if available), and the "Egypt with Flies" paper onto the right side, emphasizing the clear division.
  5. Use the black marker to draw a bold, clear dividing line down the middle of the paper where the two pieces meet. This line represents God's promise in Exodus 8:23 to make a distinction.
  6. Write the verse, "For I will make a distinction between My people and your people," near the dividing line.

Effective Teaching Techniques

Prep Shortcut: Pre-cut several small fly shapes from black paper or foam so children can focus on gluing and discussing, rather than just cutting. Have the memory verse written clearly on a large piece of paper or whiteboard before class.

Class Management: During the story, have the class pretend to swat flies when you talk about Egypt and then have them sit very still when you talk about Goshen to emphasize the difference and keep them engaged.

Activity Variation: For older elementary students, instead of gluing flies, have them write three examples of sinful choices (the plague of the world) on the Egypt paper, and three examples of righteous choices (the protected life in Christ) on the Goshen paper.