The Third Plague: God Sends Gnats
(Exodus 8:16–19)

After the plague of frogs ended, Pharaoh hardened his heart again. He refused to let the Israelites go worship the Lord. So the Lord spoke to Moses and told him to give a new instruction to his brother Aaron. God said, "Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the earth." God promised that when he did this, the dust would turn into gnats throughout the whole land of Egypt.

Aaron did exactly as the Lord commanded. He stretched out his hand with his staff and struck the dust on the ground. Suddenly, something amazing happened. The dry, dead dust transformed into swarms of tiny gnats! These biting insects came upon every person and every animal. All the dust throughout the land of Egypt became gnats.

Pharaoh's magicians were watching. In the past, they had used their secret tricks to copy God's signs, like turning water to blood or making frogs appear. They tried to use their secret arts to bring gnats out of the earth, but this time, they failed. They could not do it.

This moment shows us a wonderful truth about God's world. While magicians can do tricks that look like magic, only God can create life. Even a tiny gnat is incredibly complex, with wings, eyes, and a body that works perfectly. Science tells us that life cannot come from non-living dust on its own; it must come from life. By turning dust into living creatures, God showed that He is the Creator of everything. He designed every tiny detail of nature, and no human trick can copy His power of creation.

When the magicians realized they were powerless, they went to Pharaoh. They admitted the truth, saying, "This is the finger of God." They knew this was not magic, but the power of the one true God. But even though his own magicians warned him, Pharaoh remained stubborn. His heart was hard, and he would not listen to Moses and Aaron.

A Curious Question

Why do you think the magicians could not turn dust into gnats? What does this teach us about the difference between a magic trick and God's real power?

Jesus Connection

The magicians admitted that this miracle was "the finger of God." This powerful phrase appears again in the New Testament. In Luke 11:20, Jesus says, "But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you."

Just as the "finger of God" proved He was more powerful than the Egyptian magicians, Jesus showed He has the ultimate power over evil. When Jesus healed people and cast out darkness, He proved that God's Kingdom had arrived. Jesus came to use His great power to save us from sin and bring us close to God.

Discussion Questions

  • What did Aaron have to hit with his staff to make the gnats appear?
  • What did the magicians say when they realized they couldn't copy this miracle?
  • Why do you think Pharaoh refused to listen even when his magicians told him it was God?
  • Why is it impossible for people to create life from dust, but easy for God?
  • How does knowing God created even the tiniest bugs help us trust Him more?

“So What” What Can I do?

  • Admit the truth: The magicians eventually admitted they were wrong and God was powerful. If you have been arguing with God or your parents, choose to admit the truth and listen today.
  • Look for God's design: When you go outside, look for small things like bugs or leaves. Remember that God's "finger" designed them, and thank Him for being such a great Creator.
  • Trust God's power: If God can make life from dust with just His finger, He can handle any problem you have. Pray and ask Him to help you this week.

Memorize God's Word

Exodus 8:19 - "The magicians said to Pharaoh, 'This is the finger of God.'"

Hand Motions:

  • The magicians: Wiggle fingers in the air like casting a spell.
  • Said to Pharaoh: Cup hands around mouth like shouting.
  • This is: Stomp foot firmly on the ground.
  • The finger of God: Point one index finger high up toward the sky.

Praying with Kids

Dear Father, You are the amazing Creator who gives life to everything. We praise You because You are more powerful than any trick or magic. Please help us to have soft hearts that listen to Your Word. Thank You for sending Jesus to save us and show us Your power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Craft: "Finger of God" Sand Art

Children will create a textured scene showing gnats rising from the dust to emphasize that God created life from the ground.

Materials Checklist

Instructions

  1. Hand out the cardstock and have children color a blue sky at the top and a brown ground at the bottom.
  2. Squeeze a thin layer of liquid glue over the "ground" area at the bottom of the paper.
  3. Sprinkle the sand or dirt over the glue to represent the dust of the earth. Shake off the extra sand into a trash can.
  4. Using the black markers, draw hundreds of tiny dots or small winged bugs rising up from the sand into the sky.
  5. Write the memory verse, "This is the finger of God," at the top of the page.
  6. Talk about how God used the dust to show His power to Pharaoh.

Effective Teaching Techniques

Sensory Focus: Since this plague involves touch (biting gnats), ask the kids to imagine how itchy it would be. This helps them understand why the plague was so terrible.

Object Lesson: Bring a small container of dust or flour. Ask a student to command it to turn into a bug. When nothing happens, explain that only God has the power to give life.

Classroom Management: If kids get wiggly (like they have gnats!), use it. Let them wiggle for 10 seconds, then say "Freeze!" to regain focus for the next part of the story.