To recap the first five plagues The Lord sent:
1.) The water from the Nile River and the surrounding bodies of water was turned into blood.
2.) Frogs were brought up from the river into the homes, beds, water pitchers, and bread troughs of the people.
3.) The dust was turned into biting lice. This was the first plague the magicians could not duplicate.
4.) Huge swarms of flies were sent to torment the people. With this plague, The Lord drew a line of distinction between the land of Goshen where the Hebrews lived and the rest of Egypt.
5.) A grievous murrain killed many of the Egyptians' cattle, horses, sheep, donkeys, and camels.
One would think that these 5 plagues would have been enough to humble Pharaoh. It wasn't though.
With this plague, like #3, Pharaoh had no forewarning. Moses reached into the furnace while Pharaoh looked on and grabbed a handful of ashes. When he took the ashes and threw them heavenward, I imagine that Pharaoh and all those looking on wondered what was going to happen. They didn't have to wonder long though because as soon as they ashes landed on man and beast, a "boil" was formed on the skin. Something like a bruise, the boil created painful cramps under the skin. If the boil was on the leg area, it was almost impossible to walk. In fact, the magicians could not even stand in the presence of Moses and Aaron because the pain was so bad. Did this painful plague change Pharaoh's mind? Not in the least. With this plague though, the Scriptures say that God "....hardened the heart of Pharaoh." After refusing to recognize God's power for so long, I believe that Pharaoh crossed a line.
We would all do well to remember that God's grace and mercy only extends so far.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverb 3
Revelation 9
Wow that must have been a terrible thing to have to deal with.
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