This plague attacked another cornerstone of Egyptian belief: their priesthood and purity rituals. The Egyptian priests prided themselves on cleanliness, often shaving their bodies and avoiding impurity. But now, they were unclean and unable to worship. Their gods could not protect them; their rituals could not save them.

Even Pharaoh’s magicians had to admit defeat. They turned to Pharaoh and confessed, “This is the finger of God.” They had mimicked the first two plagues. They could not mimic this. Their powers, whether sleight-of-hand or demonic, had reached their limit. But Pharaoh’s heart remained unmoved.

Then came the fourth plague: swarms of flies. This time, God made a distinction. The flies infested all of Egypt—except for the land of Goshen, where the Israelites lived. It was the first clear sign that God was not just demonstrating power but also drawing a line between His people and those who opposed Him.

This divine separation emphasized a crucial truth: God knows those who are His. He protects and preserves, even in the midst of widespread judgment. Psalm 91 echoes this promise, saying, “Though a thousand fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, it will not come near you.”