18 And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not: so there were lice upon man, and upon beast.
18 But when the magicians tried to produce gnats by their secret arts, they could not. Since the gnats were on people and animals everywhere,
18 The magicians tried by their secret arts to produce gnats, but they could not. So there were gnats on man and beast.
18 The magicians tried to produce gnats with their incantations but this time they couldn't do it. There were gnats everywhere, all over people and animals.
18 Now the magicians so worked with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not. So there were lice on man and beast.
18 Pharaoh's magicians tried to do the same thing with their secret arts, but this time they failed. And the gnats covered everyone, people and animals alike.
3 But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him.
3 Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.
3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.
3 Look at this: look Who got picked by God! He listens the split second I call to him.
3 But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly; The Lord will hear when I call to Him.
3 You can be sure of this: The Lord set apart the godly for himself. The Lord will answer when I call to him.
(Read Psalm 4:1-5)
Hear me for thy mercy-sake, is our best plea. He who will not ask such blessings as pardon, and justifying righteousness, and eternal life, must perish for the want of them. Alas! that so many should make so fearful a choice. The psalmist warns against sin. Keep up holy reverence of the glory and majesty of God. You have a great deal to say to your hearts, they may be spoken with, let it not be unsaid. Examine them by serious self-reflection; let your thoughts fasten upon that which is good, and keep close to it. Consider your ways, and before you turn to sleep at night, examine your consciences with respect to what you have done in the day; particularly what you have done amiss, that you may repent of it. when you awake in the night, meditate upon God, and the things that belong to your peace. Upon a sick-bed, particularly, we should consider our ways. Be still. when you have asked conscience a question, be serious, be silent, wait for an answer. Open not the mouth to excuse sin. All confidence must be pan answer. Open not the mouth to excuse sin. All confidence only: therefore, after commanding the sacrifices of righteousness, the psalmist says, Put your trust in the Lord.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 8:18
Commentary on Exodus 8:16-19
(Read Exodus 8:16-19)
These lice were produced out of the dust of the earth; out of any part of the creation God can fetch a scourge, with which to correct those who rebel against him. Even the dust of the earth obeys him. These lice were very troublesome, as well as disgraceful to the Egyptians, whose priests were obliged to take much pains that no vermin ever should be found about them. All the plagues inflicted on the Egyptians, had reference to their national crimes, or were rendered particularly severe by their customs. The magicians attempted to imitate it, but they could not. It forced them to confess, This is the finger of God! The check and restraint put upon us, must needs be from a Divine power. Sooner or later God will force even his enemies to acknowledge his own power. Pharaoh, notwithstanding this, was more and more obstinate.