Exodus 8:15

15 But when Pharaoh saw that he had some breathing room, he got stubborn again and wouldn't listen to Moses and Aaron. Just as God had said. Strike Three: Gnats

Exodus 8:15 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 8:15

But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite
From his affliction, as the Targum of Jonathan adds; the plague was removed, and he found himself and his people at ease: or there was a "breathing" {c}; before he and his people were so oppressed, that they could scarce breathe, but now being delivered from the judgment on them with which they were straitened, were enlarged and at liberty, and in easy circumstances: he hardened his heart; (See Gill on Exodus 7:14).

and hearkened not unto them;
to Moses and Aaron, to let the children of Israel go, as they had required, and he had promised:

as the Lord had said;
had foretold that he would not hearken to them, nor let Israel go as yet.


FOOTNOTES:

F3 (hxwrh) "respiratio", Pagninus, Montanus, Tigurine version, Junius and Tremellius, Piscator, Drusius.

Exodus 8:15 In-Context

13 God responded to Moses' prayer: The frogs died off - houses, courtyards, fields, all free of frogs.
14 They piled the frogs in heaps. The country reeked of dead frogs.
15 But when Pharaoh saw that he had some breathing room, he got stubborn again and wouldn't listen to Moses and Aaron. Just as God had said. Strike Three: Gnats
16 God said to Moses, "Tell Aaron, 'Take your staff and strike the dust. The dust will turn into gnats all over Egypt.'"
17 He did it. Aaron grabbed his staff and struck the dust of the Earth; it turned into gnats, gnats all over people and animals. All the dust of the Earth turned into gnats, gnats everywhere in Egypt.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.