Psalm 105:31

Psalm 105:31, in plain English

The fourth plague: insects—specifically gnats or lice—swarmed across the entire country. They came not by gradual increase but by God's direct word.

Why it's here

These insects were invasive and filthy. They got into food, on skin, everywhere. For a civilization obsessed with cleanliness and ritual purity, this was deeply offensive. The magicians of Egypt couldn't replicate this one—they had to admit that this was the finger of God.

Who's speaking

The psalmist, describing the plague of insects

Where it sits in the story

At this point in the actual exodus account, even Pharaoh's own magicians recognize they're dealing with something beyond their power. But Pharaoh still refuses to let Israel go. His pride is winning out over evidence and reason.

The scholarly reading

God commanded insects—likely gnats or lice—to swarm throughout Egypt, a plague of minuscule but overwhelming biological invasion.

Language and setting

Exodus 8:16-19 records the third plague, where Moses struck the dust and it became lice, covering both people and animals. The Hebrew term *kinnāh* (lice) or possibly *'ārōb* (flies, depending on translation) involves creatures too small to defend against but overwhelming in aggregate—a humbling inversion of power.

Voice

The psalmist, maintaining the rhythmic recitation of escalating plagues, each more intrusive than the last.

Significance

The progression from water (essential to life) to frogs (invasive but removable) to insects (pervasive and unavoidable) shows increasing penetration of the everyday world. This pattern of escalation became influential in how medieval theologians understood God's pedagogical method—judgment intensifies when lesser warnings go unheeded.

29He turned their waters to blood and caused their fish to die.

30Their land teemed with frogs, even in their royal chambers.

31He spoke, and insects swarmed— gnats throughout their country.

32He gave them hail for rain, with lightning throughout their land.

33He struck their vines and fig trees and shattered the trees of their country.

Read all of Psalm 105 — From Abraham to the exodus, God's faithfulness is retold as a song. He remembered His holy promise and brought His people out with joy.