Boils on animals and people: 6th sign. Exodus 9:8-12. Sometimes, less is more when dealing with those who deny God's existence and mock the faith of believers. Hardened hearts are often beyond the reach of logic and reason, much less faith. To avoid despairing that these people will ever repent or be willing to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, we must remember they are likely watching us—those of us who believe in Him and know Him as our personal Savior. Opinions about doctrinal truths are often shaped by observing how people live out those truths. If someone claims to believe but doesn't live consistently with their profession, it can be seen as not genuine. A life lived in accordance with faith strongly influences how others perceive the truth and authenticity of that faith.
Pharaoh had sent people to Goshen, where the Israelites lived, and as reported, not one of their animals had died from the pestilence. It was likely from those who were slaves that the Egyptians took animals to replace those they had lost. The Lord didn’t send Moses to Pharaoh with another appeal or message regarding the sixth sign. This was a message without words.
The next time Moses stood before Pharaoh early in the morning, he didn't speak to him but threw dust into the air in front of Pharaoh so he could see the plague of boils unfold right before his eyes. In front of Pharaoh at the furnace where bricks were hardened, Moses and Aaron anticipated what would happen next, and the “boils of Egypt” [Deu.28:27] affected all the animals and people of Egypt, including the magicians. The magicians no longer tried to copy the plagues. These boils severely affected people's legs and knees [Deu.28:35], making it impossible to walk without pain. They recognized it as the work of God.
The truth will always prevail over deception. Righteousness will be the victor over evil. The boils and their painful effects were on the bodies of both man and beast in Egypt! Pharaoh had seen clear evidence of God's power, creating life from dust. He watched nature being unleashed to bring judgment on him and his nation, yet he did not repent. When God used the key of death to kill the cattle, he still refused to respond to God's call to free His people. The physical suffering of his people and even himself touched him personally, but his resistance to God persisted. It was a battle of the will. "He that being often reproved and hardeneth his neck shall suddenly be destroyed and that without remedy."
Life for many people is difficult, not only physically but also emotionally and spiritually. Yet, many resist the word of God and His claims on their lives. During times like this, it is often best for a child of God to live a quiet and peaceful life, with all godliness and honesty. I have heard one person tell another, “What you do speaks so loud that I can’t hear a word you say.”
The pain from the boils was so intense that the magicians could not stand before Moses. They could not reproduce the sign or shield themselves or others from the suffering caused by the boils on all the Egyptians. Despite all the pain and suffering, Pharaoh refused to listen to God's warning and continued to harden his heart.
God will execute His will, and no power can prevent it. No self-willed person can stop the wheels of divine justice and judgment once the moment for repentance is deliberately ignored. A principle that influences every aspect of life serves as both a warning and an encouragement. "Whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap."
We may not always understand how God chooses to deal with people or what the ultimate outcome of His sovereign plans is, but by faith, we do what is our responsibility according to His word and leave the results to God. Waiting is not easy when we already know what God’s will is. If we are willing to wait patiently on the Lord’s timing instead of becoming impatient, we will soon realize that we are also learning lessons for ourselves through events happening to others.
When David wrote Psalm 31, he felt as if he was caught in a net and surrounded by enemies. There was slander against him, and fear was everywhere he looked. Despite all that was happening, he trusted in the word of the Lord and said, “My times are in Thy hand.” He knew God could deliver him and would. His courage, heart's strength, and hope were in the Lord. Pharaoh’s heart was still hardened, while Moses’ heart was made strong and courageous.