MPV Commentary

16. The dust of the land was struck by God's judgment through Aaron's rod, which Moses had been instructed to raise once again. As a result, the land became infested with gnats and mosquitoes - the literal meaning of the Hebrew term used here. These tiny insects are a constant nuisance in Eastern countries, making life miserable for those who live there. The severity of this plague can be imagined when it's considered that no precautions could prevent their painful stings. The small size and insignificance of these insects made them all the more formidable as a scourge. The magicians, unable to replicate this affliction, were forced to acknowledge its divine origin: "This is the finger of God" - literally, "the hand of God," indicating that they recognized it as an act of supernatural power.