Definition: And they did so; for Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod, and smote the dust of the earth, and it became lice in man, and in beast; all the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Exodus 8:17. It’s a really strange and dramatic passage about something happening with the Israelites during the time Moses led them out of Egypt. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is saying that the dust from the earth became infested with lice – meaning they were covered in insects. Here's a breakdown of what's happening and why it's significant: “And they did so…” : This refers to the Pharaoh of Egypt, who was initially hesitant to let the Israelites go. “…for Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod…” : Aaron is one of Moses’s brothers, and he’s using a staff (a “rod”) to point at the ground. It's a gesture of power and command. "...and smote the dust of the earth, and it became lice in man, and in beast..." : This is the key part. Aaron was directly targeting the dust – the soil – with his rod. He was using this to make it look like a massive infestation of lice. It’s a powerful image! The “dust” represents the dirt and barrenness of the land. "...all the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt." : This is the consequence. Because Aaron was focusing his power on the dust, it spread rapidly across Egypt. The entire country – from the Nile River to the deserts – became covered in lice! Why is this a big deal? This story is often interpreted as a symbolic representation of God’s judgment and punishment. It shows that even seemingly insignificant things (like dust) can become overwhelming and dangerous when directed with power or anger. It's a reminder that God’s attention and his will are absolute, and he isn’t easily deterred by anything. Important Note: This story is debated among theologians. Some believe it’s a literal account of Aaron’s actions, while others see it as a symbolic representation of a larger, more profound judgment. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, I could go into: The symbolism behind the image of the dust becoming infested. How this story relates to the Exodus narrative and the Israelites’ escape from Egypt.