Exodus 9:9 - Divine dust afflicts Egypt.

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 9:9) describes the sixth plague inflicted upon Mitzrayim (Egypt) during the Exodus—the plague of שחין (shechin), or boils. The Torah states that the plague would manifest as dust turning into painful blisters affecting both humans and animals throughout Egypt.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Shemot 9:9) explains that the dust mentioned here was taken from the furnace, as referenced earlier in the verse (Shemot 9:8), where Moshe and Aharon threw soot into the air. This dust became the source of the painful boils. Rashi emphasizes that this plague was particularly humiliating for the Egyptians because their magicians, who had previously replicated earlier plagues, were themselves afflicted and unable to stand before Moshe due to their suffering (Shemot 9:11).

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Ta'anit 1:3) discusses how plagues serve as divine warnings to inspire repentance. The plague of boils, being a direct affliction on the body, was a clear sign of Hashem's power over health and sickness, demonstrating that even the physical well-being of the Egyptians was under divine control.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 11:5) elaborates that the dust used for this plague was taken from the same furnace where the Egyptians had forced the Jews to work, symbolizing מידה כנגד מידה (measure for measure). Just as the Egyptians oppressed Bnei Yisrael with harsh labor involving dust and bricks, they were punished with dust that caused suffering.

Symbolism of the Plague

• Dust as a Symbol: Dust represents humility (as in "for you are dust" - Bereishit 3:19), but here it becomes an instrument of punishment, showing that even the lowliest element can be elevated for divine justice.
• Affliction on Humans and Beasts: Unlike earlier plagues that targeted either people or animals, this plague struck both, demonstrating that no living being in Egypt was spared from divine retribution.
• Blisters (אבעבועות): The painful, erupting sores symbolize the internal corruption of Mitzrayim, as physical afflictions often mirror moral decay in Tanach.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 67b) discusses the nature of the boils in the context of the laws regarding מכשפות (witchcraft), noting that the Egyptian magicians could not replicate this plague, proving it was a purely divine act beyond human manipulation.