And the LORD said unto Moses and unto Aaron, Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh.
And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 'Take handfuls of ashes from a furnace, and let Moses throw them up into the air where Pharaoh can see him do it.'
God is instructing Moses to perform a dramatic symbolic act in front of Pharaoh by throwing furnace ashes into the air as part of the plagues on Egypt.
📚 Historical Context
This verse introduces the sixth plague upon Egypt - painful boils that would break out on people and animals. The ashes likely came from brick-making furnaces where Hebrew slaves had been forced to work under harsh conditions. Moses performing this act 'in the sight of Pharaoh' emphasizes that these plagues were direct confrontations with Egypt's ruler who refused to let the Israelites go.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.