Then is the usual conjunction waw in the Hebrew, but here it functions as an important transition marker introducing the third plague account. The text does not indicate how much time elapsed between the second and third plagues. The LORD said to Moses, “Say to Aaron…”: this is a common narrative device that introduces a quote with a quote, with Yahweh (the LORD) speaking to Moses, who in turn is to speak to Aaron. As usual, Today’s English Version changes the second quote to indirect discourse: “Tell Aaron to strike the ground.” Say to Aaron may also be expressed as “Command Aaron to strike….”

Stretch out your rod and strike the dust are two commands indicating only one action. Aaron is simply to “strike the ground with his stick” (Today’s English Version). One should avoid the possible suggestion that he is to hold out his rod in one hand and hit the ground with the other. Your rod must be understood as Aaron’s rod. (See the comments on rod at 4.2 and at 7.9.) The dust of the earth probably refers to the loose soil on the ground as well as the dry, fine particles of dirt.

That it may become gnats means that “the dust will change into gnats” (Today’s English Version). This is to be another miracle of transformation (as in 7.10 and 20). The word that interprets the conjunction waw, for it is clear that the transformation will not occur until the instructions are carried out. Throughout all the land of Egypt indicates the extent of this plague; there will be gnats in all parts of the country where there is dust.

The word translated as gnats is found only here and in Psa 105.31, which refers to this same plague. (Isa 51.6 may use a different form of this word.) Its precise meaning therefore is uncertain. It probably refers to a tiny flying insect that can sting.

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .