<P> The word' arob has caused a difference of opinion among traditional interpreters . The root meaning is (ע. ר. ב), meaning a mixture - implying a diversity, array, or assortment of harmful animals . While Jewish interpreters understand the plague as "wild animals" (most likely scorpions, venomous snakes, and other venomous arthropods and reptiles), Gesenius along with many Christian interpreters understand the plague as a swarm of flies . </P> <P> This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me . If you refuse to let them go and continue to hold them back, the hand of the LORD will bring a terrible plague on your livestock in the field--on your horses and donkeys and camels and on your cattle and sheep and goats . </P> <P> Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Take handfuls of soot from a furnace and have Moses toss it into the air in the presence of Pharaoh . It will become fine dust over the whole land of Egypt, and festering boils will break out on men and animals throughout the land ." </P> <P> This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me, or this time I will send the full force of my plagues against you and against your officials and your people, so you may know that there is no one like me in all the earth . For by now I could have stretched out my hand and struck you and your people with a plague that would have wiped you off the earth . But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth . You still set yourself against my people and will not let them go . Therefore, at this time tomorrow I will send the worst hailstorm that has ever fallen on Egypt, from the day it was founded till now . Give an order now to bring your livestock and everything you have in the field to a place of shelter, because the hail will fall on every man and animal that has not been brought in and is still out in the field, and they will die . (...) The LORD sent thunder and hail, and lightning flashed down to the ground . So the LORD rained hail on the land of Egypt; hail fell and lightning flashed back and forth . It was the worst storm in all the land of Egypt since it had become a nation . </P>

When did the ten plagues of egypt occur