20. Adonai did just so. A massive swarm of flies went into the house of Pharaoh and into his servant’s houses. All the land of Egypt was ruined because of the swarm of flies.
21. So Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron and said, “Go! Sacrifice to your God—in the land.”
22. But Moses said, “That would not be right. For the offerings we intend to sacrifice to Adonai our God are an abomination to the Egyptians. If we sacrifice what is an abomination to the Egyptians, wouldn’t they stone us?
23. We must walk a three-day journey into the wilderness and sacrifice to Adonai our God—just as He tells us.”
24. Pharaoh said, “I will let you go, so that you may sacrifice to Adonai your God in the wilderness. Only you must not go very far away. Pray for me.”
25. So Moses said, “See, I am leaving you, and I will pray to Adonai that the swarm of flies will depart from Pharaoh, his servants and from his people tomorrow. However, let Pharaoh no longer deal deceitfully by not letting the people go sacrifice to Adonai.”
26. Then Moses went out from Pharaoh and prayed to Adonai.
27. Adonai acted according to the word of Moses, and removed the swarm of flies from Pharaoh, from his servants and from his people. Nothing remained.
28. But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and did not let the people go.