Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Exodus 9:8
This marks a distinct advance and change in the character of the visitations. Hitherto, the Egyptians had not been attacked directly in their persons. It is the second plague which was not preceded by a demand and warning, probably on account of the special hardness shown by Pharaoh in reference to the murrain.Ashes of the furnace - The act was evidently symbolic: the ashes were to be sprinkled toward heaven, challenging, so to speak, the Egyptian deities. There may possibly be a reference to... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 9:8-13
The plague of boils and blains. This plague, like the third, was unannounced. God varies his methods. There was need for some token being given of God's severe displeasure at Pharaoh's gross abuse of his goodness and forbearance. This plaque is distinguished from the rest by being introduced with a significant action. I. THE ACTION INTRODUCING THE PLAGUE ( Exodus 9:8-10 ). Hitherto the only actions employed had been the stretching out of Aaron's rod, and in the case of the... read more