From which plague did God begin to set apart the land of Goshen?
God began to set apart the land of Goshen at the plague of flies, or swarms of insects. The first two or three plagues struck both Jew and Egyptian, but beginning with this plague God severed Goshen, promising no swarms of flies there.
Les teaches that the first two or three plagues struck the Jew as well as the Egyptian. But beginning with this plague, God said He would sever, or set apart, the land of Goshen where the Israelites dwelt, so that no swarms of flies would be there. This was the plague of flies or insects. God instructed Moses to rise early, stand before Pharaoh at the water, and demand, "Let my people go," warning that refusal would bring swarms upon Pharaoh, his servants, his people, and their houses. Yet Goshen would be spared, so Pharaoh might know God's distinction.