3. Lice or Gnats
The third plague’s translation is debated: some texts say lice, others suggest gnats or even mosquitoes. Modern interpretations link this outbreak to the aftermath of polluted water and decaying frogs, creating ideal breeding grounds for insects. Studies in ScienceDirect highlight how stagnant water and rotting vegetation can trigger explosive insect population growth in agricultural societies. This plague likely reflects the environmental domino effect, where disrupted ecosystems lead to uncomfortable—and sometimes dangerous—insect infestations.
