Exodus 8:13

And the LORD did as Moses requested, and the frogs in the houses, the courtyards, and the fields died.

Study Bible

And the LORD did
This phrase emphasizes the sovereignty and faithfulness of God. The Hebrew word for "LORD" here is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, which signifies His eternal presence and unchanging nature. The action of the LORD in response to Moses' request highlights His active involvement in the affairs of His people and His power over creation. This demonstrates that God is not distant but intimately involved in the deliverance of His people, fulfilling His promises and executing His will.

as Moses requested
Moses, as the mediator between God and the Israelites, plays a crucial role in the unfolding of God's plan. The Hebrew root for "requested" is "za'aq," which can mean to cry out or call for help. This indicates Moses' reliance on God and his role as an intercessor. It also reflects the importance of prayer and supplication in the believer's life, showing that God listens to the cries of His people and responds according to His will.

and the frogs
Frogs were considered sacred in Egyptian culture, associated with the goddess Heqet, who was thought to assist in childbirth. The plague of frogs, therefore, was not just a nuisance but a direct challenge to the Egyptian deities, demonstrating the LORD's supremacy over all false gods. This act of judgment reveals God's power to disrupt the natural order to fulfill His purposes and to show that He alone is the true God.

in the houses, the courtyards, and the fields
The pervasive presence of the frogs in every part of Egyptian life symbolizes the totality of God's judgment. The Hebrew words for "houses," "courtyards," and "fields" indicate that no area was spared from the plague, illustrating the comprehensive nature of God's power and the inescapability of His judgment. This serves as a reminder that God's reach is all-encompassing, and His authority extends over every aspect of life.

died
The death of the frogs signifies the end of the plague, but it also serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. The Hebrew word "muwth" for "died" is often used in the context of divine judgment. This event foreshadows the ultimate judgment that awaits those who oppose God's will. It also points to the mercy of God, who, despite the Egyptians' hard-heartedness, provides relief from the plague, demonstrating His patience and desire for repentance.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who demonstrates His power over creation and the gods of Egypt.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, who acts as God's spokesperson and intercessor.

3. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, whose heart is hardened against letting the Israelites go.

4. Frogs
The second plague sent by God upon Egypt, demonstrating His power over the Egyptian god Heqet, who was associated with fertility and water.

5. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved, and the setting for the plagues that demonstrate God's supremacy.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
The LORD's response to Moses' request demonstrates His control over creation and His willingness to act according to His purposes.

Intercessory Prayer
Moses' role as an intercessor highlights the importance and power of prayer in aligning with God's will and seeking His intervention.

Judgment and Mercy
The plagues serve as both judgment against Egypt and a call to repentance, reminding us of God's justice and mercy.

Spiritual Warfare
The plagues, including the frogs, symbolize the spiritual battle between God's kingdom and the forces of darkness, encouraging believers to stand firm in faith.

Obedience and Hardness of Heart
Pharaoh's continued resistance despite the plagues warns against the dangers of a hardened heart and the importance of obedience to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the LORD's response to Moses' request in Exodus 8:13 demonstrate His sovereignty and faithfulness?

2. In what ways can Moses' role as an intercessor inspire us to pray for others and seek God's intervention in difficult situations?

3. How do the plagues, including the frogs, reveal both God's judgment and His desire for repentance and mercy?

4. What lessons can we learn from Pharaoh's hardened heart, and how can we guard against similar attitudes in our own lives?

5. How does the theme of spiritual warfare in the plagues encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith and trust in God's ultimate victory?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 7:14-25
The first plague of turning the Nile into blood sets the stage for the subsequent plagues, including the plague of frogs, showing a pattern of God's judgment and Pharaoh's resistance.

Psalm 78:45
This psalm recounts the plagues, including the frogs, as part of God's deliverance of Israel, emphasizing His power and faithfulness.

Revelation 16:13
Frogs are mentioned in a symbolic context, representing unclean spirits, which can be connected to the theme of God's judgment and the spiritual battle against evil.