Exodus 8:6

So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt, and the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt.

Study Bible

So Aaron stretched out his hand
This phrase signifies the obedience and authority given to Aaron as Moses' spokesperson. In the Hebrew context, the act of stretching out one's hand is often symbolic of divine intervention or the execution of God's will. Aaron's action is a direct response to God's command, demonstrating the importance of obedience in the fulfillment of divine purposes. The hand, in biblical terms, often represents power and action, indicating that Aaron is acting as an instrument of God's power.

over the waters of Egypt
The waters of Egypt, particularly the Nile, were central to Egyptian life and economy, symbolizing fertility and sustenance. By stretching his hand over these waters, Aaron is not only performing a miraculous act but also challenging the Egyptian deities associated with the Nile. This act signifies God's supremacy over the natural elements and the false gods of Egypt, reinforcing the theme of divine sovereignty.

and the frogs came up
Frogs were considered sacred in Egyptian culture, associated with the goddess Heqet, who was believed to assist in childbirth and fertility. The sudden proliferation of frogs, therefore, is a direct affront to Egyptian religious beliefs, demonstrating the futility of their gods in the face of the one true God. The Hebrew word for "came up" suggests an overwhelming and unstoppable force, emphasizing the power of God's judgment.

and covered the land of Egypt
The phrase "covered the land" indicates the totality and inescapability of the plague. It serves as a physical manifestation of God's judgment upon Egypt, affecting every aspect of daily life. This overwhelming presence of frogs symbolizes the pervasive nature of sin and the consequences of hardening one's heart against God. The land, once a place of prosperity, becomes a scene of chaos, illustrating the transformative power of God's intervention.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
Brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He acts as Moses' spokesperson and performs miracles by God's command.

2. Moses
The leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. He communicates God's commands to Pharaoh.

3. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who refuses to let the Israelites go, leading to the plagues.

4. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved and where the plagues occur as a demonstration of God's power.

5. Frogs
The second plague sent by God as a judgment against Egypt, demonstrating His power over creation and the Egyptian gods.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Creation
The plague of frogs demonstrates God's control over nature, challenging the Egyptian gods and showing His supremacy.

Obedience to God's Commands
Aaron's obedience in stretching out his hand is a model of faithfulness to God's instructions, even when the task seems daunting.

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

The Power of Intercession
Moses and Aaron's roles as intercessors for the Israelites point to the importance of prayer and advocacy in our spiritual lives.

The Hardness of Heart
Pharaoh's continued resistance despite the plagues warns against the dangers of a hardened heart towards God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Aaron's role in the plagues reflect the importance of obedience to God's commands in our own lives?

2. In what ways does the plague of frogs challenge the authority of the Egyptian gods, and how can this encourage us in facing modern-day idols?

3. How does the pattern of plagues in Exodus demonstrate both God's judgment and His desire for repentance?

4. What can we learn from Moses and Aaron's intercession for the Israelites about the power and importance of prayer in our lives?

5. How does Pharaoh's response to the plagues serve as a warning against hardening our hearts to God's voice and direction?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 7:19-20
The first plague, where Aaron also stretches out his hand to turn the Nile into blood, showing a pattern of God's power through Aaron.

Psalm 78:45
This Psalm recounts the plagues, including the frogs, as a reminder of God's deliverance and judgment.

Revelation 16:13
Frogs are mentioned symbolically in the context of end-times plagues, drawing a parallel to the plagues of Egypt.