Topical Encyclopedia The Plague of Frogs is the second of the ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt as described in the Book of Exodus. This event is a significant demonstration of God's power and His ability to control nature to fulfill His divine purposes. The narrative is found in Exodus 8:1-15.Biblical Account The Lord instructed Moses to approach Pharaoh with a demand to let the Israelites go so that they might serve Him. When Pharaoh refused, God commanded Moses to tell Aaron to stretch out his hand with the staff over the waters of Egypt, causing frogs to come up and cover the land. "So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt, and the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt" (Exodus 8:6). The frogs emerged from the Nile River and invaded every part of Egyptian life, entering homes, bedrooms, and even kitchens. The infestation was so severe that it became unbearable for the Egyptians. Pharaoh, overwhelmed by the plague, summoned Moses and Aaron and pleaded with them to pray to the Lord to remove the frogs, promising to let the Israelites go to offer sacrifices to the Lord. Moses agreed to pray for the removal of the frogs, allowing Pharaoh to choose the time for their departure. Pharaoh requested that the frogs be removed the following day. Moses prayed to the Lord, and the frogs died in the houses, courtyards, and fields. The Egyptians gathered them into heaps, and the land reeked of their decay. "And the frogs died in the houses, in the courtyards, and in the fields. They were piled into countless heaps, and there was a terrible stench in the land" (Exodus 8:13-14). Despite the relief from the plague, Pharaoh hardened his heart and did not let the Israelites go, as the Lord had foretold. Theological Significance The Plague of Frogs serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and His ability to execute judgment upon those who oppose His will. It highlights the futility of the Egyptian gods, particularly Heket, the frog-headed goddess of fertility and childbirth, who was rendered powerless in the face of the true God of Israel. This plague, like the others, was a direct challenge to the pantheon of Egyptian deities, demonstrating that the God of the Hebrews was supreme. The narrative also underscores the theme of obedience and the consequences of hardening one's heart against God's commands. Pharaoh's repeated refusal to heed God's demand through Moses resulted in escalating judgments, each more severe than the last. The Plague of Frogs, therefore, serves as a warning against the dangers of pride and disobedience. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Egypt, frogs were considered symbols of life and fertility, often associated with the annual flooding of the Nile, which brought fertility to the land. The inundation of frogs, therefore, would have been both ironic and distressing, as what was once a symbol of life became a source of torment and death. The Plague of Frogs is part of the larger narrative of the Exodus, which is central to the identity and faith of the Israelite people. It marks a pivotal moment in their history, showcasing God's deliverance and faithfulness to His covenant promises. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 8:2-14And if you refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all your borders with frogs: Nave's Topical Index Psalm 45:1 Psalm 105:30 Library The Rod that Troubled Egypt. On his Father'S Silence, Because of the Plague of Hail. Concerning the Ten Plagues which came Upon the Egyptians. On the Holy Ghost and his Descent Upon the Apostles The Sixth vision "On Earth" The Plagues of Egypt The Cost of Being Cruel and Stubborn Moses, the Mighty Intercessor Christ --Perfect through Sufferings The Power of Little Things. Resources Who were Jannes and Jambres? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of Aaron's rod? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about magic, magicians, illusionists? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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