Topical Bible: Intercession: Answered for the plague of frogs to be abated

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In the biblical narrative, intercession plays a crucial role in the relationship between God and His people. One notable instance of intercession is found in the account of the plague of frogs during the time of Moses, as recorded in the Book of Exodus. This event highlights the power of intercessory prayer and God's responsiveness to the pleas of His chosen leaders.

The context of this intercession is set during the period when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt. God, through Moses and Aaron, sent a series of plagues upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. The second plague involved an overwhelming infestation of frogs, which covered the land of Egypt, entering homes, bedrooms, and even kitchens, causing great distress to the Egyptians.

In Exodus 8:8, Pharaoh, overwhelmed by the nuisance of the frogs, summoned Moses and Aaron and pleaded with them to intercede with the LORD to remove the frogs. Pharaoh promised to let the Israelites go to offer sacrifices to the LORD if the plague was lifted. The Berean Standard Bible records Pharaoh's request: "Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, 'Plead with the LORD to remove the frogs from me and my people, and I will let your people go to sacrifice to the LORD.'"

Moses responded to Pharaoh's request by asking him to specify a time for the frogs to be removed, demonstrating his confidence in God's power to answer prayer. Pharaoh chose the following day, and Moses agreed, stating that this would be done so that Pharaoh would know there is no one like the LORD our God (Exodus 8:10).

Moses then cried out to the LORD concerning the frogs, and the LORD answered his intercession. Exodus 8:12-13 describes the outcome: "After Moses and Aaron left Pharaoh, Moses cried out to the LORD for help with the frogs that He had brought against Pharaoh. And the LORD did as Moses requested, and the frogs in the houses, the courtyards, and the fields died."

This event underscores the effectiveness of intercessory prayer when aligned with God's will. Moses, as God's appointed leader, acted as an intermediary between Pharaoh and God, demonstrating the role of a mediator who pleads on behalf of others. The removal of the frogs was a direct response to Moses' intercession, showcasing God's willingness to act in response to the prayers of His faithful servants.

The narrative also serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and the futility of resisting His will. Despite Pharaoh's initial promise, he hardened his heart once the plague was lifted, refusing to let the Israelites go. This cycle of intercession, divine response, and Pharaoh's hardened heart continued throughout the plagues, illustrating the persistent need for intercession and the ultimate authority of God over human affairs.

In summary, the intercession for the plague of frogs to be abated is a powerful example of the biblical principle that God hears and responds to the prayers of His people, especially when they are offered by those He has chosen to lead and mediate on behalf of others.

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Exodus 8:12,15
And Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh: and Moses cried to the LORD because of the frogs which he had brought against Pharaoh.
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