Exodus 8:5

KJV

And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up upon the land of Egypt.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} spake {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, Say {H559} unto Aaron {H175}, Stretch forth {H5186} thine hand {H3027} with thy rod {H4294} over the streams {H5104}, over the rivers {H2975}, and over the ponds {H98}, and cause frogs {H6854} to come up {H5927} upon the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Moshe, "Say to Aharon, 'Reach out your hand with your staff over the rivers, canals and ponds; and cause frogs to come up onto the land of Egypt.'"

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Stretch out your hand with your staff over the rivers and canals and ponds, and cause the frogs to come up onto the land of Egypt.’”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch forth thy hand with thy rod over the rivers, over the streams, and over the pools, and cause frogs to come up upon the land of Egypt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 8:5 records the LORD's direct command to Moses, who then relays the instruction to Aaron to initiate the second devastating plague upon Egypt: an overwhelming infestation of frogs. This divine directive, channeled through God's chosen agents and their symbolic rod, serves as an escalating demonstration of God's supreme authority over creation and the false gods of Egypt, ultimately aimed at compelling Pharaoh to release the enslaved Israelites.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the first plague, where [the waters of Egypt were turned to blood](/exodus/7-19 "The First Plague: Water to Blood"), a judgment that profoundly impacted the nation yet failed to break Pharaoh's stubborn resistance. Exodus 8:5 marks the divine initiation of the second plague, signaling a continued escalation in God's confrontation with Pharaoh. The narrative structure of the plagues consistently follows a pattern: God's command, Moses' and Aaron's obedience, the execution of the plague, Pharaoh's initial hardening, a brief moment of concession (often followed by renewed hardening), and the subsequent removal of the plague. This verse firmly establishes the divine origin and purpose of the upcoming judgment, setting the stage for the widespread chaos and defilement that the frogs would bring.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was deeply polytheistic, with deities associated with various aspects of nature and life. The Nile River was central to Egyptian life, seen as a divine source of fertility and sustenance, and its health was tied to the well-being of the nation. Frogs, in particular, were revered, especially in the form of Heqet, the frog-headed goddess of fertility, childbirth, and resurrection. She was believed to assist women in labor and was a symbol of new life. Therefore, an overwhelming plague of frogs, emerging from the sacred Nile and invading every aspect of Egyptian life—homes, beds, ovens, and food—was not merely an inconvenience but a direct assault on their religious beliefs, their sense of order, and their very concept of purity and life. It demonstrated the LORD's absolute power over their most cherished deities and natural resources.
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 8:5](/exodus/8-5 "The Command for the Plague of Frogs") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, showcasing God's absolute control over creation and His willingness to intervene decisively in human history to execute His justice. Secondly, it highlights **God's Use of Human Agents**, as Moses and Aaron are empowered instruments through whom God's mighty acts are performed, emphasizing the importance of obedience to divine command. Thirdly, the plague directly challenges the **Supremacy Over False Gods**, systematically dismantling the perceived power of the Egyptian pantheon and unequivocally proving the LORD's unrivaled might. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Pharaoh's Hardened Heart**, as each successive plague, including this one, serves to further expose his obstinate rebellion against God's will, leading to increasingly severe consequences, as seen throughout [Exodus 7-12](/exodus/7 "The Plagues Begin").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His self-existent, eternal nature, and His personal relationship with Israel. In this context, it highlights that the command for the plague of frogs originates from the ultimate, sovereign authority, not from human caprice or natural phenomena. It underscores the divine initiative behind the judgment.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** Beyond its literal meaning, "hand" here signifies power, agency, and means. When Aaron stretches forth his "hand with thy rod," it represents the delegated authority and power of God working through His chosen instrument. It is God's power, but manifested through Aaron's obedient action, making him an extension of divine will.
* **rod (Hebrew, _maṭṭeh'_):** This refers to the staff that Moses and Aaron carried, which had already been transformed into a serpent ([Exodus 7:10](/exodus/7-10 "Aaron's Rod Becomes a Serpent")) and used to turn the Nile to blood ([Exodus 7:20](/exodus/7-20 "The Nile Turned to Blood")). The rod is a potent symbol of God's delegated authority and miraculous power. Its use here signifies that the impending plague is not a natural event but a supernatural act initiated by divine command and executed through a divinely appointed instrument.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD spake unto Moses":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine origin and authority of the command. It emphasizes that the impending plague is not a random occurrence but a direct, intentional act of God, communicated through His chosen prophet, Moses. This highlights God's active involvement in the unfolding events.
* **"Say unto Aaron":** Moses acts as the intermediary, receiving the divine word and transmitting it to Aaron. This demonstrates the established hierarchy of divine communication and the collaborative role of Moses and Aaron in executing God's will. Aaron is the one designated to perform the physical action that will initiate the plague.
* **"Stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds":** This is the specific command given to Aaron. "Stretching forth the hand with the rod" is the symbolic and instrumental action that unleashes God's power. The precise targets—"streams, rivers, and ponds"—indicate the pervasive nature of the coming judgment, signifying that the frogs would emerge from all sources of water throughout the land of Egypt, leaving no place untouched.
* **"and cause frogs to come up upon the land of Egypt":** This is the intended outcome of Aaron's action. The phrase "cause frogs to come up" implies an overwhelming, unnatural proliferation, not just a few frogs but an inundation that would cover the entire land. This direct result emphasizes the miraculous and punitive nature of the plague, designed to disrupt Egyptian life comprehensively.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Divine Command** is central, as the passage explicitly states "the LORD spake unto Moses," underscoring God's absolute sovereignty and the directness of His intervention. The **Symbolism** of the "rod" is paramount; it is not merely a piece of wood but a tangible representation of God's delegated authority and miraculous power, acting as the instrument through which divine judgment is unleashed. The phrase "cause frogs to come up upon the land of Egypt" suggests **Hyperbole**, implying an overwhelming, unprecedented number of frogs, far beyond any natural occurrence, to emphasize the severity and pervasive nature of the plague. This also serves as **Foreshadowing**, indicating the escalating intensity of the judgments to come, each designed to break Pharaoh's hardened will and secure Israel's liberation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 8:5 profoundly illustrates God's active engagement in human history, demonstrating His sovereign power over creation and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. The plague of frogs, like the others, serves as a direct challenge to the Egyptian pantheon, proving the LORD's supremacy over their deities and exposing the impotence of idols. It highlights God's strategic patience and escalating judgment in the face of human rebellion, revealing that persistent defiance of divine will ultimately leads to severe consequences. This passage also underscores the principle of divine agency, where God chooses and empowers human instruments like Moses and Aaron to execute His purposes, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faith in His divine plan.

* [Psalm 78:45](/psalms/78-45 "God Sent Frogs to Devour Them") - Recounts God's sending of frogs as a judgment in Egypt.
* [Revelation 16:13](/revelation/16-13 "Three Unclean Spirits Like Frogs") - Uses the imagery of frogs in a context of spiritual defilement and judgment in the end times.
* [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "God's Purpose in Raising Pharaoh") - Explains God's purpose in raising Pharaoh, "that I might show My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Exodus 8:5](/exodus/8-5 "The Command for the Plague of Frogs") serves as a powerful reminder that God remains sovereign over all creation and actively intervenes in the affairs of humanity. In a world often characterized by chaos and human pride, this verse assures us that God's purposes will ultimately prevail, and His justice will be executed. We are called to recognize His authority in our lives and to respond with humility and obedience, unlike Pharaoh, whose persistent rebellion brought escalating judgment. The narrative of Moses and Aaron's immediate and faithful obedience, even to a seemingly bizarre command, challenges us to trust God's unconventional methods and to be willing instruments in His hands. Just as God used ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary feats, He continues to work through those who are yielded to His will, demonstrating that our availability is often more important than our perceived ability. We must consider the consequences of a hardened heart, recognizing that God's patience has limits and that ignoring His truth, as warned in [Proverbs 29:1](/proverbs/29-1 "The Dangers of a Hardened Neck"), ultimately leads to destruction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's command to bring frogs upon Egypt demonstrate His absolute sovereignty over creation and human affairs?**
* **In what ways does Pharaoh's response to this plague (and subsequent ones) illustrate the dangers of a hardened heart?**
* **How can we, like Moses and Aaron, be faithful instruments of God's will, even when His commands seem unusual or challenging?**
* **What "frogs" (i.e., persistent nuisances or challenges) in our lives might God be using to reveal His power or to prompt us toward a deeper trust in Him?**

### FAQ
**Why did God use frogs for the second plague?**

Answer: The choice of frogs was highly significant and multifaceted. Frogs were considered sacred in Egyptian culture, particularly associated with Heqet, the frog-headed goddess of fertility and childbirth, symbolizing life and rebirth. By causing an overwhelming, defiling plague of frogs, God directly challenged the authority of Egyptian deities, demonstrating His absolute supremacy over their perceived powers and exposing the impotence of their idols. Furthermore, the sheer number of frogs, invading every aspect of Egyptian life—from their homes to their food—made the judgment inescapable and undeniably supernatural, highlighting God's pervasive power and control over even the smallest creatures.

**Did Pharaoh's magicians also produce frogs?**

Answer: Yes, [Exodus 8:7](/exodus/8-7 "Magicians Imitate the Plague") states that Pharaoh's magicians, using their "secret arts," also brought up frogs upon the land. This initial imitation served to reinforce Pharaoh's stubbornness, as he believed his magicians possessed similar power, leading him to further harden his heart. However, their ability was limited to *producing* frogs; they could not *remove* them. This distinction became crucial later when they confessed, "This is the finger of God" ([Exodus 8:19](/exodus/8-19 "Magicians' Confession")) after failing to replicate the plague of gnats, acknowledging a power superior to their own.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Exodus 8:5](/exodus/8-5 "The Plague of Frogs Initiated") depicts a specific act of divine judgment in Old Testament history, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate work of Jesus Christ. The plagues, including the plague of frogs, reveal God's sovereign power over creation and His ultimate authority over all earthly rulers and spiritual forces, a power fully embodied in Christ, who calmed storms ([Mark/4-39](/mark/4-39 "Jesus Calms the Storm")) and cast out demons ([Mark/1-27](/mark/1-27 "Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits")). Just as God brought judgment upon Egypt to deliver His people from physical bondage, Christ's work on the cross is the definitive act of judgment against sin and death, securing spiritual deliverance for all who believe. He is the true and greater deliverer, who does not merely bring temporary judgments but conquers the spiritual forces that hold humanity captive, offering a definitive exodus from the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of light ([Colossians/1-13](/colossians/1-13 "Delivered from the Dominion of Darkness")). Through Christ, God's ultimate purpose to display His power and redeem His people is perfectly fulfilled, not through temporary plagues, but through eternal salvation and the establishment of His everlasting kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 7:19

And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and [that] there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in [vessels of] wood, and in [vessels of] stone.