Exodus 8:9

KJV

And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Glory over me: when shall I intreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, [that] they may remain in the river only?

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} said {H559} unto Pharaoh {H6547}, Glory {H6286} over me: when {H4970} shall I intreat {H6279} for thee, and for thy servants {H5650}, and for thy people {H5971}, to destroy {H3772} the frogs {H6854} from thee and thy houses {H1004}, that they may remain {H7604} in the river {H2975} only?

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe said to Pharaoh, "Not only that, but you can have the honor of naming the time when I will pray for you, your servants and your people to be rid of the frogs, both yourselves and your homes, and that they stay only in the river."

Berean Standard Bible

Moses said to Pharaoh, “You may have the honor over me. When shall I pray for you and your officials and your people that the frogs (except for those in the Nile) may be taken away from you and your houses?”

American Standard Version

And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Have thou this glory over me: against what time shall I entreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, that the frogs be destroyed from thee and thy houses, and remain in the river only?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Exodus 8:9, Moses boldly challenges Pharaoh to name the exact moment he desires the plague of frogs to cease. This audacious demand underscores God's absolute and precise control over creation, serving as a direct confrontation that forces Pharaoh to acknowledge that the cessation of the plague would be a deliberate, undeniable act of the God of Israel, rather than a mere coincidence. Moses' proposition strips Pharaoh of any excuse for continued defiance, highlighting the divine authority vested in God's messenger.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of the second plague upon Egypt, the plague of frogs, detailed in [Exodus 8:1-15](/exodus/8-1-15 "Exodus 8 - The Plague of Frogs"). Immediately preceding this verse, Pharaoh, overwhelmed by the pervasive infestation, pleads with Moses and Aaron to "entreat the Lord, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people" ([Exodus 8:8](/exodus/8-8 "Pharaoh's Plea for Relief")). Moses' response in [Exodus 8:9](/exodus/8-9 "Moses' Challenge to Pharaoh") is not a simple agreement but a strategic counter-challenge. By inviting Pharaoh to name the time for the miracle, Moses ensures that the subsequent removal of the frogs cannot be attributed to natural cycles, coincidence, or the power of Egyptian gods, but solely to the precise, sovereign will of Yahweh, executed through His servant. This interaction sets the stage for the escalating confrontation between God and Pharaoh, where each plague and its removal serves to demonstrate God's unparalleled power and expose Pharaoh's impotence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a polytheistic society where the Pharaoh was considered a divine being, a living god, and the embodiment of order (Ma'at). The Nile River, from which the frogs emerged, was revered as the source of life and was associated with deities like Hapi, the god of the Nile's annual flood, and Khnum, the creator god. Frogs themselves were sometimes associated with Heket, the goddess of fertility and childbirth, often depicted with a frog's head. The plague of frogs, therefore, was not merely an inconvenience but a direct assault on the natural order Pharaoh supposedly maintained and a humiliation of the very gods he and his people worshipped. Moses' challenge in [Exodus 8:9](/exodus/8-9 "The Challenge to Pharaoh's Authority") forces Pharaoh, the supposed divine ruler, to acknowledge his utter dependence on the God of Israel, thereby dismantling his perceived authority and the efficacy of his pantheon.
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 8:9](/exodus/8-9 "Themes in Exodus 8:9") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. Firstly, it highlights **God's absolute sovereignty over creation**, demonstrating His ability to command and control even the smallest creatures with precise timing and effect. Secondly, it underscores the **confrontation between Yahweh and the gods of Egypt**, proving Yahweh's supremacy by humiliating deities associated with the Nile and fertility. Thirdly, it emphasizes **divine judgment** as a means of revealing God's power and compelling recognition of His authority, even upon resistant hearts. Fourthly, Moses' role as a **mediator and intercessor** is prominently displayed, as he stands between God and Pharaoh, pleading on behalf of the Egyptians. Finally, the verse subtly contributes to the theme of the **hardening of Pharaoh's heart**, as this clear demonstration of God's power, though undeniable, ultimately fails to elicit lasting obedience, setting the stage for further divine intervention as seen throughout the [plague narrative](/exodus/7-3 "God Hardens Pharaoh's Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Moses' words to Pharaoh in [Exodus 8:9](/exodus/8-9 "Moses' Strategic Challenge") are a masterstroke of divine strategy, designed to leave Pharaoh without any rationalization for his continued obstinacy. Pharaoh, desperate for relief from the overwhelming plague, had finally appealed to Moses and Aaron. Moses' response is not a simple agreement to pray but a profound challenge that elevates the stakes of the divine confrontation.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glory (Hebrew, _pâʼar'_ - H6286):** The KJV translation "Glory over me" captures the idiomatic sense of the Hebrew verb. Derived from a root meaning "to gleam, embellish, boast, or explain oneself," in this context, it functions as an imperative meaning "take the credit," "set the time," or "decide for yourself." Moses is essentially saying, "You, Pharaoh, dictate the precise moment for the frogs' departure." This audacious challenge forces Pharaoh to participate in the timing of the miracle, thereby eliminating any possibility of attributing the cessation to natural causes or coincidence. It's a direct invitation for Pharaoh to witness and acknowledge God's precise control.
* **intreat (Hebrew, _ʻâthar'_ - H6279):** This verb means "to burn incense in worship," and by extension, "to intercede" or "to pray." It also carries the reciprocal sense of God "listening to prayer." Moses' offer to "intreat" for Pharaoh highlights his crucial role as an intercessor, a mediator between God and humanity. It underscores the power of fervent prayer and Moses' compassionate willingness to pray even for his oppressor, demonstrating that the relief would come through divine intervention in response to his supplication.
* **destroy (Hebrew, _kârath'_ - H3772):** While primarily meaning "to cut (off, down or asunder)," this root also carries the strong implication "to destroy or consume." In this context, it refers to the complete and decisive removal of the frogs. The word choice emphasizes the totality and finality of God's action – not just a dispersion, but a destruction, ensuring they would "remain in the river only." This highlights the comprehensive nature of God's power to both bring and remove judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses said unto Pharaoh,"**: This opening clause sets the scene, identifying the speaker and the recipient of this pivotal challenge. It immediately establishes the direct confrontation between God's representative and the ruler of Egypt.
* **"Glory over me:"**: This is the heart of Moses' challenge. As analyzed above, it's an invitation for Pharaoh to name the precise time for the miracle. It's a strategic move to remove any doubt about the divine origin and precise execution of the plague's cessation, forcing Pharaoh into a position where he must acknowledge God's power.
* **"when shall I intreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people,"**: Moses extends his offer of intercession not only to Pharaoh but also to his entire household and the Egyptian populace. This demonstrates the widespread suffering caused by the plague and Moses' compassionate role as an intercessor, even for those who are oppressing his people. The rhetorical "when" emphasizes that the timing is entirely at Pharaoh's discretion.
* **"to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, [that] they may remain in the river only?"**: This clause specifies the desired outcome of the intercession: the complete and precise removal of the frogs from every part of Egypt, with the explicit condition that they should "remain in the river only." This detail underscores the miraculous nature of the event, as such a precise and localized removal is beyond natural explanation, further solidifying the demonstration of God's absolute control.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. The primary device is a **Rhetorical Question**: "when shall I intreat for thee...?" Moses is not asking for information but rather issuing a challenge, compelling Pharaoh to make a choice that will expose his powerlessness and God's sovereignty. There is also profound **Irony** at play: Pharaoh, who considers himself a god and wields absolute power over Egypt, is now reduced to begging a Hebrew slave for relief and is then challenged to dictate the terms of his deliverance. This reversal of roles powerfully highlights the true source of authority. Furthermore, the phrase "[that] they may remain in the river only" serves as a form of **Understatement** or **Litotes**, emphasizing the complete and precise removal of the frogs by stating their highly restricted presence. This precision itself underscores the **Symbolism** of the miracle, where the exact timing and scope of the plague's removal serve as an undeniable sign of Yahweh's unique power and control over all creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 8:9 stands as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty and His active engagement with human history. It vividly illustrates that God's power is not chaotic or random, but precise, purposeful, and perfectly controlled. By allowing Pharaoh to set the terms of the miracle's cessation, God removes all pretense, forcing a direct confrontation between His omnipotence and Pharaoh's perceived divinity. This interaction underscores God's patience, offering clear opportunities for recognition and repentance, even in the midst of judgment. It also highlights the critical role of the mediator, Moses, whose intercession is effective because it aligns with God's will to demonstrate His glory. Ultimately, the verse serves as a foundational declaration that Yahweh alone is the true God, capable of commanding all creation and fulfilling His purposes with exactitude.

* [Psalm 105:30](/psalm/105-30 "Psalm 105:30 - God's Control Over Frogs")
* [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "Romans 9:17 - God's Purpose in Pharaoh")
* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "James 5:16 - The Power of Prayer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Exodus 8:9](/exodus/8-9 "Reflecting on God's Sovereignty") offers profound lessons for our lives today. In a world often characterized by chaos and uncertainty, this verse reminds us that God remains sovereign over all things, even the seemingly mundane or irritating "plagues" that infest our lives. Just as He precisely controlled the frogs, He holds ultimate authority over our circumstances, our anxieties, and our challenges. We are called to trust in His perfect timing and His precise power, knowing that He can bring deliverance and order when and how He sees fit. Moreover, Moses' willingness to "intreat" for Pharaoh, his oppressor, challenges us to embrace our role as intercessors. We are called to pray not only for those we love but also for those in authority, for our adversaries, and for those who are lost, believing that fervent, righteous prayer can indeed bring about divine intervention and reveal God's glory. This passage ultimately prompts us to surrender our own attempts to control outcomes and instead rest in the precise, powerful, and purposeful will of our sovereign God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Moses' challenge to Pharaoh encourage us to trust in God's precise timing and power in our own lives, especially when facing overwhelming circumstances?**
* **In what ways can we, like Moses, act as intercessors for those who oppose God or are in positions of authority, believing in the power of prayer?**
* **What "plagues" or areas of chaos in our personal lives or in the world do we need to surrender to God's sovereign control, trusting that He can bring order and deliverance at His appointed time?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Moses asking Pharaoh to name the time for the frogs' departure?**

Answer: Moses' challenge for Pharaoh to name the exact time was a strategic and critical move designed to eliminate any possible excuse for Pharaoh to deny the miraculous nature of the event. If the frogs disappeared at a moment chosen by Pharaoh himself, it would be undeniably clear that their removal was not a coincidence, a natural phenomenon, or a trick by Moses, but a direct, precise, and supernatural act of the God of Israel. This precision forced Pharaoh to confront the reality of Yahweh's power, leaving him without any rationalization for his continued defiance and highlighting the unparalleled authority of the God of Israel over all creation, including the perceived gods of Egypt. This divine precision served as an incontrovertible sign, as seen throughout the [plague narrative](/exodus/7-7 "The Plagues as Signs of God's Power").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 8:9, with Moses acting as a powerful intercessor and God demonstrating precise control over judgment and deliverance, profoundly points forward to Jesus Christ. Moses, as the mediator between God and Pharaoh, foreshadows Christ, the ultimate and perfect Mediator between God and humanity ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "Christ, the One Mediator")). Just as Moses' word, empowered by God, brought about a precise act of divine power to remove the plague, Christ's word holds ultimate authority over creation, sin, and death ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Christ, Creator and Sustainer")). He is the one who can precisely command the cessation of the "plague" of sin in our lives, offering deliverance not just from physical affliction but from spiritual bondage and eternal death. The opportunity given to Pharaoh, though ultimately rejected, reflects God's persistent offer of salvation through Christ, who perfectly fulfills the role of intercessor and sovereign Lord. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bringing about a new creation and a final deliverance from all evil at His appointed time, demonstrating a precision and power far exceeding the temporary removal of frogs. As our Great High Priest, He ever lives to make intercession for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our Intercessor")), ensuring our ultimate and eternal deliverance.

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

Isaiah 10:15

Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? [or] shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake [itself] against them that lift it up, [or] as if the staff should lift up [itself, as if it were] no wood.

1 Kings 18:25

And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress [it] first; for ye [are] many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire [under].

Judges 7:2

And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that [are] with thee [are] too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.