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 challenges Pharaoh to name the exact time he wishes for the plague of frogs to cease, an audacious demand that highlights God's precise control over creation and Moses' divine authority. This interaction serves as a direct confrontation, forcing Pharaoh to acknowledge that the cessation of the plague would be a deliberate act of the God of Israel, not a coincidence, thereby removing any excuse for his continued defiance.

### CONTEXT
[Exodus 8:9](/exodus/8-9 "Understanding Exodus 8:9") is situated during the [second plague upon Egypt: the plague of frogs](/exodus/8-1 "The Second Plague: Frogs"). After the entire land, including Pharaoh's palace and even his bedchambers, was inundated with frogs, Pharaoh was desperate for relief. This verse records Moses' response to Pharaoh's plea, giving Pharaoh a unique opportunity to witness God's precise power and Moses' authority as His messenger, demonstrating that the God of Israel is sovereign over all creation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Moses' words to Pharaoh in [Exodus 8:9](/exodus/8-9 "Moses' Challenge to Pharaoh") are a profound display of divine authority and a direct challenge to Pharaoh's perceived power. Pharaoh, overwhelmed by the swarms of frogs, had finally summoned Moses and Aaron, pleading, "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 to Moses")). Moses' response is not a simple agreement but a strategic maneuver designed to eliminate any doubt about the source of the plague's cessation.

The key phrase, "Glory over me" (KJV), or "Boast over me" (NIV), translates the Hebrew word *הִתְפָּאֵר* (*hitpa'er*), derived from the root *פָּאַר* (*pa'ar*), meaning "to glorify," "to beautify," or "to boast." In this specific context, it functions as an idiom, effectively meaning "take the credit," "set the time," or "decide for yourself." Moses is essentially saying: "You, Pharaoh, name the precise hour when you want the frogs to disappear. When they vanish exactly at that moment, you will have no choice but to acknowledge that this is not a random event or a natural phenomenon, but a direct, undeniable act of the God of Israel, performed through His servant." This audacious challenge strips Pharaoh of any pretense or excuse to deny the miraculous nature of God's intervention.

* **Divine Authority and Control:** Moses, acting as God's representative, demonstrates that God's power is not chaotic or random but precise and controlled. By asking Pharaoh to name the time, Moses underscores that the cessation of the plague is not a coincidence but a direct, controlled act of the Almighty. This highlights God's sovereignty over creation and His ability to command even the smallest creatures with exactitude.
* **Pharaoh's Humiliation and Opportunity:** Pharaoh, who considered himself a deity and the ultimate authority in Egypt, is put in a position of complete helplessness, forced to plead with God's servant. Moses' challenge, "Glory over me," forces Pharaoh to confront Moses' (and thus God's) power directly. It was an opportunity for Pharaoh to recognize the true God, though his heart would continue to harden, as seen throughout the [narrative of the plagues](/exodus/7-3 "God Hardens Pharaoh's Heart").
* **The Power of Intercession:** Moses offers to "intreat" or pray for Pharaoh and his people. This emphasizes Moses' crucial role as an intercessor between God and man. Moses' prayer is effective, demonstrating the power of fervent and obedient prayer, even on behalf of an oppressor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **God's Sovereignty Over Creation:** This verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute control over the natural world, even over seemingly insignificant creatures like frogs. He can bring them and remove them at will, demonstrating His ultimate authority over all things.
* **The Confrontation of False Gods:** The plagues, and this interaction in particular, serve as a direct challenge to the gods of Egypt. By demonstrating power over the very elements and creatures revered or associated with Egyptian deities, Yahweh proves Himself to be the one true God.
* **The Role of the Mediator/Intercessor:** Moses' willingness to "intreat" for Pharaoh highlights the vital role of an intercessor who stands between God and humanity, pleading on behalf of others.
* **God's Patience and Warning:** Even amidst judgment, God offers Pharaoh clear, undeniable opportunities to recognize His power and repent. This reflects God's patience and His desire for people to turn to Him, even when they are His adversaries.
* **The Nature of Miracles:** The precision of the miracle (frogs disappearing at a specific, chosen time) removes any possibility of natural explanation, underscoring the supernatural origin and purpose of God's acts.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Exodus 8:9](/exodus/8-9 "Reflection on Exodus 8:9") reminds us of God's absolute control over all things, even the seemingly mundane or irritating aspects of nature. When we face overwhelming circumstances, like the Egyptians did with the frogs, we can trust that God is sovereign and capable of bringing precise and timely deliverance. It also highlights the importance of prayer and [interceding for others](/1_timothy/2-1 "Intercession for All People"), even for those who oppose God or are in positions of authority. Finally, it serves as a reminder that God often gives people clear opportunities to acknowledge His power and turn to Him, even when they are resistant, challenging us to consider our own responses to His clear demonstrations of power in our lives.

### 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 move to eliminate any possible excuse for Pharaoh to deny the miracle. If the frogs disappeared at a time chosen by Pharaoh himself, it would be undeniably clear that their removal was not a coincidence, a natural event, or a trick, but a direct, precise act of the God of Israel through Moses. This forced Pharaoh to acknowledge the supernatural power at work, leaving him without rationalization for his continued defiance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 8:9, with Moses acting as a powerful intercessor and God demonstrating precise control over judgment and deliverance, points forward to Jesus Christ. Moses, as the mediator between God and Pharaoh, foreshadows Christ, the ultimate Mediator between God and humanity ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "Christ, the One Mediator")). Just as Moses' word brought about a precise act of God's power to remove the plague, Christ's word holds ultimate authority over creation, sin, and death. 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. The opportunity given to Pharaoh, though rejected, reflects God's persistent offer of salvation through Christ, who perfectly fulfills the role of intercessor and sovereign Lord, bringing about a new creation and a final deliverance from all evil at His appointed time.

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.