Exodus 8:6

And Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt.

And Aaron {H175} stretched out {H5186} his hand {H3027} over the waters {H4325} of Egypt {H4714}; and the frogs {H6854} came up {H5927}, and covered {H3680} the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}.

Aharon put out his hand over the waters of Egypt, and the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt.

So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt, and the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt.

And Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt.

Commentary

Exodus 8:6 describes the dramatic escalation of God's judgment upon ancient Egypt, specifically detailing the immediate manifestation of the second plague: the overwhelming infestation of frogs. This verse highlights the direct obedience of Aaron to Moses' command, acting as God's instrument, and the swift, widespread impact of divine power upon the land of Egypt.

Context

This verse follows the first plague, where the waters of Egypt were turned to blood (Exodus 7:19), which Pharaoh stubbornly resisted. After Moses and Aaron warned Pharaoh of the impending frog plague, this verse shows the execution of that threat. Aaron, under Moses' instruction, stretches out his hand, a symbolic gesture of authority and divine action, initiating the plague. This event serves as another powerful demonstration of Yahweh's supremacy over Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt, particularly Heket, the Egyptian goddess of fertility and childbirth, often depicted with a frog's head, whose domain was now turned into a source of torment.

Key Themes

  • Divine Power and Sovereignty: The immediate and overwhelming appearance of frogs across the entire land underscores God's absolute control over creation. He commands the elements, and they obey.
  • Judgment on False Gods: The plague of frogs directly challenged the Egyptian deity Heket, showing her impotence against the true God of Israel. Each plague was designed not only to pressure Pharaoh but also to dismantle the Egyptians' trust in their pantheon.
  • Obedience as an Instrument: Aaron's act of stretching out his hand is an act of simple obedience, yet it unleashes immense divine power. This highlights the importance of human cooperation with God's commands.
  • Pharaoh's Stubbornness: Despite this undeniable display of power, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened, a recurring theme throughout the plague narrative (Exodus 9:12). The plagues intensify not just to punish, but to reveal the depth of Pharaoh's resistance and God's unwavering purpose to deliver His people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "frogs" is tsefardim (צְפַרְדְּעִים), which vividly conveys the image of these creatures. The phrase "covered the land of Egypt" (וַתְּכַס אֶת־אֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם, vatkas et-eretz mitzrayim) emphasizes the sheer, overwhelming number and pervasiveness of the frogs. They were not merely present but were an inescapable nuisance, entering homes, beds, ovens, and kneading troughs, as described in subsequent verses (Exodus 8:3).

Practical Application

Exodus 8:6 reminds us that God's power is not limited to grand, spectacular events; He can use even the most common creatures to accomplish His purposes. It serves as a powerful reminder of:

  • God's Authority: No human authority or natural force can stand against the will of the Almighty. When God acts, the results are undeniable.
  • The Consequences of Defiance: Continued resistance to God's clear commands and warnings inevitably leads to escalating consequences.
  • The Power of Obedience: Simple acts of obedience, like Aaron stretching out his hand, can be the conduit for profound divine intervention. We are called to be faithful instruments in God's hands.
  • God's Presence in the Mundane: If God can use frogs to achieve His purpose, He can certainly use any aspect of our lives, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem, to bring about His glory and plan. This encourages us to trust in His sovereignty even in everyday circumstances, knowing that all things work together for good for those who love Him.
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Cross-References

  • Psalms 78:45 (6 votes)

    He sent divers sorts of flies among them, which devoured them; and frogs, which destroyed them.

  • Psalms 105:30 (6 votes)

    Their land brought forth frogs in abundance, in the chambers of their kings.

  • Leviticus 11:12 (2 votes)

    Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that [shall be] an abomination unto you.

  • Revelation 16:13 (2 votes)

    And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs [come] out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.