Exodus 8:13

And the LORD did as Moses requested, and the frogs in the houses, the courtyards, and the fields died.

Study Bible

And the LORD did as Moses requested
This phrase highlights the power of prayer and intercession. Moses, acting as a mediator between God and Pharaoh, demonstrates the effectiveness of righteous prayer (James 5:16). It also underscores God's responsiveness to His chosen leader, affirming Moses' role as a prophet and leader of Israel. This interaction reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people, where God listens and acts according to His divine will and purpose.

and the frogs in the houses, the courtyards, and the fields died
The death of the frogs signifies the end of the second plague, which was a direct challenge to the Egyptian god Heqet, often depicted as a frog and associated with fertility and childbirth. This event illustrates God's supremacy over the Egyptian deities, reinforcing the theme of divine judgment against idolatry (Exodus 12:12). The widespread death of the frogs in various locations—houses, courtyards, and fields—emphasizes the totality of God's control over creation and His ability to bring about both judgment and relief. This act also foreshadows the ultimate deliverance of Israel from Egypt, as God systematically dismantles the Egyptians' reliance on their gods and their own power.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who demonstrates His power over creation and the gods of Egypt.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, who acts as God's spokesperson and intercessor.

3. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, whose heart is hardened against letting the Israelites go.

4. Frogs
The second plague sent by God upon Egypt, demonstrating His power over the Egyptian god Heqet, who was associated with fertility and water.

5. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved, and the setting for the plagues that demonstrate God's supremacy.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
The LORD's response to Moses' request demonstrates His control over creation and His willingness to act according to His purposes.

Intercessory Prayer
Moses' role as an intercessor highlights the importance and power of prayer in aligning with God's will and seeking His intervention.

Judgment and Mercy
The plagues serve as both judgment against Egypt and a call to repentance, reminding us of God's justice and mercy.

Spiritual Warfare
The plagues, including the frogs, symbolize the spiritual battle between God's kingdom and the forces of darkness, encouraging believers to stand firm in faith.

Obedience and Hardness of Heart
Pharaoh's continued resistance despite the plagues warns against the dangers of a hardened heart and the importance of obedience to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the LORD's response to Moses' request in Exodus 8:13 demonstrate His sovereignty and faithfulness?

2. In what ways can Moses' role as an intercessor inspire us to pray for others and seek God's intervention in difficult situations?

3. How do the plagues, including the frogs, reveal both God's judgment and His desire for repentance and mercy?

4. What lessons can we learn from Pharaoh's hardened heart, and how can we guard against similar attitudes in our own lives?

5. How does the theme of spiritual warfare in the plagues encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith and trust in God's ultimate victory?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 7:14-25
The first plague of turning the Nile into blood sets the stage for the subsequent plagues, including the plague of frogs, showing a pattern of God's judgment and Pharaoh's resistance.

Psalm 78:45
This psalm recounts the plagues, including the frogs, as part of God's deliverance of Israel, emphasizing His power and faithfulness.

Revelation 16:13
Frogs are mentioned in a symbolic context, representing unclean spirits, which can be connected to the theme of God's judgment and the spiritual battle against evil.