Exodus 8:6

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

Study Bible

So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt
This phrase highlights Aaron's role as Moses' spokesperson and his obedience to God's command. The act of stretching out his hand signifies the authority given to him by God to perform miracles. The waters of Egypt, particularly the Nile, were central to Egyptian life and economy, symbolizing both sustenance and divine power. This act challenges the Egyptian gods, particularly Hapi, the god of the Nile, demonstrating the superiority of the God of Israel. The stretching out of the hand is a recurring motif in the plagues, symbolizing divine intervention and judgment.

and the frogs came up
Frogs were associated with the Egyptian goddess Heqet, who was depicted with a frog's head and symbolized fertility and life. The multiplication of frogs was a direct affront to this deity, showing that the God of Israel had control over creation and the natural order. This plague, like others, was a sign to Pharaoh and the Egyptians of God's power and a call to let the Israelites go. The frogs coming up from the waters also symbolize the disruption of the natural order, as they invade spaces where they do not belong.

and covered the land of Egypt
The phrase indicates the extent and severity of the plague. The frogs were not confined to the Nile but spread throughout the land, affecting daily life and causing distress. This widespread coverage emphasizes the totality of God's judgment and the inability of the Egyptian magicians to reverse it. The land of Egypt, a symbol of power and civilization, is shown to be vulnerable to the God of Israel. This foreshadows the eventual liberation of the Israelites and the downfall of Egyptian power. The covering of the land also prefigures the comprehensive nature of God's deliverance and judgment seen throughout Scripture.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
Brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He acts as Moses' spokesperson and performs miracles by God's command.

2. Moses
The leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. He communicates God's commands to Pharaoh.

3. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who refuses to let the Israelites go, leading to the plagues.

4. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved and where the plagues occur as a demonstration of God's power.

5. Frogs
The second plague sent by God as a judgment against Egypt, demonstrating His power over creation and the Egyptian gods.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Creation
The plague of frogs demonstrates God's control over nature, challenging the Egyptian gods and showing His supremacy.

Obedience to God's Commands
Aaron's obedience in stretching out his hand is a model of faithfulness to God's instructions, even when the task seems daunting.

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

The Power of Intercession
Moses and Aaron's roles as intercessors for the Israelites point to the importance of prayer and advocacy in our spiritual lives.

The Hardness of Heart
Pharaoh's continued resistance despite the plagues warns against the dangers of a hardened heart towards God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Aaron's role in the plagues reflect the importance of obedience to God's commands in our own lives?

2. In what ways does the plague of frogs challenge the authority of the Egyptian gods, and how can this encourage us in facing modern-day idols?

3. How does the pattern of plagues in Exodus demonstrate both God's judgment and His desire for repentance?

4. What can we learn from Moses and Aaron's intercession for the Israelites about the power and importance of prayer in our lives?

5. How does Pharaoh's response to the plagues serve as a warning against hardening our hearts to God's voice and direction?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 7:19-20
The first plague, where Aaron also stretches out his hand to turn the Nile into blood, showing a pattern of God's power through Aaron.

Psalm 78:45
This Psalm recounts the plagues, including the frogs, as a reminder of God's deliverance and judgment.

Revelation 16:13
Frogs are mentioned symbolically in the context of end-times plagues, drawing a parallel to the plagues of Egypt.