MPV Commentary
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for Exodus 8
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for Exodus 8
1. The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, "Go to Pharaoh." This command came after a week of frogs had infested Egypt, demonstrating that this plague was not caused by natural circumstances but by God's powerful intervention. Despite this display of divine power, Pharaoh remained unrepentant, and Moses was instructed to warn him about the next plague if he continued to refuse to let the Israelites go.
2. The Lord said, "I will afflict all your borders with frogs." These creatures, normally found in the Nile River, were miraculously multiplied to an astonishing extent. It is likely that the eggs of the frogs, which had been laid in the mud and marshes, were suddenly brought to life by God's power.
3. The frogs infested not only the streets but also people's homes, including their bedrooms, where mats or luxurious divans lay on the floor. They even invaded ovens, kneading troughs, and other areas where food was prepared. The presence of these unwanted creatures must have been unbearable for the Egyptians.
4-6. Moses was instructed to stretch out his rod over the streams, canals, and ponds, and the frogs would leave their habitats at that moment. This miracle demonstrated God's power and control over creation.
7. The magicians attempted to replicate this miracle using their magical powers, but all they could do was make a few frogs appear on a small area of ground. They failed to demonstrate their true abilities by removing the frogs from the entire land.
8-15. Pharaoh called for Moses and said, "Entreat the Lord to remove these frogs from me." The Egyptians had a deep reverence for the frog, which was associated with their god Ptha. However, the sheer number of frogs and their foul odor made them an unbearable nuisance. Pharaoh's promise to let the Israelites go if they would pray for the frogs' removal was likely motivated by his desire to be rid of this plague rather than a genuine change of heart. When the frogs were eventually removed at the time specified by Pharaoh, he hardened his heart once again and refused to keep his promise.