“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?”
Context: In Exodus 8, we find Moses and Aaron standing before Pharaoh, delivering God’s message to let the Israelites go. God had sent a series of plagues upon Egypt as a demonstration of His power and to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery.
Verse Analysis: 1. Moses’ Appeal to Pharaoh: Moses approaches Pharaoh and makes a request on behalf of him and his people. He asks Pharaoh to determine a specific time for him to pray to God, asking that the plague of frogs be removed, leaving only those in the river.
Key Lessons:
- Moses as an Intercessor: Moses is acting as an intercessor between Pharaoh and God. He takes on the responsibility of appealing to God on behalf of the Egyptians, seeking relief from the plague of frogs. This highlights Moses’ role as a mediator between God and humanity, interceding for the people’s benefit.
- God’s Sovereignty over Plagues: Through the plagues, God demonstrates His sovereignty over creation and His power to bring judgment upon Egypt. Each plague serves as a sign of God’s authority, urging Pharaoh to acknowledge Him as the one true God and release the Israelites.
- The Timing of God’s Intervention: Moses asks Pharaoh to specify the time when he should pray for the removal of the frogs. This demonstrates Moses’ trust in God’s power and timing. It also highlights the importance of seeking God’s guidance and waiting for His perfect timing in our own lives.
- God’s Mercy and Restraint: In this verse, we see God’s mercy and restraint. Although Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened, God still allowed Moses to approach him and gave him the opportunity to request the removal of the plague. God’s patience and willingness to listen to Moses’ intercession show His desire for repentance and redemption, even in the midst of judgment.
Practical Application:
- Intercessory Prayer: Like Moses, we are called to intercede for others in prayer. We should be willing to approach God on behalf of those in need, seeking His intervention, mercy, and healing in their lives.
- Trust in God’s Timing: Just as Moses asked Pharaoh to determine the time for his intercession, we should trust in God’s perfect timing. Even when circumstances seem challenging and we long for immediate resolution, we must wait patiently and seek God’s guidance, knowing that His timing is always right.
- Recognizing God’s Mercy: The story of the plagues reminds us of God’s mercy and willingness to extend His grace. It teaches us to be grateful for God’s patience with us and to extend that same mercy to others, even when they may not deserve it.
- Acknowledging God’s Sovereignty: The plagues reveal God’s authority over all creation. They serve as a reminder for us to acknowledge God’s sovereignty in our lives, surrendering our hearts and will to Him, and recognizing His rightful place as the Lord of all.
Remember to read the surrounding verses and consult trusted commentaries and study resources to gain a deeper understanding of Exodus 8:9 and its significance within the broader context of Exodus and the Bible as a whole.
