After Moses and Aaron had left PharaohThis phrase indicates a moment of transition and separation from the Egyptian ruler. Moses and Aaron, as God's appointed leaders, often confronted Pharaoh to demand the release of the Israelites. Their departure signifies a temporary end to direct negotiation, highlighting the ongoing struggle between God's will and Pharaoh's resistance. This pattern of confrontation and withdrawal is seen throughout the plagues narrative, emphasizing the hardening of Pharaoh's heart and the persistence of God's messengers.
Moses cried out to the LORD
Moses' action of crying out to the LORD demonstrates his role as an intercessor for the people. This act of prayer reflects a deep reliance on God for intervention and deliverance. It also underscores the personal relationship Moses had with God, characterized by direct communication and trust. This intercession is a recurring theme in Moses' leadership, as seen in other instances such asExodus 32:11-14, where he pleads for the Israelites after the golden calf incident.
for help with the frogs
The plague of frogs was the second of the ten plagues sent upon Egypt. Frogs were considered sacred in Egyptian culture, associated with the goddess Heqet, who was linked to fertility and childbirth. The infestation of frogs, therefore, not only caused physical discomfort but also challenged the religious beliefs of the Egyptians. Moses' plea for help signifies the need for divine intervention to remove the plague, demonstrating God's power over Egyptian deities and the natural world.
that He had brought against Pharaoh
This phrase highlights God's sovereignty and direct involvement in the events unfolding in Egypt. The plagues were not random occurrences but were specifically orchestrated by God to demonstrate His power and to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. Each plague targeted specific aspects of Egyptian life and belief, serving as a judgment against their gods and a sign of God's supremacy. This divine orchestration is a central theme in the Exodus narrative, illustrating God's control over history and His commitment to His covenant people.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe prophet and leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. He acts as an intermediary between God and Pharaoh.
2.
AaronMoses' brother and spokesperson, who assists Moses in confronting Pharaoh and performing signs.
3.
PharaohThe ruler of Egypt, whose heart is hardened against letting the Israelites go, leading to the plagues.
4.
The LORD (Yahweh)The God of Israel, who demonstrates His power and sovereignty through the plagues.
5.
The Plague of FrogsThe second plague sent by God upon Egypt as a judgment against Pharaoh's refusal to release the Israelites.
Teaching Points
The Power of PrayerMoses' act of crying out to the LORD demonstrates the importance of prayer in seeking divine intervention. Believers are encouraged to bring their concerns to God, trusting in His power and timing.
God's SovereigntyThe plagues reveal God's control over creation and His ability to use natural elements to fulfill His purposes. This reminds us of God's ultimate authority over all circumstances.
Intercession for OthersMoses intercedes on behalf of Pharaoh, showing the role of believers in praying for others, even those who oppose them.
The Hardness of HeartPharaoh's resistance to God's commands serves as a warning against hardening our hearts to God's voice and instructions.
Faith in ActionMoses and Aaron's obedience in confronting Pharaoh despite the challenges encourages believers to act in faith, trusting in God's promises and commands.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 8:12?
2.How does Moses' prayer in Exodus 8:12 demonstrate faith and obedience to God?
3.What can we learn from Moses' intercession about our own prayer life?
4.How does Exodus 8:12 connect to James 5:16 about the power of prayer?
5.In what ways can we apply Moses' example of persistence in prayer today?
6.How does Moses' action in Exodus 8:12 encourage us to trust God's timing?
7.How does Exodus 8:12 demonstrate the power of prayer in the Bible?
8.Why did Moses need to pray for the plague of frogs to end?
9.What does Exodus 8:12 reveal about God's relationship with Moses?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 8?
11.What is the summary of the Exodus from Egypt?
12.What events occur in the biblical book of Exodus?
13.What is the biblical perspective on snakes?
14.In Leviticus 8:1-13, how historically or archaeologically credible is the elaborate priestly ordination ceremony described?What Does Exodus 8:12 Mean
After Moses and Aaron had left PharaohPharaoh had just begged, “Entreat the LORD that He may take the frogs away” (Exodus 8:8). Moses agreed (Exodus 8:9) and now, true to his word, he steps outside the royal court. This pattern—confront, then withdraw to seek God—shows up repeatedly (Exodus 9:33; 10:6; 10:18). It highlights:
• a respectful but firm separation from Pharaoh’s realm of self-worship (Exodus 9:7).
• an immediate move from human dialogue to divine dialogue—Moses never lingers where compromise tempts.
• a reminder that real authority is not in earthly thrones but in the God who rules “over all the earth” (Psalm 99:1).
Moses cried out to the LORDThe Hebrew leader does more than offer a polite request; he “cried out,” the same verb used for Israel’s anguish in Egypt (Exodus 2:23) and for desperate pleas throughout Scripture (2 Chronicles 14:11;Psalm 34:6). Intercession is:
• passionate—he feels the weight of a nation’s misery.
• personal—he speaks to “the LORD,” covenant name Yahweh, not an impersonal force (Exodus 3:15).
• powerful—every time Moses prays, God answers (Exodus 9:33;Numbers 11:2). James later affirms, “The prayer of a righteous man has great power” (James 5:16).
For help with the frogsThe second plague had invaded every house, bed, oven, and kneading bowl (Exodus 8:3). By asking for relief, Moses acknowledges that:
• plagues are under God’s direct control (Deuteronomy 32:39).
• deliverance must also come from Him alone (2 Samuel 22:7).
• divine judgment can be lifted when He chooses (Exodus 8:13; 10:17).
That the frogs died rather than simply disappeared (Exodus 8:13–14) proved the miracle wasn’t coincidence but supernatural timing.
That He had brought against PharaohScripture is explicit: the LORD—not nature, not magic—sent the frogs (Exodus 8:6). Purpose:
• to expose the impotence of Egypt’s gods, including Heket, the frog-headed deity of fertility (Exodus 12:12;Numbers 33:4).
• to humble Pharaoh, “that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our God” (Exodus 8:10; 9:14).
• to display God’s sovereignty over rulers (Romans 9:17).
By crying out, Moses is not questioning God’s justice; he is aligning with it, asking that mercy follow judgment once repentance is professed (Exodus 8:8).
summaryExodus 8:12 shows the seamless flow between confrontation and intercession. Moses steps out from Pharaoh’s presence, immediately lifts his voice to the One who sent him, and asks for relief from a plague that God Himself ordained. The verse underscores the believer’s role: stand firm before worldly power, withdraw to seek divine power, and trust the sovereign Lord who both brings judgment and grants mercy when His servant prays.
Verse 12. -
Moses cried unto the Lord. The expression used is a strong one, and seems to imply special earnestness in the prayer. Moses had ventured to fix a definite time for the removal of the plague, without (so far as appears) any special command of God. Hence earnest prayer (as Kalisch notes) was doubly necessary. (Compare
1 Kings 18:36, 37.)
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
After Mosesמֹשֶׁ֛ה(mō·šeh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiverand Aaronוְאַהֲרֹ֖ן(wə·’a·hă·rōn)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175:Aaron -- an elder brother of Moseshad leftוַיֵּצֵ֥א(way·yê·ṣê)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318:To go, bring, out, direct and proximPharaoh,פַּרְעֹ֑ה(par·‘ōh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6547:Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kingsMosesמֹשֶׁה֙(mō·šeh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgivercried out toאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tothe LORDיְהוָ֔ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelfor helpוַיִּצְעַ֤ק(way·yiṣ·‘aq)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6817:To shriek, to proclaimwithדְּבַ֥ר(də·ḇar)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causethe frogsהַֽצְפַרְדְּעִ֖ים(haṣ·p̄ar·də·‘îm)Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 6854:A marsh-leaper, frogthatאֲשֶׁר־(’ă·šer-)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatHe had broughtשָׂ֥ם(śām)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7760:Put -- to put, place, setagainst Pharaoh.לְפַרְעֹֽה׃(lə·p̄ar·‘ōh)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6547:Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings
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OT Law: Exodus 8:12 Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh (Exo. Ex)