Day 4 – Frogs from the Nile

God vs Heket (Heqet)

Pharaoh still refused to let the Israelites go and the next plague was extended upon Egypt.

It was frogs that came up out of the Nile. Exodus 8:5 “Stretch out your hand with your staff (rod) over the rivers, over the canals and over the pools, and make frogs come up on the land of Egypt”.

Heket was the Egyptian frog-headed goddess of childbirth, fertility, water, and renewal. The goddess was revered for her influence over the sky, stars, and love, and was often associated with cows. She was believed to promote joy and merriment in life, delighting in music and dance. Additionally, she was regarded as a protector of expectant mothers and would provide sustenance for those making their way to the afterlife, further cementing her status as a goddess of life.

During the plagues, as their intensity increased, God’s strategy also advanced. The next plague involved frogs and it must have been a very unpleasant experience as the frogs were everywhere. They were in people’s houses, water, clothes, beds, and everywhere they stepped. No one in Egypt was spared from the frog plague. The magicians became more confident and believed they could replicate the same wonder. Pharaoh pleaded with Moses to remove the frogs and promised to let the people of God go. God complied and let the frogs die, but the game plan changed as the magicians couldn’t imitate the wonder. The stench left by the frogs was a reminder of God’s power and Heket, the frog-headed goddess, was powerless. However, Pharaoh had a change of heart.

It is fitting that this plague has taken away the joy of both the Egyptians and the Israelites. However, Pharaoh remains unimpressed with the power of the Lord, and his god-like persona is displayed in his hardened heart. Once again, Pharaoh’s heart has become hardened.

Battle points: God 2 and the Egyptian gods 0.

Prayer: Lord, my joy comes from You, and I want to love like You loved Your people. Thank you for a giving heart and a heart that has compassion. Amen.

Written by Mari Swanepoel

www.womenoftheword.co.za