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Exodus 7:28 - Frogs invade Egyptian homes?

Exodus 7:28 - שמות 7:28

Hebrew Text

וְשָׁרַץ הַיְאֹר צְפַרְדְּעִים וְעָלוּ וּבָאוּ בְּבֵיתֶךָ וּבַחֲדַר מִשְׁכָּבְךָ וְעַל־מִטָּתֶךָ וּבְבֵית עֲבָדֶיךָ וּבְעַמֶּךָ וּבְתַנּוּרֶיךָ וּבְמִשְׁאֲרוֹתֶיךָ׃

English Translation

and the river shall bring forth frogs in swarms, and these will go up and come into thy house, and into thy bedchamber, and upon thy bed, and into the house of thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thy ovens, and into thy kneading troughs:

Transliteration

Vesharatz hayor tzfarde'im ve'alu uvau beveitecha uvachadar mishkavcha ve'al-mitatecha uveveit avadecha uvamecha uvetanurecha uvemish'arotecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשָׁרַ֣ץ הַיְאֹר֮ צְפַרְדְּעִים֒ וְעָלוּ֙ וּבָ֣אוּ בְּבֵיתֶ֔ךָ וּבַחֲדַ֥ר מִשְׁכָּבְךָ֖ וְעַל־מִטָּתֶ֑ךָ וּבְבֵ֤ית עֲבָדֶ֙יךָ֙ וּבְעַמֶּ֔ךָ וּבְתַנּוּרֶ֖יךָ וּבְמִשְׁאֲרוֹתֶֽיךָ׃
וְשָׁרַ֣ץ הַיְאֹר֮ צְפַרְדְּעִים֒ וְעָלוּ֙ וּבָ֣אוּ בְּבֵיתֶ֔ךָ וּבַחֲדַ֥ר מִשְׁכָּבְךָ֖ וְעַל־מִטָּתֶ֑ךָ וּבְבֵ֤ית עֲבָדֶ֙יךָ֙ וּבְעַמֶּ֔ךָ וּבְתַנּוּרֶ֖יךָ וּבְמִשְׁאֲרוֹתֶֽיךָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Plague of Frogs in Shemot (Exodus) 8:3

The verse describes the second plague inflicted upon Egypt, where frogs emerged from the Nile and invaded every aspect of Egyptian life. The Torah emphasizes the extent of the infestation by detailing the specific locations the frogs would infiltrate—homes, bedrooms, beds, servants' quarters, ovens, and kneading troughs.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Shemot 8:3) notes that the frogs did not merely enter these places passively but actively leaped into them, demonstrating Hashem's complete control over nature. He also highlights that the frogs even entered the Egyptians' ovens while they were hot, a supernatural occurrence since frogs would naturally avoid extreme heat. This underscored the miraculous nature of the plague.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 10:4) elaborates that the frogs did not just invade physical spaces but also entered the Egyptians' bodies, croaking from within their stomachs. This was a measure-for-measure punishment, as the Egyptians had drowned Jewish babies in the Nile—now, they suffered from creatures emerging from that same river.

  • Bedchambers and Beds: The frogs disrupted the Egyptians' most private spaces, showing that no refuge existed from Divine retribution.
  • Ovens and Kneading Troughs: These were essential for food preparation, indicating that even their sustenance was compromised.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:29) explains that the plagues were structured to progressively demonstrate Hashem's dominion over nature, false Egyptian deities (like the Nile, which they worshipped), and human free will. The frogs' invasion of sacred and domestic spaces shattered the illusion of Egypt's self-sufficiency.

Symbolism of the Frogs

The Maharal (Gevuros Hashem, Ch. 38) teaches that the frogs represented disorder and chaos, contrasting with Egypt's rigid, oppressive system. Their uncontrollable spread mirrored the breakdown of Pharaoh's authority, proving that no human power could withstand Hashem's will.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 53b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the plague of frogs in Egypt, illustrating the extent of the frogs' invasion into every part of the Egyptians' lives.
📖 Sanhedrin 67b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing miracles and the nature of the plagues in Egypt, particularly focusing on the frogs' behavior as described in the verse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the plague of frogs in Exodus 7:28?
A: The plague of frogs was one of the ten plagues Hashem brought upon Egypt to demonstrate His power and compel Pharaoh to free the Israelites. According to Rashi, the frogs entered every part of Egyptian life—even their beds and ovens—to show that no one could escape Hashem's judgment. The Midrash teaches that the frogs willingly sacrificed themselves by jumping into hot ovens, showing total devotion to Hashem's command.
Q: Why did the frogs go into the Egyptians' homes and beds?
A: The frogs invaded even the most private spaces (like beds and ovens) to show that Hashem's authority extends everywhere. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 67b) explains that the plague targeted Egyptian comfort and hygiene, as frogs were considered unclean. This was a direct punishment for how the Egyptians oppressed the Israelites and denied them rest.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the plague of frogs today?
A: The frogs teach us about emunah (faith) and bitachon (trust) in Hashem. Just as the frogs fulfilled Hashem's will without hesitation, we must strive to serve Him wholeheartedly. The Rambam also highlights that plagues were meant to correct wrongdoing—reminding us to examine our actions and avoid cruelty like the Egyptians.
Q: How did the frogs affect the Egyptians' daily life?
A: The frogs disrupted every aspect of Egyptian life—cooking (ovens), sleeping (beds), and work (kneading troughs). Rashi notes that this showed the Egyptians they could not hide from Divine retribution. The Midrash adds that the frogs even croaked loudly, making it impossible to ignore the plague.