Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Moshe cry out to Hashem about the frogs?
A: Moshe cried out to Hashem to remove the plague of frogs after Pharaoh asked him to do so (Exodus 8:8). According to Rashi, Moshe prayed immediately to teach us not to delay in responding to a request for mercy, even for an enemy like Pharaoh.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe praying for Pharaoh?
A: The Midrash teaches that Moshe's prayer for Pharaoh demonstrates the importance of compassion, even toward those who oppose us. This reflects the Jewish value of imitating Hashem's attributes of mercy, as we are commanded to 'walk in His ways' (Deuteronomy 28:9).
Q: Why did the frogs remain until Moshe prayed?
A: The plague of frogs was brought by Hashem's command and could only be removed through Moshe's prayer. Rambam explains that this shows how Hashem works through natural laws and human actions—the frogs didn't disappear on their own, but through Moshe's direct appeal to Hashem.
Q: How does this verse show Moshe's leadership?
A: Moshe's immediate response to Pharaoh's request (by praying to Hashem) highlights his role as a compassionate leader. The Talmud (Berachot 10a) praises those who pray for others in distress, showing that true leadership involves advocating for people, even difficult ones like Pharaoh.
Q: Why does the verse mention Aharon going out with Moshe?
A: Rashi explains that Aharon accompanied Moshe to show unity in their mission. Even though Moshe was the primary speaker to Pharaoh, Aharon’s presence reinforced their shared prophetic role, teaching that great deeds are often accomplished through partnership.
Understanding the Verse in Context
The verse (Shemot 8:8) describes Moshe and Aharon leaving Pharaoh's presence after the plague of frogs had been inflicted upon Egypt. Moshe then cries out to Hashem regarding the frogs that were brought upon Pharaoh. This moment occurs after Pharaoh requests that Moshe pray for the removal of the frogs, promising to let the Israelites go (Shemot 8:4).
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Shemot 8:8) notes that Moshe's prayer was not for the complete removal of the frogs immediately, but rather for their death in the fields and homes, leaving only those in the Nile. This teaches that Moshe acted with precision in his prayer, fulfilling Pharaoh's request while ensuring the frogs did not simply retreat to the Nile to return later. Rashi emphasizes that Moshe's careful wording demonstrates his wisdom and adherence to divine justice.
The Midrashic Perspective
The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 10:6) elaborates that Moshe's prayer was an act of compassion, even for the Egyptians suffering from the plague. Despite their oppression of Bnei Yisrael, Moshe did not delay in praying for relief. This reflects the principle of darchei noam (the ways of pleasantness), showing that even in judgment, there is room for mercy.
Rambam on Prayer and Leadership
Rambam (Hilchot Tefillah 1:2) discusses the importance of prayer in times of distress, using Moshe as a model. Moshe's immediate turn to prayer here exemplifies the duty of a leader to seek divine intervention on behalf of others, even adversaries, when they express remorse or request aid.
The Talmud's Insight
The Talmud (Berachot 33a) derives from this episode that one should not pray excessively for the removal of a divinely ordained punishment once it has begun. Moshe's measured prayer—asking only for the frogs to die rather than vanish entirely—teaches that we must accept Hashem's decrees with humility.
Key Lessons