Exodus 8:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When the frogs overwhelmed Egypt, creating a chorus of sounds, Pharaoh responded to Moses' request, “Set me a time when I shall pray for you, your servants, and your people, that the Lord may remove the frogs,” with the word “Tomorrow.” In this moment, Pharaoh traded his fervor for empty and frivolous thoughts; despite being in such dire straits, he should have urged Moses to pray without delay. In his idleness and negligence, aiming to save Egypt from its afflictions, Pharaoh instead brought devastation upon the land. Once he was granted his wish, he neglected to show gratitude and, driven by his earthly mindset, forgot about God.

By permitting Pharaoh to determine the timing of the plagues' conclusion, Moses reveals to him that these events are not mere accidents of nature but manifestations of divine power at work punishing him. Both the initiation and cessation of the plagues are governed entirely by God's will, independent of natural factors such as location, timing, or other circumstances. Furthermore, Moses helps Pharaoh realize that it is his own hard-heartedness that brings forth these calamities; he is not Pharaoh's adversary but rather a mediator who is always prepared to intercede for him and the people of Egypt.