And he said, “Tomorrow.” Moses said, “Be it as you say, so that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Pharaoh's request for "Tomorrow" isn't just a delay; it’s a subtle attempt to manage the situation on his terms, perhaps hoping the problem might resolve itself. Moses' response, "Be it according to your word," seizes this moment, not to humor Pharaoh, but to set a clear stage for God's undeniable power. This exchange highlights that God's goal in these plagues isn't just removal, but Pharaoh's knowledge that only the LORD is God.
And he said, “Tomorrow.” Moses said, “Be it as you say, so that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Pharaoh, desperate from the plague of frogs infesting his land and palaces, calls for Moses and Aaron, promising to let the Israelites go if they will intercede with God to remove the plague. Moses agrees to Pharaoh's request for the removal to happen "Tomorrow," using the king's chosen time to emphasize that only the Lord God, unlike Egypt's powerless gods, has such authority. Pharaoh's quick hardening of his heart after the frogs are gone demonstrates his deceit, as he fails to honor his word and let Israel go.
Why would anyone suffering so intensely ask for a delay in their relief? Pharaoh’s ‘tomorrow’ wasn’t about hope, but manipulation.
Pharaoh, utterly swamped by the plague of frogs, finally caves and asks Moses to intervene. But notice his request: 'Tomorrow.' This wasn't a genuine plea for immediate help. Several reasons suggest themselves:
Pharaoh's request reveals a heart that’s scared but not surrendered. He tries to bargain with God's power, treating divine intervention like a scheduled appointment rather than a sovereign act.
Moses doesn't just agree to Pharaoh's timeline; he uses it as a stage for God’s glory. He knew exactly who was in control.
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Moses’ response, 'Be it according to your word,' isn’t just polite acceptance. It’s a bold declaration of confidence in God’s power and timing.
Moses stands firm, not negotiating with Pharaoh's deceit, but trusting that God will use the King's own words and timeline to display His unmatched might.
Understand the original words
Elohim · Hebrew Noun
The supreme, incomparable nature of the God of Israel. It denotes that there is no other deity or power that possesses the divine attributes, authority, or creative sovereignty of Yahweh.
Pharaoh's delay in letting the Israelites go, even when faced with plague, reveals his cunning and his people's deep-seated resistance to acknowledging the true God. The repeated cycles of suffering, repentance, and relapse underscore the escalating spiritual battle.
c. 1446 BC
Israelites Enslaved in Egypt
The Israelites, descendants of Jacob, have become a large population in Egypt. Fearing their numbers, a new Pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, enslaves them and imposes harsh labor.
c. 1446 BC
Moses Confronts Pharaoh
God calls Moses to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites so they can worship Him. Pharaoh's initial response is defiance.
c. 1446 BC
Plague of Blood
The first plague strikes the Nile and all water sources, turning them to blood and killing the fish. Pharaoh's magicians briefly mimic this, but Pharaoh remains unmoved.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Plague of Frogs
God sends a plague of frogs that swarm the land of Egypt, entering homes and beds. Pharaoh, in distress, asks Moses to intercede with God to remove them, promising to let the people go.
c. 1446 BC
Pharaoh's Reprieve and Relapse
Pharaoh asks Moses to pray for the frogs to be removed by 'tomorrow.' After the frogs are gone, Pharaoh sees respite and hardens his heart, breaking his promise.
This verse echoes the sentiment of Exodus 8:10, emphasizing that God alone is truly God and that Israel should know this truth. It highlights the uniqueness of the Lord as the ultimate revelation of Himself in Scripture.
1 Kings 18:36-37This passage shows Elijah calling on the Lord to demonstrate His power, similar to Moses challenging Pharaoh. The outcome is a direct answer to prayer, proving the Lord's sovereignty and uniqueness, just as Moses intended in Exodus 8:10.
Isaiah 44:6-8This prophetic passage directly contrasts the Lord with all other 'gods,' affirming His unique position as King and Redeemer. It reinforces the core message Moses is conveying to Pharaoh about the Lord's unparalleled might and authority.
Psalm 83:18This psalm is a prayer that explicitly states the objective: 'that they may know that you alone, whose name is the LORD, are the Most High over all the earth.' This aligns perfectly with Moses' stated purpose in challenging Pharaoh to know there is 'none like the LORD our God.'
calvinExodus 8:8-15: "Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD."
Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Entreat the Lord, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the Lord.
Tunc vocavit Pharao Mosen et Aharon, ac dixit, Precamini Jehovam ut auf…
gillExodus 8:10: "And he said, To morrow. And he said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the LORD our God."
And he said, tomorrow,.... Which according to Bishop Usher was the twenty sixth day of Adar, or February. It may seem strange that Pharaoh, and his people, being so greatly distressed with this plague, should not desire that the Lord would be entreated to do it immediately, and not put it off to another day: two reasons are usually given; one is,…
Pharaoh's request for "Tomorrow" isn't just a delay; it’s a subtle attempt to manage the situation on his terms, perhaps hoping the problem might resolve itself. Moses' response, "Be it according to your word," seizes this moment, not to humor Pharaoh, but to set a clear stage for God's undeniable power. This exchange highlights that God's goal in these plagues isn't just removal, but Pharaoh's knowledge that only the LORD is God.
Pharaoh, desperate from the plague of frogs infesting his land and palaces, calls for Moses and Aaron, promising to let the Israelites go if they will intercede with God to remove the plague. Moses agrees to Pharaoh's request for the removal to happen "Tomorrow," using the king's chosen time to emphasize that only the Lord God, unlike Egypt's powerless gods, has such authority. Pharaoh's quick hardening of his heart after the frogs are gone demonstrates his deceit, as he fails to honor his word and let Israel go.
Pharaoh, desperate from the plague of frogs infesting his land and palaces, calls for Moses and Aaron, promising to let the Israelites go if they will intercede with God to remove the plague. Moses agrees to Pharaoh's request for the removal to happen "Tomorrow," using the king's chosen time to emphasize that only the Lord God, unlike Egypt's powerless gods, has such authority. Pharaoh's quick hardening of his heart after the frogs are gone demonstrates his deceit, as he fails to honor his word and let Israel go.
"And he said, “Tomorrow.” Moses said, “Be it as you say, so that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our God." — Pharaoh's request for "Tomorrow" isn't just a delay; it’s a subtle attempt to manage the situation on his terms, perhaps hoping the problem might resolve itself. Moses' response, "Be it according to…
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Last reviewed October 2026