The answer is: Frogs

Exo 8:1-15

The second plague of Egypt—frogs! Now, when you think of frogs, what usually comes to mind? Perhaps a cute little amphibian or a delightful croaking chorus by the pondside. But in the context of the Exodus story, these frogs were nothing short of a nightmare for the Egyptians. After the Nile River had turned to blood, which was more a shock and horror than a minor inconvenience, God sent a swarm of frogs to invade every possible nook and cranny of Egyptian life, hopping into homes, beds, and cooking pots. Yikes!

Interestingly, in ancient Egypt, frogs symbolized fertility and renewal due to their life cycle. They emerge from water and, quite literally, jump to life! With the plague, this symbol of life turned against the Egyptians, showing cocreators' prowess over nature’s symbols. The discomfort goes beyond the hop-hops; frogs were associated with the goddess Heket, who was linked with fertility and childbirth. One might wonder how uncomfortable the Egyptians must have felt when their goddess was unable to stem the tide of their teeming, amphibious visitors!

Now, think about the statement behind the event: frogs everywhere highlight the futility of relying solely on various aspects of life or perceived divinities that can be brought low at any moment. While it may lead to amphibious chaos, it echoes a central theme throughout the biblical narrative—the mighty intercession of foretelling happens as a direct tohu vavohu, where the established order can quickly be challenged. Quite chaotic, but in that, one can spot a genuine turning point of free will and divine power! How about hopping into this deeper meaning?