Exodus 8:9
“Moses said to Pharaoh, “The honor is yours to tell me: when shall I entreat for you and your servants and your people, that the frogs be destroyed from you and your houses, that they may be left only in the Nile?”…
This is an awkward confrontation. Moses was adopted into the royal family. I believe he and Pharaoh were cousins. They probably had some type of competition their whole lives. It may have been good hearted and natural as “The Prince of Egypt” portrays. However, it may have been bitter. Whatever the case, here are the competitive cousins in a showdown that is unmatched through history. There is much at stake in this. What makes it more difficult are the egos. That’s what makes Moses’ display of respect so impressive. First off, he knows he can’t back down. God gave him the message. Yet, he doesn’t want to trigger Pharaoh’s ego. Verse 8 has Pharaoh approaching Moses and telling him, he’ll let the Israelites sacrifice, if the frog plague is lifted. Moses allows Pharaoh to choose the date when the frogs shall be lifted. This partially is a smart negotiating move to subtly ask when the people will be freed. But it’s also giving Pharaoh an appearance of power. This is good for us to witness. We will find ourselves in conflict. We don’t want to conquer and defeat the other. So, the respect that Moses shows is impressive. Moses may have carried himself in a humble manner. This may have given Pharaoh the notion that it was safe to approach him. So, also with us, we should have an attitude of humility. This doesn’t mean we raise the white flag. It just means that ego is not involved. What a great peacemaking tactic. I think of the proverb, “a gently answer turns away wrath”. This attitude is disarming. Our culture doesn’t understand this. It respects strength and dramatic stands. Like the protests of the 60’s. Confrontation. While there’s a place for that, it’s not the way of interpersonal relationships. Lord, give us wisdom as we walk through this world. If it be in friendships or business, give us wisdom.