The Teachings of Mark (Mimar Marqe Book I Chapter 7)

A continuation in our series from John MacDonald's (1963) translation of the most important book in the Samaritan tradition after the Pentateuch. The central 'revelation' - not merely a midrash but a revelation given around the beginning of the second century - from which 'Samaritanism' itself is derived.

And the Lord said to Moses, "Say to Aaron, 'Stretch out your hand with your rod over the rivers and cause frogs to come upon and cover all the land of Egypt (Ex. viii. 5; Targ.), and the enemies of the congregation will be oppressed by them.'"

The two prophets did as their Maker had commanded them. Frogs came up over the whole land of Egypt. Great was the affliction that was wrought there! The river swarmed and the houses were filled (with them). Bodies wore in torment, souls in agony, hearts in anguish. When to make an end of it. They performed their sorcery - as a result the judgement on Pharaoh was intensified! They succeeded in smiting, but were unable to heal. The king was in great distress. The sorcerers on whom he relied were collapsing!

The method of all physicians who came to a sick person was to give him medicines to drink, perchance he might be healed. These sorcerers came to their king, who was a loathsome sight during the judgements which were ever intensified. When Pharaoh realized that there was no cure from them, he cried to Moses and Aaron, "Pray to your Lord whom you worship, that He remove me from this great sentence (cf. Ex. viii. 8). Make speed in praying for me now, and I will let the people go that they may sacrifice to the Lord."

The two of them went out and prayed as he had requested (Ex. viii 12). The frogs ceased from him and his servants, but when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart and would not listen to them (Ex. viii. 15; Targ.). He said, "We have borne the judgement and we will not let the people go."

It was as though the True One were saying to him, "Your destruction is at hand."