What lessons can we learn about obedience from Psalm 78:48's consequences?

Setting the Scene

Psalm 78 recounts God’s mighty works and Israel’s repeated forgetfulness. Verse 48 zeroes in on the plague of hail sent on Egypt:

“He abandoned their cattle to the hail and their livestock to bolts of lightning.”

The livestock—symbols of wealth, livelihood, and daily sustenance—were destroyed because Pharaoh hardened his heart against God’s command to let Israel go (Exodus 9:22-26).

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Consequences Illustrated

• Material loss – God targeted what Egypt valued most, proving every blessing ultimately depends on His favor.

• Unmatched power – Hail mixed with fire shows the Creator controls opposing elements at will.

• Precision in judgment – While Egypt’s herds were devastated, Israel’s remained untouched (Exodus 9:26), underscoring that obedience places us under divine protection.

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Lessons on Obedience

• Disobedience invites God’s active opposition

– Pharaoh’s refusal brought catastrophic judgment (Romans 2:5).

• God defends His people and His purposes

– “I will bless those who bless you, and curse those who curse you” (Genesis 12:3).

• No earthly security can shield from divine discipline

– “The horse is a false hope for salvation” (Psalm 33:17).

• Partial compliance is still rebellion

– Pharaoh offered compromises; God demanded full release (Exodus 10:8-11, 24-27).

• Obedience safeguards what we hold dear

– Deuteronomy 28 contrasts blessing on obedient livestock (v.4) with curses on the disobedient (v.31).

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Living It Out Today

• Surrender every sphere—business, family, possessions—to God’s authority.

• Act promptly on His clear commands; delayed obedience risks loss.

• Trust His protection rather than stockpiles, policies, or plans.

• Remember past deliverances; rehearse them to cultivate steadfast obedience (Psalm 78:7-8).