Topical Encyclopedia Hail is a meteorological phenomenon mentioned several times in the Bible, often symbolizing divine judgment and power. It consists of solid precipitation in the form of balls or lumps of ice, which can cause significant damage to crops, property, and even life. In the biblical context, hail is frequently associated with God's intervention in human affairs, serving as a tool of His wrath and a sign of His sovereignty over creation.Old Testament References One of the most notable occurrences of hail in the Bible is during the plagues of Egypt. In Exodus 9:18-26, God sends a devastating hailstorm as the seventh plague upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage. The hail, accompanied by thunder and fire, strikes down everything in the fields, including people, animals, and vegetation. This event demonstrates God's power over nature and His ability to protect His people, as the land of Goshen, where the Israelites lived, was spared from the destruction. In the book of Joshua, hailstones are used as a divine weapon in the battle against the Amorites. Joshua 10:11 states, "As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth-horon to Azekah, the LORD hurled large hailstones down on them from the sky, and more of them died from the hail than were killed by the swords of the Israelites." This passage highlights God's direct intervention in the battles of Israel, ensuring their victory over their enemies. The Psalms also reference hail as an instrument of God's judgment. Psalm 18:12-13 describes a theophany where God uses hailstones and coals of fire as part of His arsenal: "From the brightness of His presence, His clouds advanced—hailstones and coals of fire. The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded—hailstones and coals of fire." Prophetic and Apocalyptic Literature In the prophetic books, hail is often depicted as a component of eschatological judgment. Isaiah 28:17 speaks of hail as a means of purging and refining: "I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line; hail will sweep away your refuge of lies, and water will flood your hiding place." This imagery underscores the purifying and destructive power of God's judgment. The book of Revelation, which contains apocalyptic visions, also features hail as a symbol of divine wrath. Revelation 8:7 describes the first trumpet judgment: "Then the first angel sounded his trumpet, and hail and fire mixed with blood were hurled down upon the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, along with a third of the trees and all the green grass." This passage illustrates the catastrophic impact of God's judgment during the end times. Theological Significance Hail in the Bible serves as a reminder of God's omnipotence and His ability to control the forces of nature. It is often used as a tool of judgment against those who oppose His will, demonstrating that no power on earth can withstand His might. The biblical accounts of hail emphasize the seriousness of sin and the certainty of divine retribution, while also offering hope to the faithful that God will protect and deliver His people from harm. Throughout Scripture, hail is a powerful symbol of God's justice and a call to repentance, urging believers to recognize His authority and align themselves with His righteous standards. ATS Bible Dictionary Hail!A salutation, importing a wish for the welfare of the person addressed. It is now seldom used among us; but was customary among our Saxon ancestors, and imported "joy to you," or "health to you," including in the term health all kind of prosperity. Greek 5464. chalaza -- hailstone ... hailstone. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: chalaza Phonetic Spelling: (khal'-ad-zah) Short Definition: hail Definition: hail. ... hail. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5464.htm - 6k 5463. chairo -- to rejoice, be glad 2753. keleuo -- to command Strong's Hebrew 1259. barad -- hail... 1258, 1259. barad. 1260 . hail. Transliteration: barad Phonetic Spelling: (baw-rawd') Short Definition: hail. Word Origin from an ... /hebrew/1259.htm - 6k 1258. barad -- to hail 417. elgabish -- hail 1134. Ben-chayil -- "son of might," one of Jehoshaphat's leaders 7140. qerach -- frost, ice 1261. barod -- spotted, marked 1260. Bered -- a place near Kadesh, also an Ephraimite 68. eben -- a stone Library Hail, Jesus; Hail the Resurrection Day! Hail! Holy Joseph, Hail! Hail! the Morn with Gladness Crowned Hail, Jesus, Hail! Hail the Resurrection Day, Hail, Rock of Ages Hail, Queen of Heaven May 9. "All Hail" (Matt. xxviii. 9). Hail the Morn, with Gladness Crowned; Resources Is prayer to saints / Mary biblical? | GotQuestions.orgIs praying the rosary scriptural? | GotQuestions.org Is there extra-biblical evidence of the ten plagues in Egypt? | GotQuestions.org Hail: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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