Topical Encyclopedia The plagues of Egypt, as recorded in the Book of Exodus, are a series of divine judgments that God brought upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. Among these plagues, the seventh plague, which involved a dramatic display of fire, stands out as a significant demonstration of God's power and sovereignty.Biblical Account The account of the seventh plague is found in Exodus 9:13-35. In this passage, God instructs Moses to confront Pharaoh and warn him of the impending disaster. The Lord declares, "This time I will send the full force of My plagues against you and your officials and your people, so you may know that there is no one like Me in all the earth" (Exodus 9:14). The plague is described as a severe hailstorm, unprecedented in its intensity, accompanied by fire that ran along the ground. Nature of the Plague The combination of hail and fire is a remarkable phenomenon, illustrating the supernatural nature of the plague. The text states, "So Moses stretched out his staff toward the sky, and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and lightning struck the earth. So the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt" (Exodus 9:23). The fire, likely manifested as lightning, is described as mingling with the hail, creating a terrifying and destructive force. Purpose and Impact The purpose of this plague, like the others, was to demonstrate the power of the God of Israel over the gods of Egypt and to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. The devastation was extensive, as "the hail struck down everything in the field—both man and beast; it beat down every plant of the field and shattered every tree" (Exodus 9:25). This destruction served as a direct challenge to the Egyptian deities associated with weather and agriculture, further proving the impotence of these gods in the face of Yahweh's might. Pharaoh's Response Pharaoh's reaction to the plague is one of temporary contrition. He summons Moses and Aaron and admits, "This time I have sinned; the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked" (Exodus 9:27). However, despite his acknowledgment and promise to let the Israelites go, Pharaoh's heart is hardened once more after the plague ceases, illustrating the persistent rebellion against God's will. Theological Significance The display of fire in the seventh plague serves as a powerful symbol of divine judgment and purification. Fire, throughout the Bible, often represents God's presence and holiness, as seen in the burning bush (Exodus 3:2) and the pillar of fire that guided the Israelites (Exodus 13:21). In the context of the plagues, the fire underscores the seriousness of God's demands and the consequences of disobedience. The seventh plague, with its fiery display, is a testament to God's ultimate authority over creation and His ability to use natural elements to fulfill His purposes. It serves as a reminder of the futility of resisting God's will and the certainty of His justice. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 9:24So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation. Nave's Topical Index Library A Jealous God The Axe at the Root --A Testimony against Puseyite Idolatry Sin: Its Spring-Head, Stream, and Sea In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God ... Letter Xlvi. Paula and Eustochium to Marcella. The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... All Fulness in Christ Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant. The Strait Gate; Resources How is the Holy Spirit like a fire? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that hell is referred to as a lake of fire? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that the tongue is a fire (James 3:6)? | GotQuestions.org Fire: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Arson: General Scriptures Concerning Fire in Houses: Lighted in Spring Mornings Fire in Houses: Lighted in the Winter Fire in Houses: Made of Charcoal Fire in Houses: Not to be Lighted on the Sabbath Fire of the Destruction of the Wicked Fire: A Symbol in the Burning Bush Fire: A Symbol of God's Presence Fire: A Symbol: Tongues of, on the Apostles Fire: Can be Increased in Intensity Fire: Children Caused to Pass Through Fire: Consumes the Conspirators With Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Fire: Display of, in the Plagues of Egypt Fire: Frequently Employed As an Instrument of Divine Vengeance Fire: Injury From, to be Made Good by the Person Who Kindled It Fire: Miracles Connected With: David's Sacrifice Fire: Miracles Connected With: Elijah's Sacrifice Fire: Miracles Connected With: Miraculously Descends Upon, and Consumes, Abraham's Sacrifice Fire: Miracles Connected With: Solomon's Sacrifice, at Dedication of the Temple Fire: Miraculous in the Burning Bush Fire: Miraculous: Angel Ascended In Fire: Miraculous: Consumed the Company of Korah Fire: Miraculous: Consumed the Sacrifice of Elijah Fire: Miraculous: Consumed the Sacrifice of Gideon Fire: Miraculous: Destroyed Nadab and Abihu Fire: Miraculous: Destroyed the Enemies of Elijah Fire: Miraculous: Destroyed the People at Taberah Fire: Miraculous: Elijah Taken up in a Chariot of Fire: Miraculous: Led the People of Israel in the Desert Fire: Miraculous: On Mount Sinai at Giving of Law Fire: Miraculous: Plagued the Egyptians Fire: Punishment of the Wicked Shall be In Fire: Sacred: All Burn offerings Consumed By Fire: Sacred: Always Burning on the Altar Fire: Sacred: Came from Before the Lord Fire: Sacred: Guilt of Burning Incense Without Fire: Sacred: Incense Burned With Fire: Sacred: Restored to the Temple Fire: The Church Destroying Her Enemies Fire: Things Connected With: Ashes Fire: Things Connected With: Burning Coals Fire: Things Connected With: Flame Fire: Things Connected With: Smoke Fire: Things Connected With: Sparks Fire: Though Small, Kindles a Great Matter Volcanoes: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms Fire-offerings (18 Occurrences) |
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