Topical Encyclopedia The Plague of Rain upon Egypt is one of the ten plagues that God inflicted upon Pharaoh and the land of Egypt as recorded in the Book of Exodus. This particular plague is often referred to as the Plague of Hail, which included a devastating storm of rain, hail, and fire. It was the seventh plague and served as a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty and judgment against the false gods of Egypt.Biblical Account: The narrative of the Plague of Hail is found in Exodus 9:13-35. The Lord instructed Moses to confront Pharaoh with a message: "This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: 'Let My people go, so that they may worship Me. Otherwise, I will send all 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 9:13-14). God warned Pharaoh of the impending storm, a phenomenon unprecedented in Egypt's history. Moses was commanded to stretch out his hand toward the sky, and the Lord sent thunder, hail, and lightning flashing down to the earth. The hail struck down everything in the fields—both man and beast—and shattered every tree (Exodus 9:22-25). Purpose and Significance: The Plague of Hail was not merely a natural disaster but a direct challenge to the Egyptian deities, particularly those associated with the sky and weather, such as Nut, the sky goddess, and Set, the storm god. By controlling the elements, the God of Israel demonstrated His supremacy over these false gods and the natural order. This plague also served as a test of Pharaoh's heart. Despite witnessing the power of God, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened. However, some of Pharaoh's officials heeded the warning and brought their servants and livestock indoors to avoid the deadly storm (Exodus 9:20). Impact on Egypt: The devastation was extensive. The hail destroyed crops, including flax and barley, which were in season, leading to significant economic and agricultural loss. However, the wheat and spelt, which ripen later, were spared (Exodus 9:31-32). This selective destruction highlighted God's control over the situation, sparing some resources to sustain the Egyptians and further prolong the series of plagues. Pharaoh's Response: In the aftermath, Pharaoh admitted his sin and acknowledged the righteousness of the Lord, asking Moses to pray for the storm to cease. Moses agreed, but he also discerned that Pharaoh and his officials did not yet fear the Lord (Exodus 9:27-30). Once the storm ended, Pharaoh's heart was hardened again, and he refused to let the Israelites go, setting the stage for the subsequent plagues. Theological Implications: The Plague of Hail underscores the themes of divine judgment, mercy, and the call to repentance. It illustrates the futility of resisting God's will and the importance of recognizing His authority. The narrative serves as a reminder of God's power to protect and deliver His people while executing justice upon those who oppose Him. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 9:22-26,33,34And the LORD said to Moses, Stretch forth your hand toward heaven, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, on man, and on beast, and on every herb of the field, throughout the land of Egypt. Nave's Topical Index Library Joel's Rhapsody of the Locust Plague The Plagues of Egypt Sovereignty of God in Administration The Cost of Being Cruel and Stubborn On his Father'S Silence, Because of the Plague of Hail. The Solar Eclipse Here Next Followeth the History of Moses Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. ) The Oration of Moses at the Rehearsal of the Blessing and the ... The Preface to the Commandments Resources What does it mean that the Word of God will not return void? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the canopy theory? | GotQuestions.org What is the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal? | GotQuestions.org Rain: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Rain of Christ in the Communication of his Graces Rain of the Doctrine of Faithful Ministers Rain: (Destructive) of a Poor Man Oppressing the Poor Rain: (Destructive) of God's Judgments Rain: Answer to Prayer For, Promised Rain: Canaan Abundantly Supplied With Rain: Contingent Upon Obedience Rain: Designed For: Making Fruitful the Earth Rain: Designed For: Refreshing the Earth Rain: Designed For: Replenishing the Springs and Fountains of the Earth Rain: Divided Into: Overflowing Rain: Extraordinary: After Long Drought in Ahab's Reign Rain: Extraordinary: After the Captivity Rain: Extraordinary: During Wheat Harvest in the Days of Samuel Rain: Extraordinary: Plague of, Upon Egypt Rain: Extraordinary: Time of the Flood Rain: Forty Days of, at the Time of the Great Flood of Noah Rain: Frequently Withheld on Account of Iniquity Rain: God Causes, to Come Down Rain: God Exhibits Goodness in Giving Rain: God Exhibits Greatness in Giving Rain: God Sends Upon the Evil and Good Rain: God should be Feared on Account of Rain: God should be Praised For Rain: Impotence of Idols Exhibited in not Being Able to Give Rain: Miraculously Caused by Elijah Rain: Miraculously Caused by Samuel Rain: North Wind Unfavorable To Rain: Not Sent Upon the Earth Immediately After Creation Rain: Occasioned by the Condensing of the Clouds Rain: Often Impeded Travelling in the East Rain: Often Succeeded by Heat and Sunshine Rain: Promised in Due Season to the Obedient Rain: Rainy Season in Palestine is in the Ninth Month, Corresponding to December Rain: Storm and Tempest often With Rain: The Appearance of a Cloud from the West Indicated Rain: The Earth Will Never Again be Destroyed By Rain: The Former, After Harvest, to Prepare for Sowing Rain: The Lack of Causes the Earth to Open Rain: The Lack of Dries up Springs and Fountains Rain: The Lack of Occasions Famine Rain: The Lack of Removed by Prayer Rain: The Latter, Before Harvest Rain: The North Wind Drives Away Rain: The Plague of, Upon Egypt Rain: The Rainbow often Appears During Rain: Thunder and Lightning often With Rain: Withheld for Three Years and Six Months in the Days of Elijah Rain: Withheld, in Answer to Prayer Related Terms Thunder-flames (8 Occurrences) |
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