Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, thunder is depicted as a powerful manifestation of God's might and judgment, particularly in the context of the plagues sent upon Egypt. The account of thunder as a divine instrument of judgment is primarily found in the Book of Exodus, where it serves as a component of the seventh plague.Biblical Context The account of the plagues is a central element in the Exodus narrative, where God, through Moses and Aaron, confronts Pharaoh to demand the release of the Israelites from slavery. The plagues are a series of divine judgments designed to demonstrate God's supremacy over the gods of Egypt and to compel Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. The Seventh Plague: Hail and Thunder The seventh plague, as described in Exodus 9:13-35, involves a devastating storm of hail, accompanied by thunder and lightning. This plague is unique in its explicit mention of thunder as a tool of divine wrath. The Berean Standard Bible recounts the event as follows: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Rise early in the morning, present yourself to Pharaoh, and say to him that 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."'" The passage continues with God's warning of the impending storm: "Behold, at this time tomorrow I will send the worst hailstorm that has ever fallen on Egypt, from the day it was founded until now. Therefore, give orders now to bring your livestock and everything you have in the field to a place of shelter, because the hail will fall on every man and animal that has not been brought in and is still out in the field, and they will die." As the narrative unfolds, Moses stretches out his staff toward the sky, and the LORD sends thunder, hail, and lightning flashing down to the earth. The storm is described as unprecedented in its severity, causing widespread destruction across Egypt, sparing only the land of Goshen where the Israelites resided. Theological Significance The thunder in this plague serves multiple purposes within the narrative. It is a demonstration of God's power over nature, a direct challenge to the Egyptian deities associated with the sky and weather. The thunder, coupled with hail and fire, underscores the seriousness of God's demand for the liberation of His people and the consequences of Pharaoh's hardened heart. Furthermore, the inclusion of thunder highlights the auditory aspect of divine communication. It is not only a visual and physical manifestation but also an aural one, emphasizing the overwhelming presence and authority of God. The thunder acts as a divine voice, echoing the command for justice and freedom. Pharaoh's Response The reaction of Pharaoh to the thunder and hail is one of temporary contrition. He acknowledges his sin and the righteousness of the LORD, pleading with Moses to intercede and stop the storm. However, once the thunder ceases and the storm abates, Pharaoh's heart is hardened once again, and he refuses to let the Israelites go, setting the stage for the subsequent plagues. Conclusion The use of thunder in the seventh plague against Egypt is a vivid illustration of God's power and judgment. It serves as a reminder of the divine authority over creation and the futility of resisting God's will. The narrative invites reflection on the themes of obedience, repentance, and the ultimate deliverance of God's people. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 9:23-34And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along on the ground; and the LORD rained hail on the land of Egypt. Nave's Topical Index Library The Plagues of Egypt Here Next Followeth the History of Moses First Commandment Sovereignty of God in Administration The Wilderness. Little Sins Book vii. On the Useful or the Ordinary Of the Three Woe Trumpets. The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea Ancient Chaldaea Resources What is supernaturalism? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about Mark | GotQuestions.org Who was John the Apostle in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Thunder: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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