Topical Encyclopedia The miraculous use of fire as a divine instrument of judgment is prominently displayed in the biblical account of the plagues of Egypt. This event is a significant demonstration of God's power and sovereignty, as He delivered the Israelites from bondage in Egypt. The plagues were a series of divine interventions that served to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites, showcasing God's supremacy over the Egyptian gods and the natural world.The specific plague involving fire is described in the seventh plague, which combined hail and fire. In Exodus 9:23-24 , it is recorded: "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. The hail fell and lightning continued flashing through it. It was the worst storm in all the land of Egypt since it had become a nation." This plague was unique in its combination of elements—hail and fire—demonstrating the extraordinary nature of the event. The fire, likely in the form of lightning, accompanied the hail, creating a devastating effect on the land of Egypt. The miraculous nature of this plague is emphasized by its unprecedented severity and the specific targeting of the Egyptians, while the land of Goshen, where the Israelites resided, was spared (Exodus 9:26: "The only place where it did not hail was in the land of Goshen, where the Israelites lived"). The purpose of this miraculous plague was multifaceted. It served as a direct challenge to the Egyptian deities, such as Nut, the sky goddess, and Set, the storm god, demonstrating that the God of Israel held ultimate authority over the elements. Furthermore, it was a clear sign to Pharaoh and the Egyptians of God's power and the futility of resisting His will. Despite the devastation, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened, fulfilling the LORD's declaration in Exodus 9:16 : "But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth." The miraculous plague of fire and hail is a testament to God's ability to use the forces of nature to achieve His divine purposes. It underscores the theme of divine judgment and deliverance that runs throughout the Exodus narrative, highlighting God's commitment to His covenant people and His ultimate control over creation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 9:23,24And 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Sovereignty of God in Operation Resources Why was the fire in the altar to burn continuously (Leviticus 6:13)? | GotQuestions.orgHow many times has God sent fire from heaven? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that God is a consuming fire? | 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) |