The miracle of hail brought upon Egypt is one of the ten plagues that God executed through His servants Moses and Aaron, as recorded in the Book of Exodus. This particular plague is the seventh in the series and serves as a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty and judgment against the false gods of Egypt, as well as a testament to His protection over His chosen people, Israel.

Biblical Account

The account of the hail plague is found in Exodus 9:13-35. God instructs Moses to rise early in the morning and 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'" (Exodus 9:13). God warns Pharaoh of the impending disaster, emphasizing His unmatched power and the purpose of the plagues: to show His might and to proclaim His name throughout the earth (Exodus 9:14-16).

Moses, following God's command, stretches out his staff toward the sky, and the LORD sends thunder, hail, and lightning flashing down to the earth. The hailstorm is described as the worst in all the land of Egypt since it had become a nation (Exodus 9:23-24). The devastation is extensive, striking down everything in the fields—both man and beast—and shattering every tree. However, in the land of Goshen, where the Israelites reside, there is no hail, highlighting God's protective hand over His people (Exodus 9:26).

Theological Significance

The plague of hail serves multiple purposes within the narrative of the Exodus. It is a direct challenge to the Egyptian deities, particularly those associated with the weather and agriculture, such as Nut, the sky goddess, and Osiris, the god of crops and fertility. By controlling the elements, God demonstrates His supremacy over these false gods and the natural world.

Furthermore, the plague is a call to repentance for Pharaoh and the Egyptians. Despite the clear evidence of God's power, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened, illustrating the spiritual blindness and stubbornness that can afflict those who resist God's will. The selective nature of the plague, sparing the Israelites, underscores the theme of divine election and covenant faithfulness.

Moses and Aaron as Instruments of God

Moses and Aaron, as God's chosen leaders, play crucial roles in executing His divine will. Their obedience and faithfulness in delivering God's messages and performing the miraculous signs are central to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for Israel. The miracle of hail, like the other plagues, is a testament to their role as mediators between God and His people, as well as instruments of His judgment against Egypt.

Impact on Pharaoh and Egypt

The devastation caused by the hail prompts Pharaoh to acknowledge his sin and the righteousness of the LORD, albeit temporarily. He summons Moses and Aaron, confessing, "I have sinned this time. The LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked" (Exodus 9:27). However, once the storm ceases, Pharaoh's heart hardens again, and he refuses to let the Israelites go, setting the stage for the subsequent plagues.

The miracle of hail, therefore, is not only a demonstration of God's power but also a pivotal moment in the narrative of Israel's deliverance. It highlights the themes of judgment, mercy, and the call to recognize the one true God, who alone holds authority over creation and history.Exodus 9:23
And 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

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
... of a bride; such weariness and faintness through their malignant ... that the prophets
or great men of old had wrought. ... of Egypt had imitated the miracles of Moses ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xii the baptism of.htm

On the Article, and in one Holy Ghost, the Comforter, which Spake ...
... Spirit; and to another workings of miracles; and to ... The Father through the Son, with
the Holy Ghost ... he did righteously, and grieved Him not, wrought deeds above ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xvi on the article.htm

The Doctrine
... the law discovered to a people by the servants of Jesus ... that God doth smile upon
His children through, is the ... be when men drop under the wrath of God as fast ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ... But this shall not fail to
be wrought in them ... He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

part i
... this same Cross and name of Christ do not perform any miracles, until I ... When you
see your body wasted through sickness, do not murmur against God, but say ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

What is the difference between miracles and magic? | GotQuestions.org

What were the miracles of Jesus? What miracles did Jesus perform? | GotQuestions.org

Does God still perform miracles? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus