Topical Encyclopedia The Plague of Rain upon Egypt is a significant event recorded in the Book of Exodus, marking one of the ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage. This particular plague is characterized by an extraordinary and destructive storm, which included thunder, hail, and fire, demonstrating the power and sovereignty of God over the natural elements.Biblical Account: The narrative of this extraordinary rain is found in Exodus 9:13-35. The Lord instructed Moses to confront Pharaoh with a message: "Let My people go, so that they may worship Me" (Exodus 9:13). God warned Pharaoh of the impending plague, emphasizing His power and the purpose of the plagues: to show His might and to proclaim His name throughout the earth. The plague commenced with Moses stretching out his staff toward the sky, as commanded by God. The result was an unprecedented storm: "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). This storm was unlike any other in Egypt's history, described as the worst hailstorm since the nation had become a kingdom (Exodus 9:24). Impact and Significance: The hailstorm was devastating, striking down everything in the fields, both man and beast, and shattering every tree (Exodus 9:25). The severity of the storm highlighted the futility of Egypt's gods and the impotence of Pharaoh against the God of Israel. The land of Goshen, where the Israelites resided, was spared, underscoring God's protection over His people (Exodus 9:26). Pharaoh's response to this plague was one of temporary repentance. He summoned Moses and Aaron, admitting his sin and acknowledging the righteousness of the Lord: "This time I have sinned," he said to them. "The LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked" (Exodus 9:27). However, once the storm ceased, Pharaoh's heart was hardened again, and he refused to let the Israelites go (Exodus 9:34-35). Theological Implications: The Plague of Rain upon Egypt serves as a powerful testament to God's control over creation and His ability to use natural phenomena to fulfill His divine purposes. It illustrates the theme of judgment against those who oppose God's will and the deliverance of His chosen people. The event also foreshadows the ultimate redemption and liberation that God provides through His covenant relationship with Israel. This extraordinary rain, as part of the ten plagues, is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, demonstrating God's justice, mercy, and the fulfillment of His promises to His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 9:18,23Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as has not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. ) The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt The Mystery A Bundle of Myrrh The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... Matt. Ii. 1, 2 The Prophet Joel. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Ancient Chaldaea Resources What is Joel's Army? | GotQuestions.orgHad it ever rained before the Flood in Noah's day? | GotQuestions.org Who was Elijah in the Bible? | 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) |