Exodus 9:19

KJV

Send therefore now, [and] gather thy cattle, and all that thou hast in the field; [for upon] every man and beast which shall be found in the field, and shall not be brought home, the hail shall come down upon them, and they shall die.

KJV (with Strong's)

Send {H7971} therefore now, and gather {H5756} thy cattle {H4735}, and all that thou hast in the field {H7704}; for upon every man {H120} and beast {H929} which shall be found {H4672} in the field {H7704}, and shall not be brought {H622} home {H1004}, the hail {H1259} shall come down {H3381} upon them, and they shall die {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, send and hurry to bring indoors all your livestock and everything else you have in the field. For hail will fall on every human being and animal left in the field that hasn't been brought home, and they will die."'"

Berean Standard Bible

So give orders now to shelter your livestock and everything you have in the field. Every man or beast that remains in the field and is not brought inside will die when the hail comes down upon them.’”

American Standard Version

Now therefore send, hasten in thy cattle and all that thou hast in the field; for every man and beast that shall be found in the field, and shall not be brought home, the hail shall come down upon them, and they shall die.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 9:19 records a critical divine warning issued by God through Moses to Pharaoh and the Egyptians, commanding them to swiftly gather all people and livestock from the open fields. This urgent instruction precedes the devastating seventh plague of hail, explicitly stating that death will befall any man or beast left exposed. The verse profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over creation, His righteous judgment against defiance, and His remarkable mercy in providing a clear path to safety amidst impending wrath, distinguishing between those who would heed His word and those who would remain in stubborn rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 9:19 is strategically positioned within the escalating narrative of the plagues, serving as a crucial turning point before the seventh plague, the devastating hail. Prior plagues, such as the plague of boils ([Exodus 9:9-11](/exodus/9-9 "Exodus 9:9-11 - The Plague of Boils")) and the plague of flies ([Exodus 8:20-24](/exodus/8-20 "Exodus 8:20-24 - The Plague of Flies")), had already showcased God's immense power and Pharaoh's hardened resistance. This particular warning stands out because it offers a direct opportunity for the Egyptians to save themselves and their property, creating a clear distinction between those who would believe God's word and those who would remain defiant. Unlike previous plagues that affected specific targets or areas, this warning implies a universal threat to all outside, emphasizing the severity and breadth of the impending judgment. It also sets the stage for the subsequent plagues, highlighting Pharaoh's increasing culpability as he repeatedly rejects divine mercy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was an agrarian society, heavily reliant on its crops and livestock. The "field" (`sâdeh`, H7704) was central to their economy and survival. The plagues were not random acts but direct assaults on the Egyptian pantheon, demonstrating Yahweh's supremacy over their gods. Specifically, the hail plague would have challenged deities like Nut (sky goddess), Shu (air god), and Osiris (god of fertility and agriculture), whose domains were directly impacted. The warning to gather people and cattle into "home" (`bayith`, H1004) underscores the vulnerability of life exposed to the elements and the protective nature of shelter. This context amplifies the divine power displayed, as a natural phenomenon like hail is wielded with supernatural precision and destructive force, targeting those who ignore God's explicit command.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Exodus. It powerfully underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over natural phenomena and His ability to orchestrate events with precision, contrasting sharply with the impotence of Egypt's gods. It highlights God's **Justice and Mercy**, as judgment is meticulously executed, yet preceded by a clear warning and a path to escape for those who choose to obey. The theme of **Choice and Consequence** is prominent, as the outcome for individuals (life or death) hinges directly on their response to God's command. This also develops the theme of **Pharaoh's Hardening**, as his continued defiance despite such clear warnings and opportunities for repentance further illustrates his obstinacy and God's righteous judgment against it. The verse also subtly introduces the theme of **Salvation by Faith**, as those Egyptians who believed God's word and acted upon it were spared, foreshadowing a broader principle seen throughout biblical history, as seen in passages like [Genesis 7:1-5](/genesis/7-1 "Genesis 7:1-5 - Noah's Obedience and Salvation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 9:19 delivers a direct, urgent, and life-or-death divine command, signaling the immediate imminence and severity of the seventh plague.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Send (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** From H7971, meaning "to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)." In this context, it signifies a divine imperative, a direct command from God through Moses to Pharaoh. It implies an authoritative dispatch, not merely a suggestion, underscoring the urgency and the source of the instruction. God is actively initiating this final warning before judgment.
* **Gather (Hebrew, _ʼâçaph'_):** From H622, meaning "to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e. remove." This word conveys the necessity of immediate and comprehensive collection. It's not a casual suggestion but a command to bring in all vulnerable life and property from the exposed "field" (`sâdeh`, H7704), emphasizing the protective action required to avert disaster. The urgency is inherent in the command to "gather now."
* **Hail (Hebrew, _bârâd'_):** From H1259, meaning "hail; hail(stones)." This is not ordinary precipitation but a divinely orchestrated, destructive force. The term implies heavy, pounding, and lethal ice, signifying a judgment that is both precise in its target (anything in the field) and devastating in its effect. It highlights God's power over the natural elements, turning a common weather phenomenon into an instrument of His wrath.
* **Die (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** From H4191, meaning "to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill." This word is the stark consequence of disobedience. It emphasizes the absolute and certain outcome for those who ignore God's warning. The finality of "they shall die" underscores the severity of God's judgment and the ultimate stakes involved in heeding or rejecting His word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Send therefore now, and gather thy cattle, and all that thou hast in the field;"**: This opening clause is a direct divine injunction, conveyed through Moses, demanding immediate action. The phrase "Send therefore now" emphasizes the urgency, indicating that time is of the essence. The command to "gather thy cattle, and all that thou hast in the field" is comprehensive, encompassing both valuable livestock (which formed the basis of Egyptian wealth and sustenance) and any other possessions or people exposed in the open. This highlights God's initiative in providing a clear, actionable warning, even to His adversaries, offering a chance for preservation amidst impending judgment.
* **"[for upon] every man and beast which shall be found in the field, and shall not be brought home, the hail shall come down upon them, and they shall die."**: This clause details the precise and severe consequences of failing to heed the divine instruction. The specificity—"every man and beast which shall be found in the field"—underscores the exactness of God's judgment; it would not be indiscriminate but would target only those who remained exposed due to disobedience. The phrase "shall not be brought home" defines the condition for judgment, emphasizing that the danger lay in neglect of the warning. The impending "hail shall come down upon them" signifies the direct, divinely orchestrated nature of the plague, not a random natural event. Finally, "and they shall die" declares the certain and lethal outcome, emphasizing the absolute power of God's word and the dire consequences of defiance.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 9:19 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Command**, delivered with urgent authority, demanding immediate action from Pharaoh and his people. This command is simultaneously a **Warning**, clearly articulating the dire consequences of disobedience (death by hail) and providing a path to safety. This creates a stark **Contrast** between life and death, preservation and destruction, based entirely on one's response to God's word. The precise nature of the warning and its targeted outcome also demonstrate **Divine Sovereignty** over creation, as God controls the elements with absolute precision. Furthermore, the verse contains an element of **Foreshadowing**, as the principle of salvation through heeding a divine warning and taking refuge prefigures later biblical themes of salvation by faith and obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 9:19 is a profound theological statement, revealing God's character and principles of interaction with humanity. Even in the midst of escalating judgment against Pharaoh's stubbornness, God extends a merciful warning, offering a clear path to safety for those who would heed it. This demonstrates that God's justice is always tempered with an opportunity for repentance or escape, ensuring that judgment is never arbitrary but a consequence of willful defiance. The precise nature of the impending hail, affecting only those exposed, underscores God's absolute control over natural forces, contrasting sharply with the impotence of the Egyptian deities and affirming His unique sovereignty. The verse thus presents a stark choice between obedience, leading to preservation, and disobedience, leading to destruction, underscoring the universal principle of divine accountability and the efficacy of God's word.

* [Genesis 7:1-5](/genesis/7-1 "Genesis 7:1-5 - Noah's Obedience and the Flood")
* [Luke 13:3](/luke/13-3 "Luke 13:3 - Call to Repentance")
* [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience and Desire for Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 9:19 serves as a timeless reminder that God often provides clear warnings before judgment, both in ancient history and in our contemporary lives. Just as the Egyptians had a chance to save their livestock and lives by heeding God's specific instructions, we are called to pay attention to God's warnings found in Scripture, through the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and even through the natural consequences of sin. Ignoring these divine warnings can lead to devastating outcomes, while heeding them can bring protection, preservation, and spiritual flourishing. This verse powerfully highlights God's ultimate power over all things, assuring us that those who trust in Him and obey His word can find refuge and protection from life's storms, whether literal or metaphorical. It challenges us to consider our own responsiveness to God's voice and to act decisively in obedience, knowing that His warnings are always an act of mercy, reflecting His patience and His desire for all to come to repentance rather than perishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might God be issuing a warning that I have been slow to heed?**
* **How does this passage deepen my understanding of God's justice and His mercy?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a greater responsiveness to God's word and warnings in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why did God warn the Egyptians if He intended to harden Pharaoh's heart?**

Answer: God's warning in [Exodus 9:19](/exodus/9-19 "Exodus 9:19 - Warning Before the Hail") demonstrates His multifaceted character, simultaneously revealing His justice and His mercy. While God did harden Pharaoh's heart to display His power and glory, and to ensure the full revelation of His might to both Egypt and Israel, He simultaneously offered a clear path of escape to the Egyptian people. This warning served multiple purposes: it provided a genuine opportunity for any individual Egyptian to respond in faith and obedience, thereby distinguishing between those who would believe God's word and those who would not, regardless of their nationality. It further highlighted Pharaoh's extreme stubbornness and the righteousness of God's judgment, showing that even in judgment, God is just and provides a way out for those who would choose it. This principle is consistent with God's character throughout Scripture, where warnings often precede judgment, offering a chance for repentance or refuge, as seen in [Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God's Desire for Repentance").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 9:19, with its divine warning and provision of escape from impending physical judgment, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as God provided a physical refuge from the devastating hail, Christ is the ultimate spiritual refuge from the wrath to come, the judgment against sin. The command to "gather thy cattle, and all that thou hast in the field" prefigures Christ's compassionate call to "gather" all who believe into His fold, offering salvation from the ultimate and eternal judgment of sin. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, bearing the full force of divine wrath on the cross, allowing all who take refuge in Him to be spared (as highlighted in [Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justification by Christ's Blood")). Through Christ, God's mercy is fully revealed, providing not just a temporary reprieve from a physical plague, but eternal deliverance from sin, death, and the coming judgment for all who heed His call, believe in His atoning work, and find their "home" in Him (as promised in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Salvation") and [Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - Refuge in Hope")). He is the one who gathers His people, just as a hen gathers her chicks, offering protection from the storm of divine justice (a sentiment echoed in [Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus' Desire to Gather Israel")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Habakkuk 3:2

O LORD, I have heard thy speech, [and] was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.