Exodus 9:23

KJV

And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} stretched forth {H5186} his rod {H4294} toward heaven {H8064}: and the LORD {H3068} sent {H5414} thunder {H6963} and hail {H1259}, and the fire {H784} ran along {H1980} upon the ground {H776}; and the LORD {H3068} rained {H4305} hail {H1259} upon the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe reached out with his staff toward the sky, and ADONAI sent thunder and hail, and fire ran down to the earth. ADONAI caused it to hail on the land of Egypt -

Berean Standard Bible

So Moses stretched out his staff toward heaven, and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and lightning struck the earth. So the LORD rained down hail upon the land of Egypt.

American Standard Version

And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and Jehovah sent thunder and hail, and fire ran down unto the earth; and Jehovah rained hail upon the land of Egypt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Dramatically narrates the unleashing of the seventh plague upon Egypt, a cataclysmic storm of hail, thunder, and fire, initiated by the LORD through Moses. This pivotal moment vividly demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and His righteous, targeted judgment against Pharaoh's obstinate rebellion and the pervasive idolatry of the Egyptian empire.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks the terrifying fulfillment of the LORD's explicit warning to Pharaoh, detailed in [Exodus 9:13-21](/exodus/9-13-21 "Moses warns Pharaoh about the seventh plague"). Crucially, this warning included a merciful provision for those who would heed it, allowing them to protect their livestock and servants, highlighting God's grace even amidst impending judgment. The immediate narrative flow, from the LORD's command to Moses in [Exodus 9:22](/exodus/9-22 "The LORD tells Moses to stretch out his hand for hail") to the vivid description of the plague's severity in [Exodus 9:24](/exodus/9-24 "The severity of the hail plague"), underscores Moses' obedient action as the catalyst for divine intervention. The narrative consistently emphasizes that this was no ordinary weather event but a direct, supernatural act of God, meticulously distinguished from the land of Goshen where the Israelites resided, which remained untouched ([Exodus 9:26](/exodus/9-26 "The land of Goshen was spared from the hail")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The plague of hail was a devastating assault on the very fabric of Egyptian society and its religious worldview. As an agrarian civilization, Egypt's economy was deeply reliant on the predictable cycles of the Nile and the stability of its climate; a hailstorm of this magnitude would obliterate crops, decimate livestock, and bring widespread famine. Spiritually, this plague directly challenged the dominion of several prominent Egyptian deities and undermined Pharaoh's divine authority. It specifically targeted Nut, the sky goddess; Shu, the god of the air and atmosphere; Seth, the god of storms and chaos; and even Ra, the sun god, whose light and warmth were now overshadowed by divine tempest. Pharaoh himself, considered the living embodiment of Horus and the guarantor of *ma'at* (cosmic order), was utterly discredited. The LORD's ability to unleash such unprecedented chaos, despite Pharaoh's fervent prayers and rituals to his gods, unequivocally demonstrated the God of Israel's supreme sovereignty over all creation, exposing the impotence of the Egyptian pantheon.
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 9:23](/exodus/9-23 "The Seventh Plague: Hail and Fire") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus. Primarily, it powerfully illustrates God's **absolute sovereignty over creation**, demonstrating His complete control over natural elements like thunder, hail, and fire, directly challenging the perceived control of Egyptian deities. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine judgment and justice**, showcasing God's righteous wrath against Pharaoh's hardened heart and the idolatry of Egypt, a theme that resonates throughout the plague narratives and finds its theological basis in passages like [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "God's wrath revealed from heaven"). Thirdly, the miraculous sparing of Goshen ([Exodus 9:26](/exodus/9-26 "The land of Goshen was spared from the hail")) reinforces the theme of **God's distinction and protective care for His covenant people**, underscoring His faithfulness to Israel even amidst widespread destruction. This distinction anticipates God's ultimate separation of the righteous from the wicked.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Exodus 9:23](/exodus/9-23 "The Seventh Plague: Hail and Fire") precisely details the divine orchestration of the hail plague, emphasizing God's direct involvement through Moses' obedient action.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rod (Hebrew, _maṭṭeh_):** H4294, meaning "a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance), or walking (a staff; figuratively, a support of life, e.g. bread); rod, staff, tribe." Moses' "rod" is far more than a simple shepherd's staff; it is a potent symbol of divine authority and a tangible instrument through which God's miraculous power is channeled. Its stretching "toward heaven" signifies a direct appeal to the celestial realm, from which the judgment descends, emphasizing that the power originates solely from the LORD, not from Moses himself.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh_):** H3068, meaning "(the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord." The repeated use of "the LORD" (YHWH, God's covenant name) throughout the verse ("the LORD sent," "the LORD rained") is profoundly significant. It asserts that this was not a random meteorological event but a personal, intentional act of the sovereign God who had entered into covenant with Israel. This repetition highlights His active, personal involvement and supreme control over all natural phenomena, distinguishing Him from the impotent gods of Egypt.
* **Ran along (Hebrew, _hâlak_):** H1980, meaning "to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively); ...run (along)..." The phrase "the fire ran along upon the ground" translates the Hebrew *'esh mithhallekhet*, literally "fire walking" or "fire moving itself." The verb *hâlak* (to walk/run) here personifies the fire, suggesting a terrifying, active, and independent movement of supernatural fire, perhaps intertwined with or preceding the hailstones. This unique manifestation adds an element of divine terror and demonstrates a power far beyond any natural storm, underscoring the miraculous and unprecedented nature of this judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven:"** This action is the divinely appointed signal, a direct and obedient response to God's command in [Exodus 9:22](/exodus/9-22 "The LORD tells Moses to stretch out his hand for hail"). Moses acts as God's chosen agent, visually connecting the earthly gesture with the heavenly decree. His posture, reaching "toward heaven," signifies that the ensuing catastrophe is not random but a direct, willed response from the divine realm.
* **"and the LORD sent thunder and hail,"** Immediately following Moses' obedient action, the LORD Himself initiates the plague. The inclusion of "thunder" (Hebrew *qôl*, "voice" or "sound") adds an overwhelming auditory dimension to the terror, signifying God's powerful voice and majestic presence. The "hail" (Hebrew *bârâd*) is not merely frozen precipitation but a weapon in God's arsenal, demonstrating His mastery over the elements.
* **"and the fire ran along upon the ground;"** This unique and terrifying phenomenon, the "walking fire," emphasizes the supernatural intensity and destructive power of the plague. It suggests a direct, active manifestation of divine energy accompanying the hail, making the storm uniquely devastating and clearly miraculous. This fire, distinct from ordinary lightning, underscores the extraordinary nature of God's judgment.
* **"and the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt."** The repetition of "the LORD" (YHWH) and the specific mention of "rained hail" reinforce God's direct agency and the widespread impact of the judgment. The hail was not localized but fell "upon the land of Egypt," indicating a comprehensive, inescapable, and divinely orchestrated judgment across the entire nation, leaving no doubt as to its source or purpose.

#### Literary Devices
[Exodus 9:23](/exodus/9-23 "The Seventh Plague: Hail and Fire") masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Vivid Imagery** is prominent, painting a terrifying picture of "thunder and hail" and "fire ran along upon the ground," engaging both auditory and visual senses to impress the severity of the plague. The phrase "fire ran along upon the ground" is a striking example of **Personification**, attributing a human action (running) to an inanimate force (fire), which creates a sense of active, almost sentient destruction, making the divine judgment feel immediate and inescapable. The **Repetition** of "the LORD" (*YHWH*) throughout the verse ("the LORD sent," "the LORD rained") serves to emphasize divine agency and reinforce God's absolute sovereignty, leaving no ambiguity about the source of this cataclysm. Furthermore, the rapid succession of events—Moses' action, God's sending, the fire's movement, and the raining hail—builds **Dramatic Tension** and highlights the instantaneous and overwhelming nature of divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Exodus 9:23](/exodus/9-23 "The Seventh Plague: Hail and Fire") profoundly articulates several core theological truths. It unequivocally demonstrates God's absolute and unchallenged sovereignty over all creation, asserting that the LORD is not merely a tribal deity but the supreme ruler who commands the very elements of nature—thunder, hail, and fire—using them as instruments of His will. This directly challenges and dismantles the authority of the Egyptian pantheon and Pharaoh's perceived control over the cosmos. Furthermore, the plague is a clear act of divine judgment and justice, underscoring the biblical principle that persistent rebellion against God's commands and the oppression of His people will inevitably incur severe consequences. It illustrates God's righteous wrath in action, revealing His unwavering commitment to justice. Finally, the miraculous sparing of Goshen highlights God's covenant faithfulness and His protective care for His chosen people, distinguishing them from those under judgment.

* [Psalm 29:3-9](/psalms/29-3-9 "The voice of the LORD in the storm")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "God's wrath revealed from heaven")
* [Exodus 9:26](/exodus/9-26 "The land of Goshen was spared from the hail")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding [Exodus 9:23](/exodus/9-23 "The Seventh Plague: Hail and Fire") calls us to a deeper apprehension of God's character as the active, sovereign Lord who holds ultimate control over all things, including the most formidable forces of nature. In a world frequently shaken by natural disasters, this verse offers a profound and comforting truth: even amidst chaos and destruction, God remains firmly on His throne. It compels us to place our complete trust in His ultimate authority and to recognize that His judgments, though at times severe and terrifying, are always rooted in perfect righteousness and justice. For believers, it powerfully underscores His protective care, assuring us that He knows and distinguishes His own, watching over them with unwavering faithfulness. For those who resist His will, it serves as a sober and urgent warning that persistent rebellion and unrepentant sin will ultimately face the inescapable reality of His righteous judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the portrayal of God's absolute sovereignty over nature in this verse impact your perspective on current global challenges or personal adversities?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be subtly hardening your heart against God's revealed will, mirroring Pharaoh's resistance, and what practical steps can you take to cultivate a posture of immediate obedience?**
* **Considering God's miraculous distinction between Israel and Egypt, how does this truth encourage you regarding His specific care and protection for His people in the present day?**

### FAQ
**Why did God use a natural phenomenon like hail for a plague?**

Answer: While hail is a natural phenomenon, the plague described in [Exodus 9:23](/exodus/9-23 "The Seventh Plague: Hail and Fire") was profoundly supernatural in its orchestration, intensity, and selectivity. It occurred precisely at Moses' command, was uniquely severe (hail mixed with active fire), and miraculously spared the land of Goshen where the Israelites lived ([Exodus 9:26](/exodus/9-26 "The land of Goshen was spared from the hail")). God often uses natural elements to demonstrate His power and judgment, showing that He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, not limited by natural laws. This particular plague served to highlight His absolute supremacy over the Egyptian gods who supposedly controlled such elements, proving their impotence and His singular omnipotence.

**Does God still act with such direct judgment today?**

Answer: While we do not typically witness direct, localized plagues like those in Exodus, the Bible teaches that God's judgment is still active in the world, though often in different forms. This can manifest through the natural consequences of sin, societal decay, and even natural disasters, which serve as sobering reminders of human fragility and God's ultimate authority over creation. Ultimately, the New Testament points to a future, final judgment that will be executed by Jesus Christ ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "The Son of Man judges the nations")), making the Exodus plagues a powerful foreshadowing of God's righteous wrath against sin and His ultimate victory over all rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The awe-inspiring themes embedded in [Exodus 9:23](/exodus/9-23 "The Seventh Plague: Hail and Fire") find their ultimate fulfillment and profound amplification in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty over creation in the plague narrative points directly to Jesus, who Himself displayed unparalleled authority over nature, effortlessly calming tempestuous storms with a mere word ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Jesus rebukes the wind and waves")) and walking upon the tumultuous sea ([Matthew 14:25](/matthew/14-25 "Jesus walks on water")). He is revealed not merely as a prophet, but as the very Creator through whom all things were made, and by whom all things are sustained and held together ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "All things created through Him and for Him")). Furthermore, the judgment meted out against Egypt foreshadows the ultimate and final judgment that will be carried out by Christ. While the plagues were a partial, temporal judgment against Pharaoh's hardened heart and the idolatry of a nation, Jesus will return as the righteous Judge of all humanity, bringing perfect justice against all ungodliness and rebellion ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Christ the Warrior and Judge")). Yet, in His first coming, Jesus bore the full, unmitigated weight of God's wrath against sin on the cross, offering a pathway of salvation and protection from that wrath to all who believe in Him ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Saved from wrath through Him")). Thus, the distinction God made between Israel and Egypt in the plague finds its ultimate and eternal expression in Christ, who separates those who are His by faith from those who are not, offering eternal refuge and life to His chosen people.

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

Psalms 18:13

The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail [stones] and coals of fire.

Joshua 10:11

And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, [and] were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: [they were] more which died with hailstones than [they] whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.

Ezekiel 38:22

And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that [are] with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.

Isaiah 30:30

And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of [his] anger, and [with] the flame of a devouring fire, [with] scattering, and tempest, and hailstones.

Psalms 78:47

He destroyed their vines with hail, and their sycomore trees with frost.

Psalms 78:48

He gave up their cattle also to the hail, and their flocks to hot thunderbolts.

Revelation 8:7

¶ The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.