Exodus 9:24

KJV

So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.

KJV (with Strong's)

So there was hail {H1259}, and fire {H784}{H3947} mingled {H8432} with the hail {H1259}, very {H3966} grievous {H3515}, such as there was none {H3808} like it in all the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} since it became a nation {H1471}.

Complete Jewish Bible

it hailed, and fire flashed up with the hail; it was terrible, worse than any hailstorm in all of Egypt since it became a nation.

Berean Standard Bible

The hail fell and the lightning continued flashing through it. The hail was so severe that nothing like it had ever been seen in all the land of Egypt from the time it became a nation.

American Standard Version

So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as had not been in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Vividly describes the seventh plague inflicted upon Egypt: an unparalleled and devastating storm of hail interwoven with fire. This cataclysmic event, unlike anything ever witnessed in Egypt's history as a nation, served as a profound demonstration of Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over creation, His unique power to execute judgment, and His unwavering commitment to deliver His people from oppression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the escalating narrative of the [plagues upon Egypt](/exodus/7 "The Beginning of the Plagues"), specifically detailing the climactic intensity of the seventh plague, the plague of hail. The divine warning for this plague is given in [Exodus 9:18](/exodus/9-18 "God's Warning About the Hail Plague"), emphasizing its unprecedented severity and God's purpose to reveal His incomparable power: "that you may know that there is none like me in all the earth" ([Exodus 9:14](/exodus/9-14 "God's Purpose for the Plagues")). Following six prior plagues—blood, frogs, gnats, flies, livestock pestilence, and boils—each targeting a different facet of Egyptian life and challenging a specific deity, the hail plague directly assaults their agricultural foundation and their gods of sky and storm. The immediate narrative surrounding describes Moses stretching his staff to initiate the storm ([Exodus 9:23](/exodus/9-23 "Moses Initiates the Hail Plague")) and the subsequent verses detail the widespread destruction across Egypt, while notably preserving the land of Goshen where the Israelites resided ([Exodus 9:26](/exodus/9-26 "God's Distinction for Goshen")). Pharaoh's temporary confession and plea for the plague's cessation follow in [Exodus 9:27-28](/exodus/9-27-28 "Pharaoh's Confession and Plea").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was an agrarian society, deeply reliant on the predictable cycles of the Nile and seasonal weather patterns for its sustenance. Their polytheistic worldview encompassed numerous deities associated with natural phenomena, including Nut (sky goddess), Shu (air god), Seth (god of storms and chaos), and especially Ra (the sun god), who was often associated with fire. The plague of hail and fire was a direct, devastating assault on this worldview and the perceived power of their gods. Hail, a rare and destructive occurrence in Egypt, combined with fire, represented a chaotic and unnatural phenomenon that none of their pantheon could control or prevent. This event not only decimated vital crops like flax and barley, which were ripe ([Exodus 9:31](/exodus/9-31 "Crops Destroyed by Hail")), but also killed livestock and people caught outside, striking at the very heart of Egyptian sustenance and life. The unprecedented nature of the storm ("such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation") served to demonstrate Yahweh's unique power and supremacy over all the gods of Egypt, proving Him to be the true sovereign over creation and history. Pharaoh, considered a divine king and the protector of Egypt, was personally challenged, as his inability to protect his land underscored his impotence before the God of Israel.

* **Key Themes:** Powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. Firstly, it underscores the **absolute sovereignty of Yahweh** over creation, demonstrating His ability to command and manipulate natural elements, even contradictory ones like fire and hail. This theme directly challenges the polytheistic beliefs of Egypt and the perceived power of their deities. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine judgment** against human rebellion, particularly Pharaoh's escalating defiance and hardened heart, showcasing the inevitable and severe consequences of resisting God's will. The plague's unprecedented nature emphasizes the **uniqueness and supremacy of Yahweh** over all other gods, proving His unrivaled power. Finally, this plague is integral to the theme of **God's faithfulness to His covenant promises** and His commitment to **deliverance for His people**, as it systematically dismantles the power of their oppressors and paves the way for Israel's exodus from bondage, as promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Covenant with Abraham")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hail (Hebrew, _bârâd'_):** (H1259) This word refers to frozen precipitation, often destructive in its impact. In the context of this verse, it signifies a physical manifestation of divine judgment, an unusual and catastrophic weather event for Egypt, highlighting the direct intervention of God into the natural order.
* **grievous (Hebrew, _kâbêd'_):** (H3515) Derived from a root meaning "heavy," this term conveys immense severity, difficulty, and a profound, weighty impact. When combined with "very" (*mᵉʼôd*), it emphasizes the extreme destructive power of the plague, indicating that it caused widespread suffering, significant material loss, and was exceptionally burdensome.
* **nation (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** (H1471) This word refers to a foreign nation or people. Its use in the phrase "since it became a nation" underscores the unprecedented historical scale of the event. It was not merely a severe storm but a unique cataclysm unparalleled in Egypt's entire history as an organized state, thereby magnifying God's singular power and action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So there was hail,"**: This clause sets the stage, introducing the primary destructive element of the plague, which, even alone, would be a rare and damaging occurrence in Egypt.
* **"and fire mingled with the hail,"**: This describes the miraculous and terrifying aspect of the plague—the impossible, unnatural combination of fire and ice. This defies natural laws, indicating a direct, supernatural act of God that transcends ordinary phenomena and highlights His extraordinary power over all elements.
* **"very grievous,"**: This phrase intensifies the description, emphasizing the profound severity, destructive impact, and immense suffering caused by the storm on the land, its inhabitants, animals, and crops.
* **"such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation."**: This final clause underscores the unparalleled, historical uniqueness of this judgment. It reinforces God's supreme power and His distinct action in human history, establishing this event as a singular, never-before-seen cataclysm in Egypt's entire existence as a unified entity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **hyperbole** ("such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation") to underscore the unprecedented nature and extreme severity of the plague, thereby emphasizing God's unique and unrivaled power. The striking **juxtaposition** of "fire mingled with the hail" creates a powerful and paradoxical image of supernatural chaos and divine control over contradictory elements. This serves as a vivid **metaphor** for God's ability to transcend natural laws to achieve His purposes, highlighting the miraculous and terrifying nature of His judgment. The **sensory imagery** of hail and fire evokes a visceral sense of destruction and divine wrath.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Powerfully reveals several core theological truths. Primarily, it showcases God's **absolute sovereignty over creation** and His ability to command the elements at will. The unnatural combination of hail and fire demonstrates that God is not bound by natural laws; He is their author and can suspend or manipulate them to achieve His purposes. This plague is a profound demonstration of **divine judgment** against human rebellion, specifically Pharaoh's persistent defiance of God's command to "let my people go." It highlights the escalating consequences of a hardened heart and the certainty of God's justice. Furthermore, it serves to establish the **uniqueness and supremacy of Yahweh** over all the gods of Egypt, proving that He alone is the true God, unrivaled in power and authority. This plague, like the others, is part of God's larger plan of **deliverance for His people**, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises and His commitment to freeing Israel from bondage.

This theme of God's power over creation and His use of natural phenomena for judgment and deliverance resonates throughout the biblical narrative.
* [Psalm 78:47-48](/psalms/78-47-48 "God's Judgment on Egypt with Hail and Fire") directly recounts this event, affirming God's destructive power over Egypt's produce and livestock through hail and lightning.
* [Psalm 104:7](/psalms/104-7 "God's Command Over Creation") declares God's command over the waters and elements, reflecting His ultimate control over all creation, similar to His control over the hail and fire.
* [Revelation 8:7](/revelation/8-7 "Hail and Fire Mixed with Blood in Eschatological Judgment"), where hail and fire mixed with blood are cast upon the earth, signaling God's ultimate and final judgments.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Though describing an ancient cataclysm, offers timeless lessons for contemporary life. It reminds us that God is not a distant, passive deity but an active, sovereign Lord who orchestrates events in history and holds ultimate control over all creation. In a world that often feels chaotic or random, this verse grounds us in the reality of God's ultimate control. We can find peace and trust in His power, even when faced with overwhelming circumstances, knowing that He is working His purposes. Pharaoh's story is a stark warning: persistent rebellion against God's revealed will leads to severe consequences. This calls us to humility, repentance, and a willingness to submit to God's authority in all areas of our lives. Just as God protected Goshen, He continues to distinguish His people and offer them protection and deliverance amidst the judgments of the world. This provides comfort and assurance that God cares for His own and will ultimately bring them through trials, guiding them towards His ultimate purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "impossible" combination of fire and hail in this plague challenge or deepen your understanding of God's power and nature?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be subtly resisting God's will, and what lessons can you draw from Pharaoh's escalating defiance?**
* **How does the assurance of God's sovereignty, as demonstrated in this plague, impact your approach to current global crises or personal challenges?**

### FAQ
**How could fire and hail exist together without one extinguishing the other?**

Answer: The biblical account describes this as a miraculous event, not a natural phenomenon. The Hebrew phrase, interpreted as "fire taking hold of itself in the hail" or "fire catching itself in the hail," suggests a supernatural intertwining rather than a mere co-occurrence. This defies natural laws, emphasizing that God was directly intervening and demonstrating His power over creation, a power that transcends the ordinary. It was a divine act designed to manifest His unique authority and prove His supremacy over all natural forces and Egyptian deities.

**Was this just an unusually severe natural disaster?**

Answer: No, the text explicitly states "such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation," indicating its unprecedented and supernatural nature. The combination of fire and hail, the precise timing initiated by Moses's staff, and the specific protection of Goshen ([Exodus 9:26](/exodus/9-26 "God's Distinction for Goshen")) all point to a divinely orchestrated judgment rather than a mere natural event, however severe. Its purpose was theological: to reveal Yahweh's supremacy and compel Pharaoh to release Israel.

**Why was this plague so destructive and "grievous"?**

Answer: The severity of the hail plague was a direct consequence of Pharaoh's increasing stubbornness and refusal to obey God's command to "let my people go." Each plague escalated in intensity and impact, serving as a progressively clearer demonstration of God's power and justice. This plague specifically targeted Egypt's agricultural foundation and exposed the impotence of their gods, aiming to break Pharaoh's will and secure the release of Israel. It was a necessary and just judgment given Pharaoh's persistent defiance, demonstrating that the wages of sin are severe ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Wages of Sin and Gift of God")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While describes a specific act of judgment in the Old Testament, its underlying themes find profound fulfillment and amplification in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The God who commanded hail and fire in Egypt is the same God revealed in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies divine **sovereignty over creation**. Jesus demonstrates this same divine power by calming storms with a word ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Jesus Calms the Storm")), walking on water ([Matthew 14:25](/matthew/14-25 "Jesus Walks on Water")), and multiplying food ([John 6:11](/john/6-11 "Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand")). He is the embodiment of the Creator's power, showing that the God who brought the plagues is fully present in Him. Furthermore, the plagues were God's means of **deliverance from physical bondage** for Israel in Egypt. Jesus, through His life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, provides the ultimate deliverance from a far greater bondage: slavery to sin and death ([Romans 6:6](/romans/6-6 "Freed from Sin") and [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Jesus Frees from Death's Power")). He is the greater Moses, leading His people—all who believe—out of the bondage of sin and into true freedom, eternal life, and fellowship with God, ushering in a new covenant of grace ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "The New Covenant")).

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

Matthew 24:21

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Exodus 10:6

And they shall fill thy houses, and the houses of all thy servants, and the houses of all the Egyptians; which neither thy fathers, nor thy fathers' fathers have seen, since the day that they were upon the earth unto this day. And he turned himself, and went out from Pharaoh.

Exodus 9:23

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.