Exodus 9:24

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Exodus 9:24 describes the devastating impact of the seventh plague unleashed upon ancient Egypt: a unique and unprecedented storm of hail and fire. This verse vividly portrays the severity of God's judgment against Pharaoh and the land, emphasizing its unparalleled destructive power.

Context

This verse is situated within the dramatic narrative of the plagues of Egypt, a series of divine judgments designed to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelite people from bondage. By this point, Egypt had already endured six plagues – water turned to blood, frogs, lice, flies, a pestilence on livestock, and boils. Each plague progressively intensified, targeting different aspects of Egyptian life and challenging their pantheon of gods. The hail plague, the seventh in the series, was a direct and powerful demonstration of Yahweh's control over the elements, something the Egyptian gods like Nut (sky goddess) or Shu (air god) could not withstand. This particular plague was so severe that even Pharaoh's own servants began to urge him to let the Israelites go, recognizing the hand of God.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Power: The plague of hail and fire undeniably showcases God's absolute sovereignty over creation. He controls natural forces, orchestrating events that defy natural explanation. The combination of hail (ice) and fire is inherently contradictory in nature, highlighting the supernatural origin of this event.
  • Severity of Judgment: The description "very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation" underscores the extreme and unparalleled nature of this judgment. It was a cataclysmic event, impacting crops, trees, people, and animals left outside, signifying the escalating consequences of Pharaoh's repeated defiance.
  • God's Uniqueness: This plague, like others, served to demonstrate that the God of Israel was distinct from and superior to all the gods of Egypt. No other deity could command such a phenomenon, nor had such a judgment ever been witnessed in Egyptian history.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "fire mingled with the hail" translates the Hebrew אֵשׁ מִתְלַקַּחַת בַּבָּרָד ('esh mitlaqqachath babbarad), which more literally means "fire taking hold of itself in the hail" or "fire catching itself in the hail." This suggests not merely fire and hail occurring simultaneously, but a miraculous phenomenon where fire was actively present within or intertwined with the hail, defying natural laws and emphasizing the supernatural power behind the plague. The term "very grievous" (כָּבֵד מְאֹד - kaved me'od) conveys immense weight, severity, and intensity, indicating the extreme suffering and damage inflicted.

Practical Application

Exodus 9:24 reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of the world and possesses ultimate control over all creation. This verse serves as a powerful testament to His justice and His commitment to delivering His people. For us today, it underscores:

  • The Consequences of Rebellion: Just as Pharaoh faced severe consequences for his stubbornness, resisting God's will can lead to dire outcomes. It is a call to humility and repentance.
  • God's Power Endures: The same God who commanded the elements in ancient Egypt is still sovereign today. We can trust in His power and authority, even when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.
  • Distinction and Deliverance: While the plague brought devastation to Egypt, God providentially protected the land of Goshen, where the Israelites resided (Exodus 9:26). This highlights God's ability to distinguish between the righteous and the unrighteous, offering protection and deliverance to those who are His.

This dramatic event in biblical history stands as a timeless reminder of God's might and the serious implications of defying His divine will.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 24:21 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.