Exodus 9:26

KJV

Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel [were], was there no hail.

KJV (with Strong's)

Only in the land {H776} of Goshen {H1657}, where the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} were, was there no hail {H1259}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But in the land of Goshen, where the people of Isra'el were, there was no hail.

Berean Standard Bible

The only place where it did not hail was in the land of Goshen, where the Israelites lived.

American Standard Version

Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, was there no hail.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 9:26 serves as a profound testament to God's precise and protective sovereignty, vividly illustrating the miraculous distinction He made between Israel and Egypt during the devastating seventh plague of hail. While divine judgment in the form of a destructive hailstorm ravaged the entire land of Egypt, the fertile region of Goshen, where the children of Israel resided, remained miraculously untouched. This singular exemption underscored God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, His absolute control over creation, and His tender, discerning care for His chosen people amidst widespread calamity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the escalating narrative of the [ten plagues](/exodus/7 "The Beginning of the Plagues") God sent upon Egypt to force Pharaoh's hand and secure the release of His enslaved people. Specifically, [Exodus 9:26](/exodus/9-26 "The Land of Goshen Untouched by Hail") immediately follows the vivid description of the seventh plague, a catastrophic storm of hail and fire that devastated the land, destroying crops, livestock, and people in the open fields ([Exodus 9:25](/exodus/9-25 "The Devastation of the Hail Plague")). The narrative consistently highlights God's ability to differentiate between the Egyptians and the Israelites, a theme that began with the plague of flies ([Exodus 8:22-23](/exodus/8-22-23 "Distinction in Goshen during the Plague of Flies")) and continued with the livestock plague ([Exodus 9:4-6](/exodus/9-4-6 "No Livestock Plague in Goshen")). This persistent emphasis on divine distinction builds anticipation for Israel's eventual exodus and God's ultimate triumph over Pharaoh and his gods.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "land of Goshen" (Hebrew: *Gôshen*) was a fertile and distinct region located in the eastern Nile Delta, where Jacob and his family had been settled by Pharaoh centuries earlier, as recorded in [Genesis 47:6](/genesis/47-6 "Israel Settles in Goshen"). This geographical separation from the main Egyptian population centers facilitated the clear demonstration of God's selective judgment. The plagues themselves were not merely natural disasters but direct confrontations with the pantheon of Egyptian deities, challenging their supposed dominion over various aspects of creation. The hail plague, in particular, directly assailed deities associated with the sky (e.g., Nut), air (e.g., Shu), and agricultural fertility (e.g., Osiris, Min), proving Yahweh's supreme authority over all creation and every false god. God's precise targeting of Egypt while sparing Goshen served as a public, undeniable declaration of His unique covenant relationship with Israel and His absolute, unrivaled control over the natural world.
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 9:26](/exodus/9-26 "The Land of Goshen Untouched by Hail") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Distinction and Separation**, highlighting God's active choice to set apart His covenant people from the nations that oppose Him. Secondly, it exemplifies **Divine Protection and Provision**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to safeguard those He loves, even amidst widespread calamity and judgment. This theme is foundational to Israel's identity as God's chosen nation. Thirdly, the selective nature of the plague powerfully asserts the **Sovereignty of God** over all creation, including the elements, natural forces, and the destinies of nations and individuals. He alone commands judgment and mercy with absolute precision. Finally, this verse reinforces the theme of **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**, particularly those made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to multiply their descendants and to be their God ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant")). The protection of Israel in Goshen was a tangible sign of His enduring commitment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Goshen (Hebrew, _Gôshen'_):** This term refers to the specific geographical region in Egypt where the Israelites resided. Its repeated mention throughout the plague narratives, particularly in instances of divine distinction (e.g., [Exodus 8:22](/exodus/8-22 "Distinction in Goshen during the Plague of Flies"), [Exodus 9:4](/exodus/9-4 "No Livestock Plague in Goshen")), emphasizes God's precise knowledge of His people's location and His deliberate act of setting them apart. It functions as a divinely appointed sanctuary, a tangible sign of God's protective presence.
* **children (Hebrew, _bên'_):** While literally meaning "son," in this context, "children" (Hebrew: *bên*) refers to the descendants or posterity of Israel, signifying the entire nation. This highlights that the protection extended to Goshen was not due to any inherent quality of the land itself, but solely because God's chosen covenant people, the "children of Israel," were dwelling there. It underscores the personal and relational nature of God's protective care.
* **hail (Hebrew, _bârâd'_):** This word denotes the destructive frozen precipitation that fell throughout Egypt. The emphatic statement "no hail" (Hebrew: *lō' hāyāh bārād*) signifies a complete and absolute immunity. This was not a partial or lesser impact but a total absence of the devastating phenomenon, underscoring the miraculous nature of the exemption and demonstrating God's total control over the elements and His ability to protect precisely whom He wills.

#### Verse Breakdown
The verse, "Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel [were], was there no hail," is concise yet packed with profound theological meaning:
* **"Only in the land of Goshen..."**: This opening phrase immediately establishes a stark and dramatic contrast with the preceding verse ([Exodus 9:25](/exodus/9-25 "The Devastation of the Hail Plague")), which describes the widespread and indiscriminate devastation across the rest of Egypt. The word "only" (Hebrew: *raq*) emphasizes the exclusivity and uniqueness of the protection, highlighting Goshen as a singular exception to a universal judgment.
* **"...where the children of Israel [were]..."**: This crucial clause explicitly identifies the reason for Goshen's exemption: the presence of God's chosen people. It clarifies that the protection was not due to any natural geographical anomaly or inherent quality of the land, but solely because God's covenant people resided there. This underscores the personal and relational nature of God's care and commitment.
* **"...was there no hail."**: This simple, declarative statement confirms the complete and absolute absence of the destructive plague in that specific region. It was a visible, undeniable miracle, serving as a powerful sign to Pharaoh, the Egyptians, and the Israelites themselves, confirming the Lord's distinct relationship with Israel and His absolute, unparalleled power over creation.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [Exodus 9:26](/exodus/9-26 "The Land of Goshen Untouched by Hail") is **juxtaposition** and **stark contrast**. The horrific and widespread devastation of the hail plague throughout Egypt, described in the preceding verses, is immediately set against the serene, untouched, and miraculously preserved land of Goshen. This dramatic opposition serves to powerfully highlight God's omnipotence, His discerning judgment, and His unwavering, selective protection of His people. It is a vivid, experiential demonstration of the theological distinction God makes between those who are His and those who oppose Him, a theme echoed later in Scripture, such as in [Malachi 3:18](/malachi/3-18 "The distinction between the righteous and the wicked"). The use of **hyperbole** in describing the hail's destructive power across Egypt further magnifies the miraculous nature of Goshen's complete immunity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 9:26 profoundly encapsulates several enduring theological truths that resonate throughout biblical history. It teaches that God is not merely a distant deity but an active, discerning, and interventionist Lord who intimately knows and deliberately distinguishes between His people and those who oppose Him. This divine separation is rooted not in human merit, but in God's sovereign choice and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The verse stands as a powerful testament to God's active and unwavering protection of His chosen, demonstrating that even amidst widespread calamity and judgment, He provides a sanctuary and ensures the safety of those He loves. This selective preservation unequivocally demonstrates God's absolute control over all creation—the elements, natural forces, and the destinies of nations and individuals—proving that He is the one true God, unrivaled in power and authority.
* [Psalm 91:7-10](/psalms/91-7-10 "God's protection amidst disaster"): "A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you... For you have made the Lord your dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge—no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent."
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "All things work together for good"): "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."
* [Isaiah 43:2](/isaiah/43-2 "God's presence in trials"): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, and no flame shall consume you."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 9:26 offers enduring encouragement and a profound challenge for believers today, reminding us of God's unchanging character and our privileged position within His sovereign plan. Just as God knew the precise location of His people in Goshen and extended His hand of protection, He knows and watches over those who are His today. We are not lost in the vastness of humanity; God's eye is upon us, and His hand is actively at work in our lives, even when circumstances seem chaotic or overwhelming. This truth should cultivate a deep sense of security, belonging, and peace, knowing that our ultimate sanctuary is found in Him. While we may not always experience physical exemption from hardship in a fallen world, this verse assures us that God can provide a spiritual "Goshen"—a place of peace, presence, and protection for our souls, even when external circumstances are tumultuous. Our faith is rightly placed in a God who can command the elements, make precise distinctions, and ultimately deliver His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's protective distinction, even when the "hail" of the world's challenges seems overwhelming?**
* **How does the story of Goshen deepen your understanding of God's personal and sovereign care for you, and how might that impact your daily walk of faith?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a sense of "spiritual Goshen"—a place of peace and refuge in God's presence—amidst the inevitable trials and uncertainties of life?**

### FAQ
**Was the land of Goshen naturally immune to hail, or was this a miracle?**

Answer: The biblical text explicitly presents this as a miraculous intervention by God, not a natural phenomenon. The preceding verses ([Exodus 9:23-25](/exodus/9-23-25 "The Devastation of the Hail Plague")) describe the widespread and unprecedented devastation of the hail throughout "all the land of Egypt," making the complete exemption of Goshen a clear and undeniable act of divine distinction and power. If it were merely a natural weather pattern, it would undermine the profound theological point of God's specific and intentional protection of Israel, and the narrative would lose its force as a demonstration of Yahweh's supremacy over Pharaoh and the Egyptian gods.

**Does God still make such clear distinctions between people today?**

Answer: While we may not always witness such dramatic physical distinctions as seen in the plagues, the Bible unequivocally teaches that God absolutely makes a spiritual distinction between those who are His and those who are not. Believers are "in Christ" and are spiritually protected from the ultimate judgment that awaits the unrighteous ([John 3:18](/john/3-18 "Those who believe are not condemned")). God continues to providentially care for and preserve His people, though His methods may vary according to His sovereign will and the purposes of His kingdom. The ultimate distinction is between those who have received salvation through faith in Jesus and those who remain under condemnation.

**Why did God need to send so many plagues to convince Pharaoh?**

Answer: The series of plagues served multiple, interconnected purposes. They were designed to demonstrate God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and over the gods of Egypt, progressively revealing Yahweh's unrivaled power. They were also the means by which God redeemed His people from slavery, establishing His name and power not only in Egypt but throughout the world. Furthermore, the plagues served to harden Pharaoh's heart, not because God desired his destruction, but to showcase divine justice and the stubbornness of human rebellion, ultimately magnifying God's glory through Pharaoh's persistent defiance ([Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "God raised up Pharaoh to show His power")). Each plague was a direct challenge to a specific Egyptian deity or aspect of their worldview, systematically dismantling their spiritual foundations and proving Yahweh's supremacy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine distinction and protective sanctuary demonstrated in [Exodus 9:26](/exodus/9-26 "The Land of Goshen Untouched by Hail") find their ultimate fulfillment and profound amplification in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as Goshen was a physical refuge from God's judgment upon Egypt, Jesus Christ is the ultimate spiritual sanctuary for all who believe. Through His atoning death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, He provides a perfect and eternal refuge from the wrath of God against sin. To be "in Christ" is to be in a spiritual Goshen, completely protected and eternally secure from the condemnation that awaits the world ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "No condemnation for those in Christ")). The cross of Christ stands as the ultimate point of distinction; there, Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, bore the full weight of divine judgment and the "hail" of God's wrath that was due to humanity, allowing those who trust in Him to be set apart, declared righteous, and reconciled to God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "Christ became sin for us")). While believers in Christ are not guaranteed physical exemption from all suffering in this fallen world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "In the world you will have tribulation")), they are guaranteed ultimate spiritual protection and preservation unto eternal life. Jesus' prayer for His disciples was not that they be taken out of the world, but that they be "kept from the evil one" ([John 17:15](/john/17-15 "Jesus prays for protection from the evil one")), echoing the divine protection seen in Goshen, now applied to the spiritual realm and eternal destiny. The Exodus from Egypt, with its miraculous deliverance and divine distinction, powerfully foreshadows the greater exodus from sin and death accomplished by Christ, who leads His people out of spiritual slavery and into His eternal kingdom, protecting them from ultimate judgment.

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

Exodus 11:7

But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.

Exodus 9:4

And the LORD shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt: and there shall nothing die of all [that is] the children's of Israel.

Exodus 10:23

They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.

Exodus 9:6

And the LORD did that thing on the morrow, and all the cattle of Egypt died: but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not one.

Exodus 12:13

And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye [are]: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy [you], when I smite the land of Egypt.

Exodus 8:22

And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms [of flies] shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I [am] the LORD in the midst of the earth.

Exodus 8:32

And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go.