Exodus 9:28

KJV

Intreat the LORD (for [it is] enough) that there be no [more] mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer.

KJV (with Strong's)

Intreat {H6279} the LORD {H3068}(for it is enough {H7227}) that there be no more mighty {H430} thunderings {H6963} and hail {H1259}; and I will let you go {H7971}, and ye shall stay {H5975} no longer {H3254}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Intercede with ADONAI - we can't take any more of this terrible thunder and hail; and I will let you go, you will stay no longer."

Berean Standard Bible

Pray to the LORD, for there has been enough of God’s thunder and hail. I will let you go; you do not need to stay any longer.”

American Standard Version

Entreat Jehovah; for there hath been enough of these mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Pharaoh, overwhelmed by the devastating seventh plague of hail, makes a desperate and seemingly repentant plea to Moses and Aaron to intercede with the LORD to stop the judgment, promising to finally release the Israelites. This moment marks a temporary, fear-driven concession, revealing the immense pressure of divine judgment but not a genuine change of heart.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of the seventh plague—the plague of hail, thunder, and fire—which has ravaged the land of Egypt, destroying crops, trees, people, and livestock, sparing only the land of Goshen where the Israelites resided. Immediately preceding this, [Pharaoh, for the first time, explicitly confesses his sin and acknowledges the LORD's righteousness](/exodus/9-27 "Exodus 9:27 - Pharaoh's Confession"), a significant shift from his previous defiance. His plea in this verse is a direct consequence of this overwhelming judgment. Following this verse, [Moses intercedes as requested](/exodus/9-29-33 "Exodus 9:29-33 - Moses' Intercession"), and the plague ceases. However, true to the recurring pattern, [Pharaoh hardens his heart once more](/exodus/9-34-35 "Exodus 9:34-35 - Pharaoh's Hardened Heart"), reneging on his promise upon the relief of the judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The plague of hail was a direct assault on several prominent Egyptian deities, particularly those associated with the sky, weather, and agriculture. For instance, Nut, the sky goddess; Shu, the god of air; and Seth, the god of storms and chaos, would have been seen as utterly powerless before the LORD's might. The destruction of crops (flax and barley, as noted in [Exodus 9:31](/exodus/9-31 "Exodus 9:31 - Impact of the Hail Plague")) and livestock was not merely an economic disaster but a profound theological challenge to Egypt's polytheistic worldview, demonstrating the LORD's absolute sovereignty over creation and the futility of their gods. Pharaoh's "softening" here is not an act of genuine repentance or conversion but a tactical maneuver born of extreme duress, characteristic of ancient Near Eastern rulers who might make temporary concessions to preserve their power or people in the face of overwhelming force.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **divine judgment** as God actively intervenes in human history to punish sin and secure the release of His people. It also underscores the **sovereignty of God** over all creation, demonstrating His absolute control over natural forces and His supremacy over all false gods. Furthermore, it highlights the **hardening of Pharaoh's heart**, a recurring motif that reveals the depth of human rebellion against divine will and serves to magnify God's power and glory. Finally, the verse touches upon the **nature of true versus false repentance**, distinguishing between a fear-driven concession and a genuine turning to God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 9:28 states: "Intreat the LORD (for [it is] enough) that there be no [more] mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer."

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Intreat (Hebrew, _ʻâthar'_):** From H6279, this primitive root signifies "to burn incense in worship," which then extends to "intercede" or "listen to prayer." Pharaoh's request for Moses to "intreat" the LORD is a profound acknowledgment of Moses' unique access to God and the divine source of the plagues. It's a recognition of Moses' mediatorial role, implying that only through Moses' intercession can the divine judgment be lifted.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the personal, covenantal name of God, signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal." Pharaoh's use of "the LORD" (Jehovah) here, rather than a generic term for deity, is a significant concession. It indicates his recognition, albeit under duress, that the God of Israel is the specific and powerful deity behind these judgments, far surpassing the gods of Egypt.
* **enough (Hebrew, _rab'_):** From H7227, this word can mean "abundant," "much," or "great." In this context, it conveys "too much" or "more than enough." Pharaoh is expressing that the devastation has reached an unbearable level; he has been pushed to his absolute limit by the intensity and destructiveness of the hail.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Intreat the LORD":** This is Pharaoh's direct appeal to Moses, acknowledging the LORD's power and Moses' special relationship with Him. It's a concession that the plagues are not random events but divinely orchestrated judgments, and that Moses possesses the unique ability to influence the divine will.
* **"(for [it is] enough) that there be no [more] mighty thunderings and hail":** Pharaoh's desperation is palpable. The parenthetical "it is enough" underscores the overwhelming nature of the judgment. He is not asking for a cessation of all plagues, but specifically the immediate, terrifying, and destructive hail. This reveals a desire for relief from consequences rather than a change of heart concerning his defiance or the release of Israel. The "mighty thunderings" (qôwl) and "hail" (bârâd) emphasize the sheer force of the divine assault.
* **"and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer":** This is Pharaoh's explicit promise, a direct response to the immense pressure. It's the very demand Moses has been making since [his first confrontation with Pharaoh](/exodus/5-1 "Exodus 5:1 - Moses and Aaron Confront Pharaoh"). However, the narrative context consistently shows that Pharaoh's promises under duress are insincere and short-lived, broken as soon as the pressure is relieved. This foreshadows his continued resistance and the necessity of further divine intervention.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader is already aware, through God's prior declarations to Moses, that Pharaoh will not truly let Israel go permanently. Pharaoh's promise, though seemingly sincere in his moment of terror, is thus dramatically ironic, highlighting his deep-seated stubbornness and God's ultimate control over the unfolding narrative. There is also a stark **Contrast** between Pharaoh's verbal concession and his subsequent actions, emphasizing the profound difference between fear-induced compliance and genuine repentance. This recurring pattern of Pharaoh's promises followed by hardening serves as a form of **Repetition** that reinforces the theme of God's power and Pharaoh's obstinacy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates several theological truths. First, it underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His power to execute judgment against those who defy His will. The plagues are not random acts of nature but precise, targeted demonstrations of divine authority, proving the LORD's supremacy over all false gods and human rulers. Second, it reveals the nature of false repentance, where concessions are made out of fear of consequences rather than a genuine transformation of heart. Pharaoh's promise is a tactical retreat, not a spiritual surrender. This highlights the biblical distinction between remorse (regret over consequences) and true repentance (a turning from sin to God). Finally, the verse emphasizes Moses' crucial role as an intercessor, a mediator between God and humanity, foreshadowing the ultimate mediator. This theme of divine judgment and human resistance connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's justice and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. Pharaoh's hardening heart is a recurring motif that demonstrates the depth of human rebellion against God's will.

* [Exodus 10:1](/exodus/10-1 "Exodus 10:1 - God Hardens Pharaoh's Heart"): This verse explicitly states God's purpose in hardening Pharaoh's heart, allowing for further demonstration of His power and glory.
* [Psalm 105:32-33](/psalms/105-32-33 "Psalm 105:32-33 - God Sends Hail and Lightning"): This psalm recounts God's mighty acts in Egypt, including the hail, affirming His control over nature as a tool of judgment and deliverance.
* [Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Proverbs 28:13 - Confessing and Forsaking Sin"): This proverb contrasts Pharaoh's temporary confession with true repentance, which involves both confessing and forsaking sin to find mercy, a condition Pharaoh consistently fails to meet.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 9:28 serves as a timeless reminder that outward concessions made under duress do not equate to genuine change of heart. In our own lives, we may find ourselves making promises to God or others when facing difficult consequences—whether financial ruin, health crises, relational breakdown, or spiritual conviction. This verse challenges us to examine the root of our "repentance." Is it a temporary reaction to pain, a desperate plea for relief from immediate consequences, or a sincere turning from sin with a commitment to lasting transformation and obedience to God's will? True repentance involves not just a desire for relief from consequences, but a fundamental shift in allegiance, a humble acknowledgment of God's righteousness, and a willingness to obey His commands out of love and devotion, not merely fear. It also highlights the power of earnest prayer and intercession, demonstrating that God hears and responds to the pleas of His servants, even when interceding for those who resist Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is the difference between regret over consequences and genuine repentance in your own life?**
* **How might fear-driven promises hinder true spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God?**
* **In what ways can you emulate Moses' role as an intercessor for others facing overwhelming circumstances or spiritual blindness, even when their hearts seem hardened?**

### FAQ
**Did Pharaoh genuinely repent in this verse?**

Answer: While Pharaoh expresses remorse and makes a promise to let Israel go, the biblical narrative consistently shows that his "repentance" was not genuine but a temporary reaction to overwhelming divine judgment. As soon as the plague ceased, [he hardened his heart again](/exodus/9-34-35 "Exodus 9:34-35 - Pharaoh's Hardened Heart"). This pattern indicates that his confession was born of fear and a desire for immediate relief, not a true change of heart or submission to the LORD. His actions demonstrate a regret of consequences, not a turning from sin.

**Why did God continue the plagues if Pharaoh promised to let the Israelites go?**

Answer: God knew Pharaoh's heart would harden again. The plagues served multiple purposes beyond simply securing Israel's release. They were designed to demonstrate God's absolute power over all Egyptian deities and the natural world, to reveal the depth of Pharaoh's rebellion, to bring glory to God's name throughout the earth, and to ultimately secure Israel's deliverance in a way that left no doubt about divine intervention ([as God states in Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "Exodus 9:16 - God's Purpose for Pharaoh")). The temporary concessions by Pharaoh allowed for further displays of God's might and judgment, fulfilling His sovereign plan and ensuring that Israel, and indeed all nations, would know that the LORD is God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 9:28, though an Old Testament narrative of judgment and deliverance, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Pharaoh's stubborn resistance to God's will and his inability to genuinely repent foreshadow humanity's inherent rebellion against God. Just as Pharaoh needed a divine act to break his bondage to the hail and ultimately release Israel, humanity is enslaved by sin and requires a greater deliverance than any earthly power can provide. Moses' role as the intercessor, pleading with God on behalf of Pharaoh and later for Israel, points forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate and perfect mediator. Unlike Moses, whose intercession was often met with continued human resistance and temporary relief, Christ's intercession on the cross fully atoned for sin, securing true and lasting liberation for all who believe. The plagues, which demonstrated God's power over creation and His judgment against sin, are ultimately transcended by Christ's victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness through His crucifixion and resurrection. He delivers His people not from physical bondage to a human oppressor, but from spiritual bondage to sin and death, offering a genuine and eternal release that no mere human promise could provide ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into Christ's Kingdom")). Pharaoh's broken promise highlights the futility of human efforts and the necessity of God's decisive, sovereign action through Christ to bring about true freedom and reconciliation. Through Christ, we receive not a temporary reprieve from judgment, but eternal life and a new heart that genuinely turns to God ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")).

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 8:8

Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD.

Exodus 10:17

Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and intreat the LORD your God, that he may take away from me this death only.

Exodus 8:28

And Pharaoh said, I will let you go, that ye may sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness; only ye shall not go very far away: intreat for me.

Exodus 11:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague [more] upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let [you] go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether.

Acts 8:24

Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

Psalms 29:3

The voice of the LORD [is] upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD [is] upon many waters.

Psalms 29:4

The voice of the LORD [is] powerful; the voice of the LORD [is] full of majesty.