Psalms 105:32

KJV

He gave them hail for rain, [and] flaming fire in their land.

KJV (with Strong's)

He gave {H5414} them hail {H1259} for rain {H1653}, and flaming {H3852} fire {H784} in their land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He gave them hail instead of rain, with fiery [lightning] throughout their land.

Berean Standard Bible

He gave them hail for rain, with lightning throughout their land.

American Standard Version

He gave them hail for rain, Andflaming fire in their land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 105:32 powerfully recounts the seventh of God's devastating plagues upon Egypt, where He supernaturally transformed life-sustaining rain into destructive hail, accompanied by continuous, flaming fire. This extraordinary divine judgment served as an irrefutable demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, Israel, in their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 105 is a magnificent historical psalm, forming part of a thematic trilogy (Psalms 104-106) that collectively celebrates God's character and His mighty acts in salvation history. It functions as a national hymn of praise, designed to call Israel to "remember his wondrous works that he hath done" ([Psalms 105:5](/psalms/105-5 "Psalms 105:5 - Remembering God's Wondrous Works")). The psalm systematically traces God's covenant faithfulness from the call of Abraham, through the patriarchal period, the sojourn in Egypt, the miraculous Exodus, and the eventual settlement in Canaan. Verses 26-36 specifically detail the ten plagues, serving as a pivotal narrative segment within the psalm that unequivocally highlights God's judicial power and His steadfast commitment to His promises. Psalms 105:32 directly references the seventh plague, which is comprehensively described in the Exodus narrative, particularly [Exodus 9:18-26](/exodus/9-18-26 "Exodus 9:18-26 - The Plague of Hail").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The plagues were not random acts of destruction but meticulously targeted judgments against the gods of Egypt and Pharaoh's perceived divine authority. The plague of hail and fire, specifically, struck at the very heart of Egypt's agricultural economy, destroying vital crops (flax and barley, which were ripe; wheat and spelt, which were not yet mature, as detailed in [Exodus 9:31-32](/exodus/9-31-32 "Exodus 9:31-32 - Crops Affected by Hail")), livestock, and even people caught outdoors. This was a direct challenge to Egyptian deities associated with the sky, storms, and fertility, such as Nut (the sky goddess), Seth (the god of storms and chaos), and Osiris (god of the afterlife and agriculture). The supernatural intensity of this plague, with hail mixed with continuous, terrifying lightning, would have been unprecedented, far exceeding any typical storm. Crucially, the land of Goshen, where the Israelites resided, was miraculously spared from this devastation, underscoring God's ability to distinguish between His people and the Egyptians, as explicitly stated in [Exodus 9:26](/exodus/9-26 "Exodus 9:26 - Goshen Spared from the Hail").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 105 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Power and Judgment**, showcasing God's absolute sovereignty over creation. He controls natural elements—hail, rain, and fire—and wields them as precise instruments of His righteous will against those who oppose His purposes and oppress His people. Secondly, it highlights **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant**. The plagues, including this devastating hail, were not merely acts of retribution but were integral to God's plan to fulfill His ancient promise to Abraham, delivering Israel from slavery and establishing them as His own nation ([Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "Genesis 15:13-14 - God's Promise of Deliverance")). Thirdly, the description emphasizes the **Supernatural Nature of the Plagues**. This was no ordinary weather phenomenon; the "flaming fire" accompanying the hail signifies a divine manifestation, a targeted and destructive act that demonstrated God's unique power and presence, distinct from any natural occurrence or human capability.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gave (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This verb, H5414, is a primitive root meaning "to give," but used with the greatest latitude of application, encompassing actions like putting, making, assigning, and delivering. In this context, it emphasizes God's direct, intentional, and sovereign agency. He actively "gave" or "sent" the hail and fire, underscoring that this was not a random meteorological event but a deliberate act of divine will and judgment.
* **hail (Hebrew, _bârâd'_):** This term, H1259, refers to frozen precipitation, specifically hailstones. In biblical literature, hail is frequently associated with divine judgment, wrath, and the manifestation of God's power over creation. Here, it signifies a destructive force, a weapon wielded by God, in stark contrast to the life-giving rain it replaced.
* **flaming (Hebrew, _lehâbâh'_):** This word, H3852, means "a flash" or "flame," often implying intense heat or light. When combined with "fire," it describes not merely lightning flashes but a continuous, intense, and destructive fire that accompanied the hail. This "flaming" aspect emphasizes the supernatural and terrifying nature of the seventh plague, suggesting an active, consuming, and pervasive divine manifestation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He gave them hail for rain":** This clause immediately establishes God's direct and sovereign agency as the instigator of the plague. The phrase "for rain" is crucial, highlighting a profound perversion of the natural order. Rain was essential for Egyptian agriculture and life, a blessing from the heavens. By replacing beneficial rain with destructive hail, God demonstrated His absolute control over creation and His deliberate act of turning a potential blessing into a devastating curse, specifically targeting Egypt's livelihood and the deities associated with fertility and weather.
* **"and flaming fire in their land":** This second clause describes the accompanying supernatural phenomenon that intensified the plague's terror and destruction. The "flaming fire" refers to the continuous, intense lightning that struck the ground, causing widespread devastation and consuming what the hail did not shatter. This was no mere thunderstorm; it was a divine assault, a visible manifestation of God's wrath and power. The specific mention "in their land" underscores the targeted nature of this judgment against Egypt, implicitly contrasting with the miraculous preservation of the land of Goshen where the Israelites resided.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 105:32 masterfully employs several literary devices to amplify its impact and convey the profound nature of the divine judgment. The most prominent device is **Contrast**, powerfully evident in the phrase "hail for rain." This juxtaposition highlights the inversion of a natural blessing into a catastrophic curse, underscoring God's absolute power to manipulate creation for His purposes. The description "flaming fire" utilizes vivid **Imagery** to evoke a sense of overwhelming terror and destruction, painting a visceral picture of the supernatural intensity of the plague. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** in the portrayal of "flaming fire," suggesting a level of continuous, destructive lightning that transcends ordinary weather phenomena, thereby emphasizing the miraculous and catastrophic nature of the event. Finally, the entire verse functions as a concise **Summary** of a complex and multifaceted historical event, distilling the essence of the seventh plague into a potent statement of divine judgment and omnipotence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates God's active and decisive involvement in human history, particularly His role as a righteous Judge and a faithful Deliverer. It underscores the profound biblical truth that God is utterly sovereign over all creation, capable of orchestrating natural phenomena to serve His divine purposes, whether for blessing or for judgment. The plague of hail and fire, therefore, is not merely a historical event but a profound theological statement about God's immutable character: His justice demands a response to sin and oppression, and His faithfulness compels Him to act on behalf of His covenant people. This event serves as a solemn warning to those who defy God and a steadfast source of assurance for those who trust in His power and promises, reminding us that no force can thwart His will.

* [Exodus 9:23-24](/exodus/9-23-24 "The Plague of Hail in Exodus")
* [Job 38:22-23](/job/38-22-23 "God's Control Over Hail")
* [Revelation 16:21](/revelation/16-21 "Future Hail Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 105:32 serves as a timeless and potent reminder of God's omnipotence and His unwavering commitment to justice and covenant. For believers today, this verse encourages a deep and abiding trust in God's sovereignty over all circumstances, even when faced with overwhelming opposition or seemingly insurmountable challenges. Just as He intervened decisively to deliver Israel from the might of Egypt, so too can He act powerfully in our lives, bringing about deliverance, provision, and vindication according to His perfect will. It also calls us to a sober understanding of divine justice, recognizing that God is not indifferent to sin or oppression, and that His righteous judgment will ultimately prevail. Furthermore, this passage compels us to cultivate a habit of remembering and recounting God's past works, allowing His historical faithfulness to strengthen our faith and provide unwavering assurance for the future. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and perceived powerlessness, the God who commanded hail and fire remains the steadfast anchor for our souls, demonstrating that His power knows no bounds.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the specific nature of the hail and fire plague (destructive rather than life-giving rain) reveal God's character and intentions towards Egypt?**
* **In what ways does remembering God's past acts of power, like the plagues, strengthen your faith in His ability to act in your present circumstances?**
* **How should the concept of God's divine judgment, as seen in this verse, shape a believer's understanding of justice and righteousness in the world today?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty over the "natural" elements and events of your life?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the hail and fire plague for the Egyptians?**

Answer: The plague of hail and fire (the seventh plague) was profoundly significant for the Egyptians on multiple levels. Economically, it devastated their essential crops (especially flax and barley) and livestock, striking at the very foundation of their livelihood and food supply. Spiritually, it was a direct and undeniable assault on their pantheon of gods, particularly those associated with the sky, weather, and fertility (e.g., Nut, Seth, Osiris), demonstrating the God of Israel's supreme power and authority over all their deities. Politically, it further broke Pharaoh's stubborn will, as he witnessed the unprecedented destruction and was compelled to acknowledge, "The Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked" ([Exodus 9:27](/exodus/9-27 "Exodus 9:27 - Pharaoh's Confession")). This plague, along with the others detailed in [Exodus 7-12](/exodus/7-12 "Exodus 7-12 - The Plagues"), was designed not only to secure Israel's release but also to reveal God's glory and power to both the Egyptians and the Israelites, leaving no doubt about His identity and might.

**How does this plague demonstrate God's sovereignty?**

Answer: This plague vividly demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty in several compelling ways. Firstly, it showcases His complete control over creation; He can manipulate natural elements like rain, hail, and fire, turning them into precise instruments of His will. This was not merely a severe weather event but a divinely orchestrated judgment, demonstrating His mastery over the cosmos. Secondly, God's sovereignty is profoundly evident in His ability to distinguish between peoples and lands. While the plague ravaged the land of Egypt, the land of Goshen, where the Israelites dwelt, was miraculously spared from its devastation ([Exodus 9:26](/exodus/9-26 "Exodus 9:26 - Goshen Spared")). This selective judgment highlights God's meticulous control and His unwavering covenant faithfulness to His chosen people. Thirdly, it underscores His sovereignty over human will, as He hardened Pharaoh's heart while simultaneously breaking his resistance through these powerful displays of divine might, ultimately fulfilling His redemptive purposes and demonstrating that His plans cannot be thwarted.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The powerful judgment of hail and flaming fire in Psalms 105:32, while a historical act of God's justice against Egypt, finds its ultimate theological fulfillment and transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The God who wielded natural elements as instruments of judgment is the same God revealed in Christ, through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")). Jesus Himself demonstrated supreme authority over nature, calming raging storms and walking on water, showcasing the very sovereignty over creation that was displayed in the plagues. More profoundly, the judgment unleashed upon Egypt foreshadows the ultimate judgment for sin, which Christ bore on the cross. He became the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), absorbing the full measure of divine wrath that humanity deserved. Thus, while the Old Testament plagues brought physical destruction and temporal deliverance, Christ's sacrifice offers spiritual deliverance from eternal judgment, providing refuge from the "wrath to come" ([1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Jesus Delivers from Wrath")). The terrifying "flaming fire" of judgment in Egypt points forward to the refining fire of God's holiness and the ultimate separation of those who are in Christ from those who reject Him, with Christ Himself being the divine means by which believers are saved from God's righteous anger and reconciled to Him ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from God's Wrath Through Christ")).

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 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.

Exodus 9:18

Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now.

Exodus 9:28

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.

Revelation 16:21

And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, [every stone] about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.

Revelation 11:19

And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

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.