### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word בָּרָד (bârâd, `{{H1259}}`) is a masculine noun derived from the root בָּרַד (bârad, `{{H1260}}`), meaning "to hail." Its core meaning is quite specific and refers exclusively to "hail" or "hailstones," the frozen precipitation that falls from the sky. While its literal meteorological definition is narrow, its semantic range is expanded through its consistent deployment in biblical narratives and prophetic literature. In these contexts, בָּרָד transcends a mere weather phenomenon, becoming an active instrument and vivid symbol of divine power, judgment, and theophany. It is not just a natural occurrence but a vehicle for God's will.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word בָּרָד (bârâd) appears a relatively small number of times in the Hebrew Bible, but each occurrence carries significant theological weight.
* **The Plagues of Egypt:** The most prominent context for בָּרָד is the seventh plague visited upon Egypt. In [[Exodus 9:18]], [[Exodus 9:19]], [[Exodus 9:22]], [[Exodus 9:23]], [[Exodus 9:24]], [[Exodus 9:25]], and [[Exodus 9:26]], hail is described as unprecedented in its severity, mingled with fire, and causing widespread destruction to people, livestock, and crops throughout Egypt. Notably, the land of Goshen, where the Israelites resided, was spared, highlighting God's selective judgment and protection of His people. This event powerfully demonstrates YHWH's absolute control over creation and His sovereign power to execute judgment.
* **Joshua's Conquest:** In [[Joshua 10:11]], during the battle against the Amorite kings at Gibeon, YHWH casts "great stones of hail" (אבני ברד גדלות) upon the fleeing enemy, killing more by hail than by the sword of Israel. Here, בָּרָד functions as a divine weapon, directly intervening in battle to secure victory for Israel and demonstrating God's active participation in their conquest.
* **Prophetic Warnings and Judgment:**
* [[Isaiah 28:2]] and [[Isaiah 28:17]]: Hail (זרם ברד, "storm of hail") is depicted as a destructive force, symbolizing divine judgment against the pride and false security of Ephraim and Judah. It is an instrument that will sweep away lies and false refuges.
* [[Isaiah 30:30]]: The voice of YHWH is heard with "a tempest of hail" (בזרם אבן ברד), indicating His wrath and impending judgment, likely against Assyria.
* [[Ezekiel 13:11]] and [[Ezekiel 13:13]]: Hail is used metaphorically to describe the destruction of the "whitewashed wall" built by false prophets, signifying the futility and ultimate collapse of their deceptive counsel under divine judgment.
* [[Ezekiel 38:22]]: In the prophecy against Gog, YHWH promises to contend with him using "hailstones" (אבני אלגביש ברד), fire, and brimstone, signifying a cataclysmic divine intervention to protect Israel.
* **Psalms of Praise and Remembrance:**
* [[Psalm 78:47]] and [[Psalm 78:48]]: These verses recount the destructive power of hail during the Egyptian plagues, noting its impact on vines and livestock.
* [[Psalm 105:32]]: Also references the plague of hail in Egypt as an act of God's power.
* [[Psalm 18:12]] and [[Psalm 18:13]]: In a vivid description of God's theophany, hail is part of the accompanying storm, signifying His awesome power and presence. "From the brightness before Him hailstones and coals of fire broke out."
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Verb:** The noun בָּרָד (bârâd, `{{H1259}}`) is directly derived from the verb בָּרַד (bârad, `{{H1260}}`), meaning "to hail." This etymological connection underscores the direct link between the action of hailing and the resulting frozen precipitation.
* **Divine Judgment and Wrath:** בָּרָד is frequently associated with other destructive elements used by God as instruments of judgment, such as fire (אֵשׁ, `{{H784}}`), lightning (בָּרָק, `{{H1300}}`), and floods (שֶׁטֶף, `{{H7858}}`). These elements collectively portray the overwhelming power of divine wrath.
* **Natural Phenomena as Divine Instruments:** The consistent portrayal of hail, along with other natural elements like wind, rain, thunder, and earthquakes, as being under God's direct command highlights a key biblical concept: nature is not autonomous but serves as an obedient agent of the Creator's will, whether for judgment, blessing, or revelation.
* **"Stones" (אֶבֶן, `{{H68}}`):** The phrase "stones of hail" (אבני ברד) frequently appears (e.g., [[Joshua 10:11]], [[Ezekiel 38:22]]), emphasizing the solid, destructive, and often lethal nature of the hail as a weapon.
* **"Fire" (אֵשׁ, `{{H784}}`):** The remarkable combination of "hail and fire" in the Exodus plague ([[Exodus 9:24]]) and in descriptions of God's awesome presence (e.g., [[Psalm 18:12]]) signifies an extraordinary, supernatural manifestation of power and destruction, far beyond typical meteorological events.
### Theological Significance
The word בָּרָד (bârâd), "hail," carries profound theological weight, serving as far more than a meteorological term in the biblical text.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence:** The consistent depiction of hail as an instrument directly wielded by YHWH underscores His absolute sovereignty over creation. It is never a random act of nature but a precise manifestation of His will. This is powerfully demonstrated in the plagues of Egypt and the battle of Gibeon, where hail acts with devastating effect according to God's specific decree, proving His control over all natural forces.
2. **Instrument of Divine Judgment:** Primarily, בָּרָד serves as a potent symbol and tool of divine judgment against sin, rebellion, and the enemies of God's people. From Pharaoh's hardened heart to the false prophets of Israel and invading armies, hail is unleashed to demonstrate the inevitable consequences of defying the Almighty. It is a tangible expression of God's righteous wrath and justice, sweeping away the wicked and their deceptive foundations.
3. **Confirmation of Prophecy:** In prophetic literature, the threat or promise of hail serves to confirm the veracity of God's word and the inevitability of His judgment upon those who reject Him or build on false pretenses. It signifies the dismantling of human arrogance and deceit by divine power.
4. **Theophany and Awe:** In passages describing God's majestic appearance (e.g., [[Psalm 18]]), hail is part of the terrifying grandeur accompanying His presence. It evokes awe, fear, and reverence, reminding humanity of God's unapproachable holiness and overwhelming power.
5. **Distinction and Deliverance:** In the Exodus narrative, the selective nature of the hail plague (sparing Goshen, [[Exodus 9:26]]) highlights God's ability to distinguish between His people and their oppressors. This demonstrates His protective care and His commitment to deliver those who are His, even amidst widespread judgment.
### Summary
The Hebrew word בָּרָד (bârâd, `{{H1259}}`) denotes "hail" or "hailstones," but its significance in the biblical narrative extends far beyond a simple meteorological definition. It is consistently portrayed as a powerful instrument of YHWH, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over creation and His righteous character. Primarily, בָּרָד functions as a potent symbol and tool of divine judgment, unleashed against the wicked and those who defy God's will, as seen in the plagues of Egypt and the miraculous victory at Gibeon. It also appears in prophetic warnings, signifying the inevitable collapse of human pride and deceit, and in theophanic descriptions, evoking awe at God's majestic presence. Often associated with other destructive elements like fire, בָּרָד underscores the overwhelming power and precision of divine intervention. Ultimately, the study of בָּרָד reveals God's unwavering control over all things, His commitment to justice, and His ability to distinguish and protect His own amidst His righteous judgments.
TRV