The Hebrew word bârâd, represented by H1259, is the term for hail. It appears 29 times across 26 unique verses in the Bible. This word is consistently used to describe frozen precipitation, often of a destructive and miraculous nature, wielded as an instrument of divine power.
The underlying root H1258 bârad, from which H1259 derives, carries the sense of "to scatter" or "to separate." This etymological connection subtly underscores the physical phenomenon of hail, where individual frozen pellets are scattered across the landscape, often with devastating effect. Beyond its direct destructive capability, the biblical portrayal of H1259 also highlights its miraculous specificity, such as its absence in Goshen Exodus 9:26, demonstrating a divine precision that distinguishes it from ordinary meteorological events. Its appearance is frequently accompanied by a terrifying sensory experience, including the visible mingling with fire and the formidable sounds of thunder, creating an overwhelming spectacle of divine power.
In the biblical narrative, H1259 is most famously featured as the seventh plague upon Egypt. The LORD H3068 sent hail H1259 so grievous that it was mingled with fire H784 Exodus 9:24. This plague was targeted, as the Bible notes there was no hail H1259 in the land of Goshen where the children of Israel lived Exodus 9:26. It is also depicted as a direct weapon of God in battle. During an Israelite pursuit, the LORD H3068 cast down great stones H68 from heaven, and more enemies died from the hailstones H1259{H68} than from the sword Joshua 10:11. Prophetic literature uses hail H1259 to symbolize a divine judgment that will sweep away lies Isaiah 28:17.
The destructive capacity of H1259 is vividly detailed, extending beyond mere damage to encompass widespread ruin. In Egypt, the hail was unprecedented, targeting "man and beast" and "every herb of the field," breaking "every tree of the field" Exodus 9:25. This comprehensive devastation left behind a ravaged land, setting the stage for subsequent plagues by destroying the very sustenance of the Egyptians. The text meticulously records that the hail consumed "vines" and "sycomore trees" Psalms 78:47, and gave up "cattle also to the hail" Psalms 78:48. Pharaoh's desperate pleas to Moses for the cessation of the "mighty thunderings and hail" Exodus 9:28 underscore the overwhelming terror and helplessness induced by this divine onslaught, which only ceased at Moses' intercession, confirming the LORD's dominion over the earth Exodus 9:29, and whose lingering effects determined what "the hail had left" for the locusts to consume Exodus 10:12, Exodus 10:15.
Several related words appear alongside bârâd, highlighting the powerful nature of the events it describes:
- H784 'êsh (fire): This primitive word for fire is frequently mentioned with hail, as in the plague where fire H784 was mingled with the hail H1259 Exodus 9:24.
- H6963 qôwl (voice, sound): Often translated as thunder in these contexts, this word describes the sound that accompanied the hail, as when the LORD H3068 sent thunder H6963 and hail H1259 upon Egypt Exodus 9:23.
- H68 'eben (stone): This word for a stone is sometimes combined with bârâd to form the term "hailstones," emphasizing their deadly, solid nature Joshua 10:11.
- H2230 zerem (storm, tempest): Describing a gush of water, this word is used to characterize the overwhelming force of events like a tempest H2230 of hail H1259 Isaiah 28:2.
- H1258 bârad (a primitive root): This is the verbal root from which the noun H1259 is derived, carrying the primary sense of "to scatter," "to separate," or "to hail."
The theological weight of H1259 is significant, revealing aspects of God's character and power.
- Instrument of Divine Judgment: The plague of hail H1259 is a direct consequence of Pharaoh's hardened heart Exodus 9:34. It is also a tool for divine correction, as God smote the peoples' labors with blasting H7711 and with hail H1259 to turn them back to Him Haggai 2:17.
- Manifestation of God's Sovereignty: In the book of Job, God asks if anyone has seen the "treasures of the hail H1259" which He has reserved, underscoring His ultimate control over all creation Job 38:22. It is listed among the natural forces like fire H784 and snow H7950 that fulfill His word Psalms 148:8.
- Weapon of the Lord: God uses hail H1259 to fight for His people, demonstrating that divine power is superior to human military might. In one account, hailstones H1259{H68} were more lethal than the swords of the Israelite army Joshua 10:11.
- Disruption of Natural Order: H1259 frequently manifests as a perversion of natural provision, where God sends hail instead of beneficial rain, transforming a source of life into an instrument of destruction. This is evident when "He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land" Psalms 105:32, demonstrating God's capacity to alter the fundamental cycles of nature as a sign of His displeasure or judgment.
The Hebrew word H1259 bârâd denotes hail, a term consistently employed in Scripture to describe frozen precipitation often characterized by its destructive power and miraculous origin. Deriving from the root H1258, meaning "to scatter," the word itself evokes the widespread impact of these celestial stones. It functions as a potent symbol and instrument of divine intervention, manifesting God's absolute authority over the natural world.
From the grievous plague upon Egypt, where hail mingled with fire H784 devastated "man and beast" and "every herb of the field" Exodus 9:25, to its specific absence in Goshen Exodus 9:26, H1259 demonstrates a precision indicative of divine control. Its impact extended to the destruction of "vines" and "sycomore trees" Psalms 78:47, and its aftermath set the stage for further judgments, leaving behind only what "the hail had left" Exodus 10:12. This word is also central to narratives of divine warfare, where hailstones H1259{H68} proved more lethal than human weapons in battle Joshua 10:11.
Theologically, H1259 underscores God's character as both judge and sovereign. It is a direct instrument of divine judgment, punishing hardened hearts and calling people to repentance Haggai 2:17. Furthermore, it reveals God's incomprehensible wisdom and control, as highlighted by the rhetorical question concerning the "treasures of the hail" Job 38:22. Beyond its role as a weapon, bârâd signifies a disruption of the natural order, as God can send hail "for rain" Psalms 105:32, turning expected blessing into unforeseen destruction.
In sum, H1259 is far more than a meteorological term. It is a powerful theological marker, consistently demonstrating the LORD's H3068 unparalleled power, His precise sovereignty over creation, and His unwavering commitment to execute His will, whether through judgment or the protection of His people.
TRV