### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1259}}` is not merely a meteorological term. It functions in Scripture primarily as a demonstration of God's authority over the natural world and as a powerful tool for executing His judgment. From the plagues of Egypt to the battlefield and prophetic warnings, **bârâd** consistently represents a supernatural intervention that reveals the power and sovereignty of the LORD{H3068}.
TRV