Behold, at this time tomorrow I will rain down the worst hail that has ever fallen on Egypt, from the day it was founded until now. Behold, at this time tomorrowThis phrase indicates the immediacy and certainty of God's judgment. The use of "behold" serves as a call to attention, emphasizing the seriousness of the forthcoming event. The specificity of "this time tomorrow" underscores God's control over time and events, a theme consistent throughout Scripture, such as in Genesis 18:14 when God promises Sarah a son. 1Ki 20:6 But about this time tomorrow I will send my servants… I will rain down The phrase "rain down" suggests divine intervention, as rain is often associated with God's provision or judgment. In this context, it is a form of judgment. This is reminiscent of the flood in Genesis 7, where God used rain as a means of judgment. It also foreshadows future divine judgments, such as those described in Revelation. Gen 19:24 Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire… the worst hail that has ever fallen on Egypt, Hail is a natural phenomenon, but its unprecedented severity here indicates a supernatural act. This plague is one of the ten plagues that demonstrate God's power over the Egyptian gods, specifically Nut, the sky goddess, and Set, the storm god. The severity of the hail serves to show that the God of Israel is supreme over all creation. Jos 10:11 As they fled before Israel along the descent… from the day it was founded until now. This phrase emphasizes the historical significance of the event. Egypt, with its long history and established civilization, had never experienced such a calamity. This highlights the uniqueness of God's intervention. The phrase also serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over nations and history, as seen in Daniel 2:21, where God changes times and seasons and deposes kings. Mat 24:21 For at that time there will be great tribulation,… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe prophet and leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to confront Pharaoh and lead His people out of Egypt. 2. Pharaoh The ruler of Egypt, whose heart was hardened against letting the Israelites go, despite witnessing God's power through the plagues. 3. Egypt The land where the Israelites were enslaved, and the setting for the plagues that God sent as judgments against Pharaoh and the Egyptian gods. 4. The Plagues A series of divine judgments sent by God to demonstrate His power and compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. The hailstorm is the seventh plague. 5. The Hailstorm A supernatural event, described as the worst hailstorm in Egypt's history, demonstrating God's control over nature and His judgment against Egypt. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NatureThe hailstorm demonstrates God's control over the natural world, reminding us that He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Judgment and Mercy While the plagues were acts of judgment, they also served as opportunities for repentance. God's warnings are acts of mercy, giving time to turn back to Him. The Hardness of Heart Pharaoh's refusal to heed God's warnings illustrates the danger of a hardened heart. We must remain open to God's voice and responsive to His guidance. The Power of Obedience Moses' obedience in delivering God's message to Pharaoh shows the importance of faithfulness in our calling, even in the face of opposition. God's Faithfulness to His People Despite the trials, God was faithful to His promise to deliver the Israelites, reminding us of His unwavering commitment to His people. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the hailstorm as a divine judgment in Exodus 9:18 reflect God's sovereignty and power over creation?2. In what ways can we see the mercy of God in the midst of His judgments, both in the account of the plagues and in our own lives? 3. What are some modern-day examples of "hardening one's heart" against God, and how can we guard against this in our spiritual walk? 4. How does the account of the plagues in Egypt connect to the themes of judgment and redemption found throughout the Bible, particularly in the New Testament? 5. Reflect on a time when you felt called to deliver a difficult message or take a stand for your faith. How can Moses' example encourage you in similar situations? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 19The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah with fire and brimstone parallels the hailstorm in Egypt, both serving as divine judgments. Revelation 16 The plagues in Revelation, including hail, echo the plagues of Egypt, symbolizing God's ultimate judgment and sovereignty. Psalm 78 This psalm recounts the plagues of Egypt, emphasizing God's power and the consequences of hardening one's heart against Him.
People Aaron, Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, PharaohPlaces Egypt, GoshenTopics Behold, Cause, Earliest, Egypt, Fall, Fallen, Foundation, Founded, Grievous, Hail, Hailstorm, Heavy, Ice-storm, Leviticus, Morrow, Rain, Raining, Thereof, Till, Tomorrow, To-morrow, Truly, WorstDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 9:13-18Library Confession of Sin --A Sermon with Seven TextsThe Hardened Sinner. PHARAOH--"I have sinned."--Exodus 9:27. I. The first case I shall bring before you is that of the HARDENED SINNER, who, when under terror, says, "I have sinned." And you will find the text in the book of Exodus, the 9th chap. and 27th verse: "And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked." But why this confession from the lips of the haughty tyrant? He was not often wont to … Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857 The God of the Old Testament is the God of the New The Plagues of Egypt Sign Seekers, and the Enthusiast Reproved. The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture. The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation Man's Misery by the Fall Opposition to Messiah Ruinous Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. ) Exodus Links Exodus 9:18 NIVExodus 9:18 NLT Exodus 9:18 ESV Exodus 9:18 NASB Exodus 9:18 KJV Exodus 9:18 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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