Pray to the LORD, for there has been enough of God's thunder and hail. I will let you go; you do not need to stay any longer." Pray to the LORD,This phrase indicates Pharaoh's recognition of the power and authority of the LORD, the God of Israel, over the natural elements. In the context of the plagues, it shows a momentary acknowledgment of God's supremacy, though not a genuine conversion. The act of asking for prayer suggests an understanding of intercession, a theme seen throughout the Bible, such as in the role of Jesus as the intercessor (Hebrews 7:25). 1Sa 12:19 They pleaded with Samuel, “Pray to the LORD your God… for there has been enough of God’s thunder and hail. The thunder and hail are part of the seventh plague, demonstrating God's control over creation and His ability to use it as a tool of judgment. This plague specifically targeted the Egyptian gods associated with the weather, such as Nut, the sky goddess, and Set, the storm god, showing their impotence. The severity of the plague is a reminder of God's power and the consequences of hardening one's heart against Him, as seen in Pharaoh's repeated refusals. Psa 18:13 The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High… I will let you go; Pharaoh's statement here is a temporary concession under duress, reflecting a pattern of insincere promises. This mirrors the human tendency to make vows to God in times of crisis without true repentance. The phrase foreshadows the eventual Exodus, a pivotal event in Israel's history that prefigures the deliverance from sin through Christ (1 Corinthians 10:1-4). Exo 12:31 Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said…… you do not need to stay any longer.” This phrase signifies a momentary release from bondage, symbolizing the greater spiritual liberation that God offers. The Israelites' eventual departure from Egypt is a type of the believer's deliverance from the bondage of sin. This anticipates the ultimate freedom found in Christ, who sets captives free (Luke 4:18). The temporary nature of Pharaoh's promise highlights the need for genuine repentance and the futility of resisting God's will. Deu 1:6 The LORD our God said to us at Horeb: “You have stayed… Persons / Places / Events 1. PharaohThe ruler of Egypt who is speaking in this verse. He is negotiating with Moses during the plagues. 2. Moses The prophet and leader of the Israelites, who is acting as God's messenger to Pharaoh. 3. The LORD (Yahweh) The God of Israel, who is executing judgment on Egypt through the plagues. 4. Egypt The land where the Israelites are enslaved and where the plagues are taking place. 5. The Plague of Hail One of the ten plagues sent by God to persuade Pharaoh to release the Israelites. Teaching Points The Nature of RepentancePharaoh's plea for relief without true repentance serves as a warning against insincere promises to God. True repentance involves a change of heart and actions. The Role of Intercessory Prayer Moses' willingness to pray for Pharaoh despite his hardened heart demonstrates the importance and power of intercessory prayer. Believers are called to pray for others, even those who oppose them. God's Sovereignty and Judgment The plagues reveal God's control over nature and His authority over earthly rulers. This serves as a reminder of God's ultimate power and the futility of resisting His will. Temporary Relief vs. Lasting Change Pharaoh's request for the removal of the plague highlights the human tendency to seek temporary relief from consequences rather than pursuing lasting spiritual transformation. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Pharaoh's request in Exodus 9:28 reflect his understanding of God's power, and what does it reveal about his heart?2. In what ways can we identify with Pharaoh's tendency to seek relief from consequences without true repentance in our own lives? 3. How does Moses' role as an intercessor in this passage encourage us to pray for others, especially those who may be resistant to God? 4. What can we learn from the pattern of Pharaoh's behavior about the dangers of insincere repentance and promises to God? 5. How do the events of the plagues in Egypt demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how should this influence our trust in Him during difficult times? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 8:8Pharaoh previously asked Moses to pray to the LORD to remove the frogs, showing a pattern of temporary repentance. Exodus 10:16-17 Pharaoh again asks for forgiveness and for the removal of the plague of locusts, indicating a cycle of insincere repentance. 1 Samuel 12:19 The Israelites ask Samuel to pray for them, showing a similar reliance on intercessory prayer. James 5:16 Highlights the power of prayer, which is relevant to Moses' role as an intercessor.
People Aaron, Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, PharaohPlaces Egypt, GoshenTopics Add, Entreat, God's, Hail, Ice-storm, Intreat, Longer, Mighty, Plead, Prayer, Stay, Supplication, Thunder, Thunderings, VoicesDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 9:18-33Library 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 9:28 NIVExodus 9:28 NLT Exodus 9:28 ESV Exodus 9:28 NASB Exodus 9:28 KJV Exodus 9:28 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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