Topical Bible: Fear of God: The Egyptians, at the Time of the Plague of Thunder and Hail and Fire

◄ Fear of God: The Egyptians, at the Time of the Plague of Thunder and Hail and Fire ►

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The concept of the "Fear of God" is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, often signifying a profound respect, reverence, and awe for the Almighty. This fear is not merely an emotional response but a recognition of God's supreme power and authority. One of the most vivid demonstrations of this fear is seen during the plagues of Egypt, particularly the plague of thunder, hail, and fire, as recorded in the Book of Exodus.

Context and Background

The narrative of the plagues is found in the Book of Exodus, chapters 7 through 12. These plagues were divine judgments against Egypt, intended to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage. The seventh plague, described in Exodus 9:13-35, involved a devastating storm of thunder, hail, and fire, which was unprecedented in its severity.

The Plague of Thunder, Hail, and Fire

In Exodus 9:22-26 , the LORD instructs Moses: "Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that hail will fall all over the land of Egypt—on man and beast and every plant of the field throughout the land of Egypt." This plague was not only a natural disaster but a direct act of God, demonstrating His control over creation and His power to protect His people, as the land of Goshen, where the Israelites lived, was spared.

The Egyptians' Response

The Egyptians' reaction to this plague is a critical aspect of understanding the fear of God. In Exodus 9:20-21 , it is noted: "Those among Pharaoh’s officials who feared the word of the LORD hurried to bring their servants and livestock to shelter, but those who disregarded the word of the LORD left their servants and livestock in the field." This passage highlights a division among the Egyptians—those who feared God and heeded His warning, and those who did not.

The fear of God here is not merely terror but an acknowledgment of His sovereignty and the truth of His word. The officials who acted on this fear demonstrated a respect for God's power and a desire to avoid His wrath. This fear led to practical action, as they sought to protect their possessions from the impending disaster.

Pharaoh's Hardened Heart

Despite the fear exhibited by some Egyptians, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened. In Exodus 9:27-28 , Pharaoh admits, "This time I have sinned; the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked. 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." However, once the plague ceased, Pharaoh reneged on his promise, demonstrating a lack of true fear and repentance.

Theological Implications

The fear of God, as illustrated in this account, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing God's authority and responding appropriately to His commands. It underscores the distinction between mere acknowledgment of God's power and a genuine, reverent fear that leads to obedience. The Egyptians who feared God acted wisely, while Pharaoh's persistent defiance ultimately led to further judgment.

This episode in the biblical narrative emphasizes that the fear of God is not only for the Israelites but is a universal principle applicable to all humanity. It calls for a response of humility, reverence, and submission to God's will, recognizing His ultimate authority over all creation.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 9:20
He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Plagues of Egypt
... calls them) never wore any garments but linen, for fear of their ... God forbid. ... poor
Israelites from their cruel taskmasters; to force these Egyptians by terrible ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon x the plagues of.htm

Homiletical.
... their time in the study of geometry, the discovery of the Egyptians, or of ... Instead
of this, certain wanton women, forgetful of the fear of God, flung their ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/basil/basil letters and select works/iv homiletical.htm

The Second vision "On Earth"
... of the plagues of Egypt was that "the Egyptians could not ... was not a cry of distress
or fear; but a ... which only obscures instead of elucidating the word of God. ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision on earth.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... far-off heavens, like the vast sea, with reverential fear! ... in the way in which they
have classed this god. ... had to the procedure adopted by the Egyptians in a ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians
6:2). Now God is upon ... since I began to come to Christ; therefore I fear I did ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

The Doctrine
... no other security of Abraham against the fear of mischief ... in punishing murder we
see in the Egyptians and Pharaoh ... when men drop under the wrath of God as fast ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm