God's Sovereignty
Exodus 9:1-7 describes the plague on livestock, demonstrating God's control over life and death. Despite Pharaoh's stubbornness, God's will prevails.

Distinction Between Egypt and Israel
In verses 4 and 26, God makes a clear distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites, showing His protective hand over His chosen people.

The Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart
Verses 12 and 35 highlight the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, illustrating the consequences of persistent rebellion against God.

God's Power Over Nature
The plagues of boils (verses 8-12) and hail (verses 13-35) reveal God's command over the natural world, underscoring His omnipotence.

Opportunity for Repentance
Despite the severity of the plagues, God provides Pharaoh with opportunities to repent, showcasing His patience and desire for repentance (verse 19).Trust in God's Protection
Just as God protected the Israelites, we can trust in His protection over our lives, even amidst trials.

Recognize God's Authority
Acknowledge God's sovereignty in all areas of life and submit to His will, avoiding the hardening of our hearts.

Respond to God's Warnings
Be attentive to God's warnings and promptings in our lives, responding with humility and repentance.

Witness to God's Power
Share testimonies of God's power and faithfulness in our lives as a witness to others.1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, who speaks to Moses and commands him to deliver messages to Pharaoh. The Hebrew name used is יְהוָה (YHWH), which is often rendered as "LORD" in English translations.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. Moses acts as God's spokesperson to Pharaoh.

3. Pharaoh
The king of Egypt, who is repeatedly confronted by Moses with demands to let the Israelites go. His heart is hardened, and he refuses to comply with God's commands.

4. The Egyptians
The people of Egypt who suffer the consequences of Pharaoh's hardened heart through the plagues sent by God.

5. The Israelites
The descendants of Jacob (Israel), who are enslaved in Egypt and are the intended beneficiaries of God's deliverance.1. Egypt
The entire chapter is set in Egypt, where the Israelites are enslaved. The plagues described in this chapter are part of God's judgment against Pharaoh and the Egyptians for refusing to let the Israelites go. The Hebrew term for Egypt is "Mitzrayim" (מִצְרַיִם), which is consistently used throughout the Old Testament to refer to the land of Egypt.

2. Pharaoh's Palace
While not explicitly named in this chapter, Pharaoh's palace is implied as the location where Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh to deliver God's message. The palace would have been the center of Egyptian power and authority.

3. The Land of Goshen
Although not mentioned directly in Exodus 9, Goshen is the region in Egypt where the Israelites lived. In the context of the plagues, it is significant because God often makes a distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites, sparing the land of Goshen from certain plagues.1. The Plague on Livestock
The LORD instructs Moses to go to Pharaoh and warn him about a severe plague that will strike the livestock of Egypt. The LORD makes a distinction between the livestock of Israel and Egypt, ensuring that none of the Israelites' animals will die. The next day, the LORD fulfills this promise, and all the Egyptian livestock die, but none of the Israelites' livestock are affected (Exodus 9:1-7).

2. The Plague of Boils
The LORD commands Moses and Aaron to take handfuls of soot from a furnace and scatter it toward the sky in Pharaoh's presence. This soot becomes fine dust over the land of Egypt, causing boils to break out on people and animals. The magicians of Egypt are unable to stand before Moses because of the boils, and the LORD hardens Pharaoh's heart, preventing him from listening to Moses and Aaron (Exodus 9:8-12).

3. The Plague of Hail
The LORD instructs Moses to rise early and warn Pharaoh about a devastating hailstorm that will occur if he does not let the Israelites go. The LORD emphasizes His power and sovereignty, stating that He could have wiped out the Egyptians but has allowed them to survive to demonstrate His power. Some of Pharaoh's officials heed the warning and bring their servants and livestock indoors, while others leave them in the fields. The LORD sends thunder, hail, and fire, destroying everything in the fields, including people, animals, and plants, except in the land of Goshen where the Israelites reside (Exodus 9:13-26).

4. Pharaoh's False Repentance
Pharaoh summons Moses and Aaron, admitting his sin and asking them to pray to the LORD to stop the thunder and hail. Moses agrees to pray, but he warns Pharaoh that he knows Pharaoh and his officials still do not fear the LORD. After Moses prays, the storm ceases, but Pharaoh hardens his heart once again and refuses to let the Israelites go (Exodus 9:27-35). God's Sovereignty
Psalm 135:6 - The LORD does whatever pleases Him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.

Protection of God's People
Psalm 91:4 - He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart.

Hardening of Hearts
Romans 9:17-18 - For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: 'I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.' Therefore God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy, and He hardens whom He wants to harden.

Call to Repentance
2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.Pray for a heart that is sensitive to God's voice and willing to submit to His authority.

Ask for God's protection and guidance in times of trial, trusting in His faithfulness.

Pray for those who are resistant to God's call, that their hearts may be softened and open to repentance.

Thank God for His patience and mercy, and for the opportunities He gives us to turn back to Him.

1. What does the distinction made by God between Egyptian and Israelite livestock in the plagues say about His character?

2. How does Pharaoh's repeated hardening of his heart despite witnessing God's power reflect on human nature?

3. What lessons can modern society draw from the responses of the Egyptians who heeded Moses' warning about the hailstorm and those who didn't?

4. How do you relate to Pharaoh's hardened heart in your life? Are there areas where you repeatedly resist God's will?

5. How can we recognize when our hearts are becoming hardened like Pharaoh's?

6. How does God's patience with Pharaoh resonate with your experiences of God's patience in your life?

7. Despite God's overwhelming display of power, why do you think Pharaoh continued to resist?

8. Why do you think God allowed the flax and barley to be destroyed, but not the wheat and spelt?

9. In what ways does God's treatment of the Israelites contrast with His treatment of the Egyptians?

10. What does Moses' role in this narrative teach us about obedience to God?

11. How can the events in this chapter inform your prayers when you or others face stubborn obstacles?

12. What do the plagues teach us about the consequences of ignoring God's warnings?

13. How does the narrative of Pharaoh's false repentance serve as a cautionary tale for us?

14. How does the narrative of the plagues showcase God's sovereignty over nature?

15. What do the actions of the Egyptian magicians suggest about the limitations of human power versus divine power?

16. In what ways do the plagues challenge the concept of self-sufficiency?

17. How can we apply the lessons from this narrative to situations of injustice in the world today?

18. How do you think the Israelites felt during these plagues and how would you have felt in their place?

19. How does the concept of God "raising" Pharaoh up for His purpose resonate with your understanding of God's purpose in your life?

20. In the context of your faith, what does Pharaoh's statement, "The LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked" mean to you?