◄ Exodus 9 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary The Plagues of Livestock, Boils, and Hail This chapter powerfully showcases God's supremacy and His enduring patience with stubborn hearts. Despite the mighty display of divine power, Pharaoh's resistance highlights the depths of human obstinacy and the consequences of disobedience. Yet, through it all, God's mercy and protection towards His chosen people shine brilliantly, a beacon of hope in times of adversity. The Plague on Livestock (Verses 1-6) The Lord instructs Moses to warn Pharaoh about a devastating plague set to strike Egypt's livestock if he refuses to release the Israelites. As predicted, the plague decimates Egyptian livestock, but miraculously spares that of the Israelites. However, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened. The Plague of Boils (Verses 7-12) The Lord instructs Moses and Aaron to spread soot in the air, leading to painful boils on all Egyptians, including the magicians. Despite the widespread suffering, Pharaoh remains unyielding. The Plague of Hail (Verses 13-26) The Lord warns of a hailstorm unprecedented in Egypt's history. Those who heed the warning seek shelter, but those who ignore it lose their servants and livestock to the deadly hail. Remarkably, the region of Goshen, where the Israelites reside, is spared. Pharaoh's False Repentance (Verses 27-35) Pharaoh admits his sin and asks for the hail to cease. Moses obliges, but predicts that Pharaoh and his officials will continue to resist God. True to Moses' prediction, once the hail ceases, Pharaoh hardens his heart and refuses to let the Israelites go. This chapter unfolds the ongoing confrontation between Moses, chosen messenger of the Lord, and the Pharaoh of Egypt. The narrative is a display of the Lord's might against Pharaoh's stubbornness as He sends several devastating plagues upon Egypt, seeking to secure the freedom of His chosen people, the Israelites. Teaching Points 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). Practical Applications 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. People 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. Places 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. Events 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). Connections to Additional Scriptures 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. Prayer Points 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. Bible Study Questions 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? Topics 1. The Plague on Livestock In Exodus 9:1-7, God commands Moses to go to Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites. If Pharaoh refuses, God will send a severe plague on the Egyptian livestock. The Hebrew word for "plague" (דֶּבֶר, ^dever^) indicates a pestilence or disease. The distinction between the livestock of the Egyptians and the Israelites highlights God's protection over His people. 2. The Plague of Boils In verses 8-12, God instructs Moses and Aaron to take handfuls of soot from a furnace and scatter it toward the sky in Pharaoh's presence, resulting in boils breaking out on people and animals. The Hebrew term for "boils" (שְׁחִין, ^shechin^) refers to inflamed sores, demonstrating God's power over health and well-being. 3. The Plague of Hail Verses 13-35 describe the plague of hail, where God warns Pharaoh of an unprecedented storm. The Hebrew word for "hail" (בָּרָד, ^barad^) signifies a destructive force. This plague is a direct challenge to the Egyptian sky deities, showcasing God's supremacy over nature. The narrative emphasizes God's mercy, as He provides a warning to bring livestock and servants indoors to avoid the hail. Each of these topics reflects the ongoing conflict between God's will and Pharaoh's resistance, illustrating themes of divine judgment, mercy, and the distinction between God's people and their oppressors. Themes 1. Divine Judgment and Sovereignty Exodus 9 highlights God's sovereignty and His power to execute judgment upon Egypt through the plagues. The chapter demonstrates God's control over nature and His authority over Pharaoh, as seen in the plagues of livestock disease, boils, and hail. The Hebrew word for "plague" (נֶגַע, nega) emphasizes the affliction and divine intervention. 2. Hardened Heart of Pharaoh The theme of Pharaoh's hardened heart is prevalent, illustrating human resistance to God's will. Despite witnessing God's power, Pharaoh's heart remains obstinate. The Hebrew term for "harden" (כָּבֵד, kaved) suggests a heaviness or stubbornness, indicating Pharaoh's refusal to submit to God. 3. Distinction Between Egypt and Israel God makes a clear distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites, protecting His people from the plagues. This theme underscores God's covenant relationship with Israel and His faithfulness to His promises. The separation serves as a sign of God's favor and protection over His chosen people. 4. God's Purpose in the Plagues The plagues serve a dual purpose: to demonstrate God's power and to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. God declares His intent to show His power and make His name known throughout the earth (Exodus 9:16). The Hebrew root for "declare" (סָפַר, safar) implies recounting or proclaiming, emphasizing the global impact of God's actions. 5. Repentance and Acknowledgment of God The plagues lead some Egyptians to acknowledge God's power, as seen when Pharaoh's officials plead with him to release the Israelites (Exodus 9:20). This theme highlights the potential for repentance and recognition of God's sovereignty, even among those outside the covenant community. 6. God's Mercy Amidst Judgment Despite the severity of the plagues, God's mercy is evident. He provides warnings and opportunities for repentance, as seen when He instructs the Egyptians to shelter their livestock from the hail (Exodus 9:19). This theme reflects God's desire for repentance and His willingness to extend mercy even in judgment. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions