Exodus 9:26
The only place where it did not hail was in the land of Goshen, where the Israelites lived.
The only place
This phrase emphasizes the exclusivity and divine protection over a specific geographical area. In the Hebrew text, the word used for "only" is "raq," which signifies a limitation or restriction. This highlights God's sovereign control over nature, demonstrating His ability to protect His people amidst widespread calamity. Historically, this serves as a testament to God's covenantal faithfulness to Israel, setting them apart from the Egyptians.

where it did not hail
The absence of hail in Goshen is a miraculous event, underscoring God's power to control the elements. The Hebrew word for "hail" is "barad," which refers to a destructive force. In the context of the plagues, hail was a tool of judgment against Egypt. The sparing of Goshen illustrates God's mercy and the distinction He makes between His people and those who oppose Him.

was in the land of Goshen
Goshen was a fertile region in Egypt where the Israelites resided. Its mention here is significant, as it was a place of refuge and provision for God's people. Archaeologically, Goshen is believed to be located in the eastern part of the Nile Delta. This geographical detail reinforces the historical accuracy of the biblical narrative and God's providential care for Israel.

where the Israelites lived
This phrase identifies the inhabitants of Goshen as the Israelites, God's chosen people. The Hebrew term for "Israelites" is "Bnei Yisrael," meaning "children of Israel." This designation is a reminder of their identity as descendants of Jacob (Israel) and heirs to God's promises. The protection they experienced in Goshen is a foretaste of the greater deliverance to come, pointing to God's redemptive plan for His people throughout history.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, who was chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt.

2. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, whose heart was hardened against letting the Israelites go.

3. The Israelites
God's chosen people, living in the land of Goshen during their time in Egypt.

4. Goshen
A region in Egypt where the Israelites resided, which was spared from the plague of hail.

5. The Plague of Hail
One of the ten plagues that God sent upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Protection
God demonstrates His power and control over nature and nations. The sparing of Goshen shows His ability to protect His people amidst judgment.

The Distinction of God's People
The Israelites' exemption from the hail signifies the distinction God makes between His people and others. Believers are called to live distinct lives, reflecting God's holiness.

Faith in God's Promises
Just as God kept His promise to protect the Israelites, believers can trust in His promises today. This encourages faith and reliance on God's word.

Judgment and Mercy
The plagues serve as a reminder of God's judgment against sin but also His mercy towards those who belong to Him. This duality calls for repentance and gratitude.

Living in the World but Not of It
Goshen's protection amidst Egypt's plagues illustrates how believers are in the world but not of it. Christians are called to be lights in a dark world, trusting in God's protection.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the protection of Goshen during the plague of hail demonstrate God's sovereignty and care for His people?

2. In what ways can we see the distinction between God's people and the world today, similar to the Israelites in Goshen?

3. How can the account of Goshen encourage us to trust in God's promises during difficult times?

4. What does the sparing of Goshen teach us about God's judgment and mercy, and how should this influence our view of sin and repentance?

5. How can we apply the concept of being "in the world but not of it" in our daily lives, drawing from the example of the Israelites in Goshen?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 45:10
This verse describes how the Israelites came to live in Goshen, a fertile area in Egypt, during the time of Joseph.

Exodus 8:22-23
These verses highlight God's protection over Goshen during the plague of flies, similar to the protection during the hail.

Psalm 91:7-10
This passage speaks of God's protection over His people, even when disaster strikes around them.

Isaiah 32:18
This verse promises peace and security for God's people, reflecting the safety of Goshen during the plagues.

John 17:15
Jesus prays for His followers to be protected from evil, paralleling the divine protection seen in Goshen.
The Plague of HailJ. Orr Exodus 9:13-35
The Seventh Plague - the Hail Mingled with FireD. Young Exodus 9:17-35
A Warning DisregardedExodus 9:18-26
Belief of the Word of GodJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 9:18-26
Brought HomeW. Forsyth, M. A.Exodus 9:18-26
Disregard of GodJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 9:18-26
Folly of Disregarding WarningH. O. Mackey.Exodus 9:18-26
God's Command Over the ElementsJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 9:18-26
God's Regard for His OwnExodus 9:18-26
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Exodus 9:18-26
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Exodus 9:18-26
Safe Amidst DangerExodus 9:18-26
Salutary FearsJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 9:18-26
The Flax and Barley of EgyptT. S. Millington.Exodus 9:18-26
The Plague of HailT. S. Millington.Exodus 9:18-26
The Terrors of God's MightJ. Urquhart Exodus 9:22-35
People
Aaron, Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, Pharaoh
Places
Egypt, Goshen
Topics
Goshen, Hail, Ice-storm, Israelites, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 9:18-33

     4828   hail

Exodus 9:22-26

     4843   plague

Exodus 9:22-32

     4456   grain

Library
Confession of Sin --A Sermon with Seven Texts
The 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
(Palm Sunday.) Exodus ix. 14. I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth. We are now beginning Passion Week, the week of the whole year which ought to teach us most theology; that is, most concerning God, his character and his spirit. For in this Passion Week God did that which utterly and perfectly showed forth his glory, as it never has been shown forth before or since.
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch

The Plagues of Egypt
(Palm Sunday.) EXODUS ix. 13, 14. Thus saith the Lord God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me. For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth. You will understand, I think, the meaning of the ten plagues of Egypt better, if I explain to you in a few words what kind of a country Egypt is, what kind of people the Egyptians were. Some of you, doubtless,
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch

Sign Seekers, and the Enthusiast Reproved.
(Galilee on the Same Day as the Last Section.) ^A Matt. XII. 38-45; ^C Luke XI. 24-36. ^c 29 And when the multitudes were gathering together unto him, ^a 38 Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Teacher, we would see a sign from thee. [Having been severely rebuked by Jesus, it is likely that the scribes and Pharisees asked for a sign that they might appear to the multitude more fair-minded and open to conviction than Jesus had represented them to be. Jesus had just wrought
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture.
"He hath hardened their heart."-- John xii. 40. The Scripture teaches positively that the hardening and "darkening of their foolish heart" is a divine, intentional act. This is plainly evident from God's charge to Moses concerning the king of Egypt: "Thou shalt speak all that I command thee; and I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not harken unto you, and I will lay My hand upon Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
"Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God" (Rom. 11:22). In the last chapter when treating of the Sovereignty of God the Father in Salvation, we examined seven passages which represent Him as making a choice from among the children of men, and predestinating certain ones to be conformed to the image of His Son. The thoughtful reader will naturally ask, And what of those who were not "ordained to eternal life?" The answer which is usually returned to this question, even by those who profess
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

Man's Misery by the Fall
Q-19: WHAT IS THE MISERY OF THAT ESTATE WHEREINTO MAN FELL? A: All mankind by their fall lost communion with God, are under his wrath and curse, and so made liable to all the miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell for ever. 'And were by nature children of wrath.' Eph 2:2. Adam left an unhappy portion to his posterity, Sin and Misery. Having considered the first of these, original sin, we shall now advert to the misery of that state. In the first, we have seen mankind offending;
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Opposition to Messiah Ruinous
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel T here is a species of the sublime in writing, which seems peculiar to the Scripture, and of which, properly, no subjects but those of divine revelation are capable, With us, things inconsiderable in themselves are elevated by splendid images, which give them an apparent importance beyond what they can justly claim. Thus the poet, when describing a battle among bees, by a judicious selection of epithets
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. )
Ver. 1. "And it shall come to pass, afterwards, I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions." The communication of the Spirit of God was the constant prerogative of the Covenant-people. Indeed, the very idea of such a people necessarily requires it. For the Spirit of God is the only inward bond betwixt Him and that which is created; a Covenant-people, therefore, without such an inward
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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