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." Plead with the LORDThe word "plead" in this context is derived from the Hebrew word "עָתַר" (athar), which means to entreat or supplicate earnestly. This reflects Pharaoh's recognition of the power and authority of the LORD, acknowledging that only through Moses' intercession could the plagues be halted. Historically, this plea signifies a moment of desperation and a temporary softening of Pharaoh's heart, illustrating the tension between divine sovereignty and human obstinacy. for there has been enough
This phrase indicates a threshold of tolerance that has been reached. The Hebrew word "רַב" (rav) conveys the idea of abundance or sufficiency. Pharaoh's admission here is significant as it shows the overwhelming impact of the plagues on Egypt, both physically and psychologically. It underscores the severity of God's judgment and the futility of resisting His will. of God’s thunder and hail
The "thunder and hail" are manifestations of God's power and judgment. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such natural phenomena were often associated with divine displeasure. The Hebrew word for thunder, "קוֹל" (qol), can also mean "voice," suggesting that the thunder is the voice of God proclaiming His authority. The hail, "בָּרָד" (barad), was unprecedented in its intensity, symbolizing the destructive consequences of defying God. I will let you go
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, where Pharaoh appears to relent. The Hebrew verb "שָׁלַח" (shalach) means to send away or release. This temporary concession highlights the ongoing struggle between Pharaoh's hardened heart and the undeniable power of God. It foreshadows the eventual liberation of the Israelites, a central theme in the Exodus story. you do not need to stay any longer
Here, Pharaoh acknowledges the Israelites' right to leave, albeit temporarily. The phrase "any longer" suggests an end to their enforced servitude. The Hebrew root "עָמַד" (amad), meaning to stand or remain, implies that their time of bondage is nearing its conclusion. This moment is a precursor to the ultimate deliverance that God has promised, reinforcing the theme of redemption and freedom that runs throughout the book of Exodus. Persons / Places / Events 1. PharaohThe ruler of Egypt who is speaking in this verse. He is negotiating with Moses during the plagues. 2. MosesThe 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. EgyptThe land where the Israelites are enslaved and where the plagues are taking place. 5. The Plague of HailOne 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 PrayerMoses' 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 JudgmentThe 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 ChangePharaoh'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 10:16-17Pharaoh again asks for forgiveness and for the removal of the plague of locusts, indicating a cycle of insincere repentance. 1 Samuel 12:19The Israelites ask Samuel to pray for them, showing a similar reliance on intercessory prayer. James 5:16Highlights 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 9:18-33 4828 hail Exodus 9:22-32 4456 grain Exodus 9:28-29 4852 thunder 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: 1857The 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 Links Exodus 9:28 NIVExodus 9:28 NLTExodus 9:28 ESVExodus 9:28 NASBExodus 9:28 KJV
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