Then Moses departed from Pharaoh, went out of the city, and spread out his hands to the LORD. The thunder and hail ceased, and the rain no longer poured down on the land. Then Moses departed from Pharaoh,Moses' departure from Pharaoh signifies a temporary end to their confrontation. This interaction is part of the larger narrative of the plagues, where Moses acts as God's messenger. The departure indicates Moses' obedience to God's instructions and his role as an intermediary between God and Pharaoh. This moment reflects the ongoing struggle between God's will and Pharaoh's hardened heart, a theme prevalent throughout the Exodus narrative. Exo 8:30 Then Moses left Pharaoh and prayed to the LORD, went out of the city, Moses leaving the city to pray is significant. In ancient Egypt, cities were centers of power and idolatry. By stepping outside, Moses symbolically distances himself from Egyptian influence and aligns with God's holiness. This act also demonstrates a separation from the corruption and sin associated with Pharaoh's rule, emphasizing the need for a sacred space to communicate with God. Act 16:13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate… and spread out his hands to the LORD. The gesture of spreading out hands is a posture of prayer and supplication, indicating Moses' earnest appeal to God. This physical act is a sign of humility and dependence on divine intervention. It is a common biblical motif seen in other scriptures, such as Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple (1 Kings 8:22). This posture underscores the sincerity and urgency of Moses' request for the cessation of the plague. Ezr 9:5 At the evening offering, I got up from my humiliation… The thunder and hail ceased, The cessation of thunder and hail demonstrates God's control over nature and His response to Moses' intercession. This event is part of the seventh plague, which was a direct challenge to the Egyptian god of the sky, Nut. The stopping of the storm at Moses' request highlights the power of the God of Israel over Egyptian deities and nature itself, reinforcing the theme of God's supremacy. 2Sa 22:14 The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice… and the rain no longer poured down on the land. The end of the rain signifies the completion of this particular judgment upon Egypt. It serves as a tangible sign of God's mercy and the effectiveness of Moses' prayer. The cessation of the plague also foreshadows the eventual deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, symbolizing hope and restoration. This moment is a precursor to the ultimate redemption narrative found in the Exodus story, which is a type of the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. Gen 8:2 The springs of the deep and the floodgates of the heavens… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe prophet and leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. In this verse, Moses acts as an intercessor between God and Pharaoh. 2. Pharaoh The ruler of Egypt, whose heart was hardened against letting the Israelites go. He represents resistance to God's will. 3. The City Likely refers to the Egyptian capital or a significant city where Pharaoh resided. Moses leaves this place to pray, indicating a separation from the seat of Egyptian power. 4. The LORD The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who demonstrates His power over creation and the false gods of Egypt through the plagues. 5. Thunder, Hail, and Rain Elements of the seventh plague sent by God as a judgment upon Egypt, showcasing His control over nature. Teaching Points The Power of IntercessionMoses' prayer demonstrates the power of intercession. Believers are called to pray for others, trusting that God hears and responds. God's Sovereignty Over Nature The cessation of the storm upon Moses' prayer illustrates God's control over creation. This reassures believers of God's power in their lives. Separation for Prayer Moses leaves the city to pray, indicating the importance of separating oneself from distractions to focus on God. The Hardness of Heart Pharaoh's continued resistance despite witnessing God's power serves as a warning against hardening one's heart to God's will. Faith in Action Moses' actions reflect faith in God's promises. Believers are encouraged to act in faith, trusting in God's timing and power. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Moses' role as an intercessor in Exodus 9:33 inspire you to pray for others in your life?2. In what ways can you create a "separation" from daily distractions to focus on prayer and communion with God? 3. How does the demonstration of God's power over nature in this passage strengthen your faith in His sovereignty over your personal circumstances? 4. Reflect on a time when you witnessed a "hardness of heart" in yourself or others. How can this passage guide you in responding to such situations? 5. How can the pattern of prayer and response seen in Moses' life encourage you to persist in prayer, even when immediate results are not visible? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 8:12-13Similar to Exodus 9:33, Moses prays to God, and God responds by removing a plague. This pattern highlights Moses' role as an intercessor. James 5:16-18 The power of a righteous person's prayer is emphasized, drawing a parallel to Moses' effective intercession. 1 Kings 8:35-36 Solomon's prayer at the temple dedication, asking God to respond to the prayers of His people and control the weather, mirrors Moses' intercession.
People Aaron, Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, PharaohPlaces Egypt, GoshenTopics Abroad, Cease, Ceased, Fall, Forth, Hail, Hands, Ice-storm, Longer, Pharaoh, Poured, Prayer, Rain, Spread, Spreadeth, Stopped, Stretched, Stretching, Thunder, Thunders, Town, VoicesDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 9:33Library Confession of Sin --A Sermon with Seven TextsThe 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 The Plagues of Egypt Sign Seekers, and the Enthusiast Reproved. The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture. The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation Man's Misery by the Fall Opposition to Messiah Ruinous Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. ) Exodus Links Exodus 9:33 NIVExodus 9:33 NLT Exodus 9:33 ESV Exodus 9:33 NASB Exodus 9:33 KJV Exodus 9:33 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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