The Plague of Hail is one of the ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt as described in the Book of Exodus. This particular plague is the seventh in the series and serves as a demonstration of God's power and judgment against Pharaoh and the Egyptian deities. The narrative is found in Exodus 9:13-35.

Biblical Account:

The Lord instructed Moses to rise early in the morning and confront Pharaoh with a message: "Let My people go, so that they may worship Me" (Exodus 9:13). God warned Pharaoh that He would send all His plagues upon Pharaoh's heart, his officials, and his people, so that Pharaoh would know that there is no one like God in all the earth (Exodus 9:14).

God declared that He could have already stretched out His hand to strike Pharaoh and his people with a plague that would have wiped them off the earth. However, He allowed them to remain to show His power and to proclaim His name throughout the earth (Exodus 9:15-16).

Moses was instructed to stretch out his hand toward the sky, and the Lord sent thunder, hail, and lightning flashing down to the earth. The hail struck everything in the fields, both man and beast, and shattered every tree in the field (Exodus 9:22-25). This was a devastating plague, described as the worst hailstorm that had ever fallen on Egypt since it had become a nation (Exodus 9:24).

Theological Significance:

The Plague of Hail serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and His ability to control the natural elements. It underscores the futility of resisting God's will and the consequences of hardening one's heart against Him. The plague also highlights the distinction God made between the Egyptians and the Israelites, as the land of Goshen, where the Israelites lived, was spared from the hail (Exodus 9:26).

Pharaoh's Response:

In response to the devastation, Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and confessed, "This time I have sinned; the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked" (Exodus 9:27). He pleaded with Moses to pray to the Lord to end the thunder and hail, promising to let the Israelites go. However, once the storm ceased, Pharaoh's heart was hardened again, and he reneged on his promise (Exodus 9:34-35).

Symbolism and Lessons:

The Plague of Hail symbolizes God's judgment and the importance of obedience to His commands. It serves as a reminder of the protection and provision God offers to those who are faithful to Him. The narrative also illustrates the danger of insincere repentance and the consequences of a hardened heart.

The Plague of Hail is a vivid example of God's power and a call to recognize His authority and righteousness. It is a reminder of the importance of humility and submission to God's will, as well as the assurance of His protection for those who trust in Him.