#19 – Exodus 9:1-35
Disease, Boils and Hail – Oh My!
Egypt has endured four plagues, the first three of which also affected the Jewish people in Goshen. But G-d is making a distinction between the Egyptians and Hebrews so that everyone (especially Pharaoh) will know the L-RD. Pharaoh’s heart remains hard – so life is about to get harder.
Plague #5: cattle disease
Nothing is impossible for the Creator who speaks worlds into existence. Think of the ways in which He could have instantaneously released the Jewish people from their bondage. Instead we have a protracted series of plagues – because G-d has a global agenda.
Moses’ warning to Pharaoh of the impending fifth plague indicated how widespread the pestilence would be:
“Let My people go, that they may serve Me. For if you refuse to let them go and continue to hold them, behold, the hand of the L-RD will come with a very severe pestilence on your livestock which are in the field, on the horses, on the donkeys, on the camels, on the herds, and on the flocks.” (Exodus 9:1-3.)
As with the previous plague, a “one-day notice”[1] is issued, along with the clarification that the Hebrew’s livestock would not be affected. And, true to His word, the next day all the livestock of Egypt died; but of the livestock of the sons of Israel, not one died. (Exodus 9:6b.)
Pharaoh investigates and confirms the truth of G-d’s promise. But his heart is hardened and the Hebrews are not released to worship the L-RD.
Plague #6: boils
The sixth plague gets comparatively little fanfare. At G-d’s instruction, Moses and Aaron toss soot into the sky in front of Pharaoh. Result: man and beast are covered with boils.
This time the court magicians cannot show up to mimic the miracle. Their boils are too painful. And for the first time we find the L-RD as the agent of hardening in Pharaoh’s heart.
Plague #7: hail
Early in the morning Moses confronts Pharaoh. First comes the rebuke:
”For this time I will send all My plagues on you and your servants and your people, so that you may know that there is no one like Me in all the earth.
For if by now I had put forth My hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, you would then have been cut off from the earth.
But, indeed, for this reason I have allowed you to remain, in order to show you My power and in order to proclaim My name through all the earth.” (Exodus 9:14-16.)
Notice of the impending plague soon follows. “You think you’ve seen hailstorms before? Tomorrow you’ll experience the worst in Egyptian history. Believe me, and you’ll bring whatever remains of your livestock to shelter. Don’t believe Me, and you’ll pay the price” is the basic warning.
Sure enough, the next day the L-RD sent thunder and hail, and fire ran down to the earth. (Exodus 9:23) The severity of the storm flattened plants and shattered trees throughout Egypt – but Goshen was spared.
Pharaoh repents – almost
This “triple whammy” of plagues (against livestock, humans, and plant life) finally brings Pharaoh to admit he’s had enough. He confesses to Moses and Aaron, “I have sinned this time; the L-RD is the righteous one, and I and my people are the wicked ones.” (Exodus 9:27)
He asks Moses to pray for an end to the horrific storm. Moses agrees, reminding Pharaoh this is so he may know the earth belongs to the L-RD. Because Moses understands, “But as for you and your servants, I know that you do not yet fear the L-RD G-d.” (Exodus 9:30)
True to his character, when Pharaoh sees the storm stop, he sinned again and hardened his heart, he and his servants. Pharaoh’s heart was hardened,[2] and he did not let the sons of Israel go, just as the L-RD had spoken through Moses. (Exodus 9:34.)
Fear factor/Misery Index
Experiencing COVID-19 in 2020 brought a fresh realization to many of the terror a pandemic can cause. It has taken a terrible toll in lives and the economy; the restrictions placed on individuals caused massive change to daily life. Consider the resources expended to combat one small virus. Then multiply that by the intensity, severity, and scope of the seven plagues G-d has unleashed on Egypt thus far.
Where is G-d?
“Why does G-d allow the wicked to prosper (or even draw breath)?” is an age-old question. In this passage of Scripture we see heaven’s perspective. The L-RD has a wider agenda than deposing a petty potentate: in essence He tells the king of Egypt, “I didn’t just strike you dead immediately because the whole world is going to hear about My unleashed power and know that I am the L-RD.”
We see success in G-d’s purposes among the Egyptians who feared the word of the L-RD; they heeded the warning and drove their livestock to shelter. (Exodus 9:20.)
In Exodus we have one of the most visible demonstrations of the L-RD acting in history. He foretells what He will do, He does it, and He tells us why. Our challenge in difficult times is to remember G-d is always at work, whether He tells us His plan or not.
In the words of Charles Spurgeon, “G-d is too good to be unkind and He is too wise to be mistaken. And when we cannot trace His hand, we must trust His heart.”
[1] “The L-RD set a definite time” (9:5) is a clear reminder that G-d’s plan includes specific timing.
[2] Pharaoh’s “sclerosis of the heart” is described in three ways: “Pharaoh hardened his heart”; “Pharaoh’s heart was hardened” (passive voice); and “the L-RD hardened Pharaoh’s heart.” Usually only one form is used, but all three are found immediately following Plague #7. Here is the full sequence, including future plagues:
a. G-d states He will harden Pharaoh’s heart – 4:21 and 7:3.
b. Plague #1: blood – Pharaoh’s heart was hardened (7:13 and 7:22) [and G-d says Pharaoh’s heart is “heavy/thick” in 7:14].
c. Plague #2: frogs – Pharaoh hardened his heart (8:15).
d. Plague #3 lice – Pharaoh’s heart was hardened (8:19).
e. Plague #4: gnats – Pharaoh hardened his heart (8:32).
f. Plague #5: cattle disease – Pharaoh’s heart was hardened (9:7).
g. Plague #6: boils – G-d hardened Pharaoh’s heart (9:12).
h. Plague #7: hail – Pharaoh hardened his heart (9:34); Pharaoh’s heart was hardened (9:35); G-d hardened Pharaoh’s heart (10:1).
i. Plague #8: locusts – G-d hardened Pharaoh’s heart (10:20).
j. Plague #9: darkness – G-d hardened Pharaoh’s heart (10:27 and 11:10).
k. Plague #10: firstborn son dies – G-d hardened Pharaoh’s heart (14:4); Pharaoh has “a change (lit. ‘overturn’) of heart” (14:5); G-d hardened Pharaoh’s heart (14:8 and 14:17).
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