Definition: And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch forth thine hand toward heaven, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, upon man, and upon beast, and upon every herb of the field, throughout the land of Egypt.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 9:22. It's a really powerful and dramatic passage about God’s plan to deliver his people from slavery. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is going to unleash a massive storm – hail, rain, and everything – across Egypt to free the Israelites (and all of its people) from being enslaved by Egyptian labor. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And the LORD said unto Moses…” : This tells us this isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a direct command from God. “…Stretch forth thine hand toward heaven…” : Moses is asking for God to actively summon a storm. It's not just wishing for rain, it's demanding a significant and forceful event. Think of it like calling upon a powerful force. “That there may be hail in all the land of Egypt…” : Hail – intense rain, icy pellets – is the key element. This isn’t just a little drizzle; we’re talking about a significant storm. "...upon man, and upon beast, and upon every herb of the field..." : This means everything in Egypt - people, animals, crops, even plants - will be affected by this hail. It’s going to be a complete devastation. Why is this important? This verse is significant because it's a clear demonstration of God's power and his willingness to use extraordinary means to achieve his purpose. It’s a key moment in the story of liberation, showing that God is willing to fight for his people. Important Context: The text before this verse describes Pharaoh refusing to let the Israelites leave Egypt. The storm is a direct response to this refusal and a way for God to demonstrate his power over Pharaoh. It’s a dramatic display of divine judgment and ultimately, liberation. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of Exodus? Compare it to another biblical event or concept?