Definition: And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 9:23. It’s a really powerful and dramatic verse that describes a significant event in God's plan to free His people from slavery. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, God is sending a massive punishment to Egypt because they are treating His people unfairly. Let's unpack the details: “And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven…” – This shows that Moses was pleading with God and asking for help. He’s not just randomly stretching a stick; he’s actively reaching up, as if trying to connect with something divine. “…and the LORD sent thunder and hail…” - This is a really intense description of God’s power. “Thunder” and “hail” are powerful natural events – they’re showing God's authority and that He isn’t afraid to use his strength. “And the fire ran along upon the ground…” – This is a crucial part. The fire isn’t just a small spark; it’s running across the land! It signifies divine judgment, like God’s burning away something that's wrong. “…and the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt.” - This is the main event: God unleashes a storm – a massive storm of rain and hail – on Egypt. It’s a way of punishing their oppression and showing His power over them. What does this mean in terms of the bigger picture? This verse is often seen as a key step in God’s plan to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It's a direct response to Pharaoh’s refusal to let the people go, and it demonstrates God's willingness to use forceful measures to achieve His purpose – liberating His chosen people. Important Note: It's important to remember this story is part of a larger narrative about God's plan and protection for Israel. It's not just about a bad storm; it’s about God’s ultimate justice and the restoration of His relationship with his people. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is significant? Discuss what this story might be teaching us about faith and obedience?