Exodus Chapter 9 — Pestilence, Boils, and Severe Hail
Exodus 9 recounts the plagues of livestock pestilence, boils, and a catastrophic hailstorm that devastate Egypt while sparing the Israelites.
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Notable Verses
Exodus 9:4
“The LORD will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt; and nothing shall die of all that belongs to the children of Israel.”
This verse highlights the theme of God's protection over His people even in the midst of national judgment.
Exodus 9:16
“but indeed for this cause I have made you stand: to show you my power, and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth,”
God explicitly states His purpose for allowing Pharaoh to remain in power during these trials.
Exodus 9:27
“Pharaoh sent and called for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, “I have sinned this time. The LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.”
This marks a significant, though temporary, moment of confession and recognition of God's authority by the Egyptian king.
Chapter Summary
Exodus 9 describes the fifth, sixth, and seventh plagues brought upon Egypt. The chapter begins with a deadly pestilence on Egyptian livestock; notably, the livestock of the Israelites are completely spared. Despite this clear distinction, Pharaoh remains stubborn. Next, Moses and Aaron are instructed to throw ashes from a furnace into the air, which results in painful boils breaking out on every Egyptian person and animal. Even the court magicians are incapacitated by this plague. Finally, God sends a severe hailstorm, preceded by a warning that allows those who fear God's word to bring their animals to shelter. The hail destroys the flax and barley crops and kills anything left in the fields, but the land of Goshen remains untouched. Although Pharaoh briefly admits to sinning and acknowledges God as righteous, he hardens his heart once the storm ceases and refuses to let the Israelites go.
Frequently Asked Questions
This chapter details the fifth plague (pestilence on livestock), the sixth plague (boils on man and animal), and the seventh plague (a devastating hailstorm mixed with fire).
God ensured that no livestock belonging to the Israelites died during the pestilence and that no hail fell in the land of Goshen where the Israelites resided.
God provided a warning before the hail began. Those Egyptian officials who feared the Lord's word brought their servants and livestock into houses for shelter, while those who ignored the warning left them in the fields to perish.
The hail destroyed the flax and the barley because they were near harvest, but the wheat and spelt were spared because they had not yet grown up through the soil.
Study Note
The specific mention of the destruction of flax and barley provides a chronological marker, indicating these events likely took place in early spring during the Egyptian agricultural cycle.
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