Exodus 9
BSB1 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and tell him that this is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: ‘Let My people go, so that they may worship Me. 2 But if you continue to restrain them and refuse to let them go, 3 then the hand of the LORD will bring a severe plague on your livestock in the field—on your horses, donkeys, camels, herds, and flocks. 4 But the LORD will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt, so that no animal belonging to the Israelites will die.’" 5 The LORD set a time, saying, “Tomorrow the LORD will do this in the land." 6 And the next day the LORD did just that. All the livestock of the Egyptians died, but not one animal belonging to the Israelites died. 7 Pharaoh sent officials and found that none of the livestock of the Israelites had died. But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not let the people go. 8 Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Take handfuls of soot from the furnace; in the sight of Pharaoh, Moses is to toss it into the air. 9 It will become fine dust over all the land of Egypt, and festering boils will break out on man and beast throughout the land." 10 So they took soot from the furnace and stood before Pharaoh. Moses tossed it into the air, and festering boils broke out on man and beast. 11 The magicians could not stand before Moses, because the boils had broken out on them and on all the Egyptians. 12 But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said to Moses. 13 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Get up early in the morning, stand before Pharaoh, and tell him that this is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: ‘Let My people go, so that they may worship Me. 14 Otherwise, I will send all My plagues against you and your officials and your people, so you may know that there is no one like Me in all the earth. 15 For by this time I could have stretched out My hand and struck you and your people with a plague to wipe you off the earth. 16 But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power to you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth. 17 Still, you lord it over My people and do not allow them to go. 18 Behold, at this time tomorrow I will rain down the worst hail that has ever fallen on Egypt, from the day it was founded until now. 19 So give orders now to shelter your livestock and everything you have in the field. Every man or beast that remains in the field and is not brought inside will die when the hail comes down upon them.’" 20 Those among Pharaoh’s officials who feared the word of the LORD hurried to bring their servants and livestock to shelter, 21 but those who disregarded the word of the LORD left their servants and livestock in the field. 22 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, so that hail may fall on all the land of Egypt—on man and beast and every plant of the field throughout the land of Egypt." 23 So Moses stretched out his staff toward heaven, and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and lightning struck the earth. So the LORD rained down hail upon the land of Egypt. 24 The hail fell and the lightning continued flashing through it. The hail was so severe that nothing like it had ever been seen in all the land of Egypt from the time it became a nation. 25 Throughout the land of Egypt, the hail struck down everything in the field, both man and beast; it beat down every plant of the field and stripped every tree. 26 The only place where it did not hail was in the land of Goshen, where the Israelites lived. 27 Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron. “This time I have sinned,” he said. “The LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked. 28 Pray to the LORD, for there has been enough of God’s thunder and hail. I will let you go; you do not need to stay any longer." 29 Moses said to him, “When I have left the city, I will spread out my hands to the LORD. The thunder will cease, and there will be no more hail, so that you may know that the earth is the LORD’s. 30 But as for you and your officials, I know that you still do not fear the LORD our God." 31 (Now the flax and barley were destroyed, since the barley was ripe and the flax was in bloom; 32 but the wheat and spelt were not destroyed, because they are late crops.) 33 Then Moses departed from Pharaoh, went out of the city, and spread out his hands to the LORD. The thunder and hail ceased, and the rain no longer poured down on the land. 34 When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had ceased, he sinned again and hardened his heart—he and his officials. 35 So Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not let the Israelites go, just as the LORD had said through Moses.
Study Notes — Exodus 9
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Exodus 9
- Themes from Exodus 9
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Exodus 9
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with the fifth plague, a pestilence on the Egyptian livestock (Exodus 9:1-7). The sixth plague is a plague of boils that afflicts both humans and animals (Exodus 9:8-12). The seventh plague is a hail storm that devastates the land, but the Israelites are spared (Exodus 9:13-35). Throughout the chapter, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, and he refuses to let the Israelites go, despite the warnings and miracles. The distinction between the Israelites and the Egyptians is emphasized, as the Israelites are protected from the plagues. The chapter concludes with Pharaoh's continued stubbornness and God's promise to send more plagues.
Context for the Chapter
Exodus 9 is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. The chapter follows the sequence of plagues that God sends upon Egypt, demonstrating His power and reinforcing the theme of redemption. The story of the plagues is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, as it foreshadows the judgment and redemption that Christ will bring. The chapter is situated within the book of Exodus, which tells the story of the Israelites' journey from slavery to freedom and their formation as a nation under God's covenant.
Heart Application
The chapter encourages readers to recognize God's power and sovereignty in their lives, to respond to His warnings and calls to repentance, and to trust in His mercy and redemption. As seen in Exodus 9:16, God's purpose is to demonstrate His power and proclaim His name to all the earth, and believers should seek to proclaim His name and demonstrate His power in their own lives.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Exodus 9 tells the story of the fifth, sixth, and seventh plagues that God sent upon Egypt. The plagues demonstrate God's power and sovereignty, and the distinction between the Israelites and the Egyptians highlights God's mercy and redemption. As seen in Exodus 9:16, God's purpose is to demonstrate His power and proclaim His name to all the earth. The chapter encourages readers to trust in God's mercy and respond to His warnings, just as the Israelites were spared from the plagues.
Voices from the Church
“The plagues upon Egypt were a manifestation of God's justice and a demonstration of His power, to the end that His name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”
— John Calvin
“The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a solemn warning to all who refuse to heed God's warnings and repent of their sins.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- The Fifth Plague: Livestock Disease (Exodus 9:1-7) — The plague affects the Egyptian livestock, demonstrating God's power and Pharaoh's stubbornness.
- The Sixth Plague: Boils (Exodus 9:8-12) — The plague afflicts both humans and animals, highlighting God's sovereignty and mercy.
- The Seventh Plague: Hail (Exodus 9:13-35) — The plague devastates the land, but the Israelites are spared, emphasizing the distinction between God's people and the world.
- Pharaoh's Hardening Heart (Exodus 9:34-35) — Despite the warnings and miracles, Pharaoh's heart becomes increasingly hardened, illustrating the consequences of rejecting God's warnings.
- Conclusion: God's Purpose and Power (Exodus 9:16) — The chapter concludes with God's purpose and power, encouraging readers to trust in His mercy and respond to His warnings.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty and power, as He sends the plagues upon Egypt and hardens Pharaoh's heart. As seen in Exodus 9:16, God's purpose is to demonstrate His power and proclaim His name to all the earth.
- Redemption
- The distinction between the Israelites and the Egyptians highlights God's mercy and redemption, as the Israelites are spared from the plagues. This redemption is a foreshadowing of the redemption that Christ will bring.
- Judgment
- The plagues upon Egypt serve as a warning of God's judgment upon those who refuse to heed His warnings and repent of their sins. The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a solemn warning to all who refuse to heed God's warnings.
- Mercy
- The chapter emphasizes God's mercy and compassion, as He spares the Israelites from the plagues and provides for their deliverance. This mercy is a demonstration of God's character and a foreshadowing of the mercy that Christ will bring.
Lessons from Exodus 9
- The Importance of Responding to God's Warnings — The chapter emphasizes the importance of responding to God's warnings and calls to repentance, lest one face the consequences of stubbornness and rebellion.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty and power, as He sends the plagues upon Egypt and hardens Pharaoh's heart.
- The Mercy of God — The chapter emphasizes God's mercy and compassion, as He spares the Israelites from the plagues and provides for their deliverance.
- The Danger of Hardening One's Heart — The chapter warns of the danger of hardening one's heart against God's warnings and calls to repentance, lest one face the consequences of rebellion.
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Power and Mercy — The chapter encourages readers to trust in God's power and mercy, and to respond to His warnings and calls to repentance.
Themes from Exodus 9
- Redemption — The chapter highlights God's redemption of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, foreshadowing the redemption that Christ will bring.
- Judgment — The plagues upon Egypt serve as a warning of God's judgment upon those who refuse to heed His warnings and repent of their sins.
- Sovereignty — The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty and power, as He sends the plagues upon Egypt and hardens Pharaoh's heart.
- Mercy — The chapter emphasizes God's mercy and compassion, as He spares the Israelites from the plagues and provides for their deliverance.
- Distinction — The chapter highlights the distinction between the Israelites and the Egyptians, illustrating God's sovereignty and mercy.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the hardening of Pharaoh's heart reveal about the human heart and its response to God's warnings?
- How does the distinction between the Israelites and the Egyptians illustrate God's sovereignty and mercy?
- What does the sequence of plagues reveal about God's power and purpose?
- How does the chapter encourage readers to respond to God's warnings and calls to repentance?
- What does the chapter teach about the relationship between God's power and His mercy?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Fifth Plague: Livestock Disease (Exodus 9:1-7)
| 9:1 | The Lord instructs Moses to warn Pharaoh of the fifth plague, which will affect the Egyptian livestock. |
| 9:2 | Pharaoh refuses to heed the warning, and the plague is sent upon Egypt. |
| 9:3 | The plague affects all the Egyptian livestock, but the Israelites' livestock are spared. |
| 9:4 | The Lord makes a distinction between the Israelites and the Egyptians, highlighting His sovereignty and mercy. |
| 9:5 | The plague is a demonstration of God's power and a warning to Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. |
| 9:6 | The plague affects all the Egyptian livestock, and Pharaoh's heart is hardened. |
| 9:7 | Pharaoh's servants try to persuade him to let the Israelites go, but he refuses. |
2. The Sixth Plague: Boils (Exodus 9:8-12)
| 9:8 | The Lord instructs Moses to warn Pharaoh of the sixth plague, which will affect humans and animals. |
| 9:9 | The plague is sent upon Egypt, and it affects all the Egyptians, but the Israelites are spared. |
| 9:10 | The plague is a demonstration of God's power and a warning to Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. |
| 9:11 | The plague affects all the Egyptians, and Pharaoh's heart is hardened. |
| 9:12 | The Lord hardens Pharaoh's heart, and he refuses to let the Israelites go. |
3. The Seventh Plague: Hail (Exodus 9:13-35)
| 9:13 | The Lord instructs Moses to warn Pharaoh of the seventh plague, which will be a hail storm. |
| 9:14 | The plague is sent upon Egypt, and it devastates the land, but the Israelites are spared. |
| 9:15 | The plague is a demonstration of God's power and a warning to Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. |
| 9:16 | The Lord explains that He has raised up Pharaoh to demonstrate His power and proclaim His name to all the earth. |
| 9:17 | Pharaoh's heart is hardened, and he refuses to let the Israelites go. |
| 9:18 | The plague affects all the Egyptians, and Pharaoh's heart is hardened. |
| 9:19 | The Lord instructs Moses to warn Pharaoh to bring his livestock and people inside, lest they be killed by the hail. |
| 9:20 | Some of Pharaoh's servants heed the warning, but others do not. |
| 9:21 | The plague is sent upon Egypt, and it devastates the land. |
| 9:22 | The plague affects all the Egyptians, and Pharaoh's heart is hardened. |
| 9:23 | The Lord sends the hail, and it kills all the Egyptians who are outside. |
| 9:24 | The hail is so severe that it kills all the livestock and people who are outside. |
| 9:25 | The plague is a demonstration of God's power and a warning to Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. |
| 9:26 | The Israelites are spared from the plague, highlighting God's sovereignty and mercy. |
| 9:27 | Pharaoh acknowledges that he has sinned and asks Moses to pray for him. |
| 9:28 | Moses prays for Pharaoh, and the hail stops. |
| 9:29 | Pharaoh's heart is hardened, and he refuses to let the Israelites go. |
| 9:30 | Moses warns Pharaoh that the next plague will be even more severe. |
| 9:31 | The plague affects the flax and barley, but the wheat and spelt are not affected. |
| 9:32 | The plague is a demonstration of God's power and a warning to Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. |
| 9:33 | Moses leaves Pharaoh's presence, and the hail stops. |
| 9:34 | Pharaoh's heart is hardened, and he refuses to let the Israelites go. |
| 9:35 | The Lord hardens Pharaoh's heart, and he refuses to let the Israelites go. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the fifth plague, the livestock disease?
The fifth plague demonstrates God's power and sovereignty, as He affects the Egyptian livestock but spares the Israelites' livestock. This plague also highlights the distinction between the Israelites and the Egyptians, illustrating God's mercy and redemption.
Why does Pharaoh's heart become hardened?
Pharaoh's heart becomes hardened because he refuses to heed God's warnings and repent of his sins. The hardening of his heart is also a result of God's sovereign will, as He raises up Pharaoh to demonstrate His power and proclaim His name to all the earth.
What is the purpose of the seventh plague, the hail storm?
The seventh plague is a demonstration of God's power and a warning to Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. The plague devastates the land, but the Israelites are spared, highlighting God's sovereignty and mercy.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 9:1 → Genesis 3:1-7 | The fifth plague, the livestock disease, is a reminder of the curse that God placed upon the serpent in the Garden of Eden, highlighting the distinction between the Israelites and the Egyptians. |
| 2 | Exodus 9:8 → Deuteronomy 28:27 | The sixth plague, the boils, is a fulfillment of the curse that God warned the Israelites about if they disobeyed Him, emphasizing the importance of responding to God's warnings. |
| 3 | Exodus 9:13 → Psalm 78:47-48 | The seventh plague, the hail storm, is a demonstration of God's power and a warning to Pharaoh to let the Israelites go, highlighting God's sovereignty and mercy. |
| 4 | Exodus 9:16 → Romans 9:17 | The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a fulfillment of God's sovereign will, as He raises up Pharaoh to demonstrate His power and proclaim His name to all the earth. |
| 5 | Exodus 9:20 → Proverbs 1:24-28 | The warning to Pharaoh to bring his livestock and people inside is a reminder of the importance of heeding God's warnings and responding to His calls to repentance. |
| 6 | Exodus 9:27 → 1 Kings 8:47-48 | Pharaoh's acknowledgment of his sin and his request for Moses to pray for him is a reminder of the importance of humility and repentance in the face of God's judgment. |
| 7 | Exodus 9:30 → Matthew 24:21-22 | The warning of the next plague is a reminder of the importance of being prepared for God's judgment and the coming of the Messiah. |
| 8 | Exodus 9:34 → Hebrews 3:7-11 | The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a warning to believers to respond to God's warnings and to avoid the danger of hardening their hearts against Him. |
| 9 | Exodus 9:35 → 2 Peter 3:9-10 | The Lord's hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a reminder of God's sovereignty and His patience with those who are disobedient, highlighting the importance of responding to God's warnings and calls to repentance. |
| 10 | Exodus 9:1-35 → Revelation 15:1-4 | The sequence of plagues in Exodus 9 is a foreshadowing of the final judgment that God will bring upon the world, emphasizing the importance of responding to God's warnings and trusting in His mercy and redemption. |
Sermons on Exodus 9
| Sermon | Description | |
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(John - Part 29): From That Time, Many of His Disciples Went Back - Part 1 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a disturbing message that the Lord gave to the people. He tells them that they are not morally able to believe in Him and that they will peri |
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(Exodus) Exodus 9:1-7 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fifth judgment in chapter 9 of the Bible. The judgment is called the murrin on the cattle, where God tells Moses to inform Pharaoh to let |
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(Exodus) Exodus 9:18-35 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the hail plague in Egypt as described in the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of believing in God and taking His warnings ser |
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Rekindling Holy Fire by Ralph Sexton | In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful testimony of a man named Harold who was paralyzed but found joy and purpose in his life through his faith in God. Despite his physica |
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Exodus 5-8 by Brian Brodersen | This sermon delves into the story of Moses and Aaron confronting Pharaoh in Egypt, showcasing God's power through various plagues directed at the Egyptian gods. Despite the miracul |
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I Have Sinned by Jack Hyles | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience as a public speaker and his struggle with three specific words. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and the negative co |
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Npg Radio 1980 #7 - Radio Interview by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, Norman Grubb discusses the concept of faith and how it operates in our daily lives. He explains that faith is the inner understanding and relationship we have with |
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Servant #1 - Commencement by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of service and its connection to being a disciple of the Lord. The sermon begins by referencing scriptures that highlight the |
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Four Trumpet Judgments (Rev. 8:7-13) by Mike Bickle | Mike Bickle discusses the Four Trumpet Judgments from Revelation 8:7-13, emphasizing their role as divine warnings rather than mere punishments. He explains that these judgments, w |
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The Third Pennsylvania Sermon by Count Zinzendorf | Count Zinzendorf preaches about the importance of being clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ to avoid the judgment of rejection. He emphasizes the danger of spiritual arrog |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Exodus 9
In this chapter, we see the fifth, sixth, and seventh plagues that God sent upon Egypt, each one more severe than the last. The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a solemn warning to all who refuse to heed God's warnings and repent of their sins. The distinction between the Israelites and the Egyptians is a demonstration of God's sovereignty and mercy, highlighting the importance of trusting in His power and redemption. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lord is long-suffering, but He will not always be mocked.' The chapter encourages readers to respond to God's warnings and calls to repentance, lest they face the consequences of rebellion and judgment. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The escalating intensity of the plagues
Each plague becomes increasingly severe, demonstrating God's power and Pharaoh's stubbornness. The fifth plague affects the livestock, the sixth plague affects humans and animals, and the seventh plague devastates the land.
The distinction between the Israelites and the Egyptians
The chapter emphasizes the difference between God's people and the world, highlighting His sovereignty and mercy. The Israelites are protected from the plagues, while the Egyptians are afflicted.
Pharaoh's hardening heart
Despite the warnings and miracles, Pharaoh's heart becomes increasingly hardened, illustrating the consequences of rejecting God's warnings and the danger of stubbornness.