“And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad his hands unto the LORD: and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured upon the earth.”
Context: The book of Exodus recounts the story of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt. In this particular verse, Moses is dealing with one of the ten plagues that God sent upon Egypt as a judgment against Pharaoh for refusing to let the Israelites go. This specific plague is the plague of hail.
The Plague of Hail: Prior to Exodus 9:33, God had warned Pharaoh through Moses about the impending plague of hail. Moses stretched out his staff toward heaven, and hail, accompanied by thunder and fire, came down upon the land of Egypt. The hail destroyed crops, livestock, and people, except for those who took shelter as God had instructed.
Moses’ Response: After the hail had devastated Egypt, Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh. He then spread his hands towards the Lord, likely in an act of prayer and supplication. In response to Moses’ prayer, God ceased the thunders and hail and stopped the rain from pouring upon the earth.
The Power of God: This verse highlights the power and authority of God. Moses, as an intermediary between God and Pharaoh, displayed his faith and dependence on God by praying to Him. The immediate cessation of the plague upon Moses’ prayer reveals God’s control over nature and His ability to bring about and halt calamities at will.
Lessons for Today: Exodus 9:33 teaches us several lessons. Firstly, it reminds us of the importance of prayer and seeking God’s intervention in times of trouble. Moses’ action demonstrates the significance of turning to God in our times of need, knowing that He has the power to bring relief and deliverance. Secondly, this verse emphasizes God’s sovereignty and control over all creation. It reassures us that even in the face of overwhelming circumstances, God is able to intervene and bring about His purposes.
Faith and Obedience: Throughout the narrative of the plagues in Exodus, we see the contrast between Pharaoh’s hardened heart and unwillingness to submit to God’s authority, and Moses’ obedience and faithfulness to God’s commands. As we study Exodus 9:33, we can reflect on our own response to God’s instructions and our willingness to trust Him in challenging situations.
In summary, Exodus 9:33 showcases Moses’ prayer and God’s immediate response by stopping the plague of hail. This verse emphasizes the power of prayer, God’s control over nature, and the importance of faith and obedience. It encourages us to seek God’s intervention in our lives and trust in His sovereignty.
