Psalms 105:32

Hee gaue them haile for raine: and flaming fire in their laud. Psalms 105:32 (KJV)

He gave them hail for rain,

and flaming fire in their land. Psalms 105:32 (KJV)

Let us study Psalm 105:32, a verse within a psalm of thanksgiving and praise to God for His faithfulness to Israel. The psalm surveys God’s miraculous interventions from Abraham through the Exodus and the conquest of Canaan. In verse 32 the psalmist looks back to the Exodus, recalling the plagues that God sent upon Egypt to secure the Israelites’ liberation.

The first element, hail, refers to the seventh plague. Scripture records that the LORD sent thunder, hail, and fire that ran along the ground (Exodus 9:18‑26; 9:23‑24). The hailstorm devastated crops, livestock, and people, sparing only those who took shelter as instructed through Moses. This display of divine power demonstrated God’s sovereignty over the natural elements and over the Egyptian gods that could not control the storm.

The phrase “flaming fire” is treated in two complementary ways. Some readers connect it directly with the same seventh plague, noting that fire mingled with the hail as part of the judgment (Exodus 9:23‑24). Other interpreters view the expression as poetic language that may recall later manifestations of God’s wrath, such as the fire that consumed the Egyptian army at the Red Sea, or as a general symbol of divine judgment throughout the Exodus narrative. Both perspectives underscore the overwhelming power of the one true God against false deities.

The inclusion of this verse in Psalm 105 highlights several enduring lessons. First, God is in control; He can command natural forces to fulfill His purposes. Second, the plagues were an act of divine judgment against oppression, reminding believers that God is just and will hold nations accountable. Third, despite the Israelites’ suffering, God remained faithful to His covenant, delivering His people and confirming His promises. Finally, the events reveal the impotence of the Egyptian gods, affirming the superiority of the Lord over all other powers. As we reflect on these truths, we are encouraged to trust in God’s sovereign care, His righteous judgment, and His unwavering faithfulness to those who follow Him.