*Beloved child, the LORD's voice resounds through the dust of Egypt, reminding us that His hand is both a judge and a savior. As He declares to Moses, the purpose of each plague is not merely punishment but a divine invitation for Pharaoh—and us—to release His people into freedom. Though the cattle tremble and the fields wither, these signs point us toward the ultimate deliverance that culminates in the Passover Lamb. May we hear His call today and walk in the grace He extends, even amid suffering.*
Exodus — Chapter 9 — KJV
1
Then the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh, and tell him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.
Simply PutGod commands Moses to tell Pharaoh, “Let my people go.” The Hebrew word for “go” is לֵךְ (Strong’s H3022), meaning to depart under divine authority. It reveals that God desires the Israelites’ freedom so they can serve Him, not the Egyptian gods.
2
For if thou refuse to let them go, and wilt hold them still,
Simply PutIf Pharaoh refuses to release them and “holds them still,” we see the Hebrew root עָצַם (Strong’s H587), meaning to harden or keep firm. This warns that stubbornness can trap both ruler and people, blocking God's plan.
3
Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain.
Simply Put“The hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle… a very grievous murrain.” The word for “murrain” is תּוֹעֵבָה (Strong’s H8456), a deadly disease. It shows that even the animals are subject to God's judgment when His will is ignored.
4
And the LORD shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt: and there shall nothing die of all that is the children’s of Israel.
Simply Put“The LORD shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt.” The Hebrew term בָּדַל (Strong’s H1300) means to separate or distinguish. This promises that God protects His own, keeping them safe amidst the plague.
5
And the LORD appointed a set time, saying, To morrow the LORD shall do this thing in the land.
Simply Put“The LORD appointed a set time.” The Hebrew root קָבַע (Strong’s H6949) means to fix or determine. It reminds us that God's timing is precise, and He will act at the appointed hour.
6
And the LORD did that thing on the morrow, and all the cattle of Egypt died: but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not one.
Simply Put“All the cattle of Egypt died, but not one of Israel’s.” The verb עָשָׂה (Strong’s H6201) means to do or bring about. This demonstrates that God's covenant is trustworthy—He can strike Egypt while sparing His people.
7
And Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not one of the cattle of the Israelites dead. And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go.
Simply Put“Pharaoh’s heart was hardened.” The word קָשַׁה (Strong’s H6949) means to harden or make stubborn. It shows that even when faced with divine power, some hearts remain unyielding.
8
And the LORD said unto Moses and unto Aaron, Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh.
Simply Put“Take handfuls of ashes… and sprinkle them toward heaven.” The Hebrew word for “ash” is אֵפֶר (Strong’s H560), meaning dust or powder. This small sign becomes a mighty display of God’s authority over the skies.
9
And it shall become small dust in all the land of Egypt, and shall be a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast, throughout all the land of Egypt.
Simply Put“It shall become small dust… a boil breaking forth.” Again, אֵפֶר (Strong’s H560) emphasizes how tiny ash transforms into a painful plague. It highlights that God can use the simplest means to bring about His judgment.
10
And they took ashes of the furnace, and stood before Pharaoh; and Moses sprinkled it up toward heaven; and it became a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast.
Simply Put“Moses sprinkled it up toward heaven; it became a boil.” The verb מִזְרָק (Strong’s H5061) means to scatter or sprinkle. The ash becomes boils on both man and beast, showing that God’s power affects all creation.
11
And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils; for the boil was upon the magicians, and upon all the Egyptians.
Simply Put“The magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils.” The term קְסָמִים (Strong’s H7136) refers to sorcerers. Even Egypt’s greatest magicians are powerless against God’s plague.
12
And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken unto Moses.
Simply Put“The LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh.” The repeated use of קָשַׁה (Strong’s H6949) emphasizes divine purpose. It shows that God can shape a ruler’s stubbornness to fulfill His plan.
13
And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.
Simply Put“Rise up early… and stand before Pharaoh.” The Hebrew word בֹּקֶר (Strong’s H1269) means morning. It encourages persistence in confronting the oppressor, trusting that God will speak through Moses.
14
For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth.
Simply Put“I will send all my plagues upon thine heart.” The word מַכָּה (Strong’s H3005) means a striking blow. God warns that He will demonstrate His uniqueness by striking both Pharaoh and his people.
15
For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth.
Simply Put“I will stretch out my hand… you shall be cut off from the earth.” The verb נָטָה (Strong’s H5167) means to stretch out. This reveals that God will smite Pharaoh and his nation, removing them from the world.
16
And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.
Simply Put“I have raised thee up… my name may be declared throughout all the earth.” The verb קוּם (Strong’s H3588) means to arise or be set up. God declares that He elevated Pharaoh for the purpose of displaying His power worldwide.
17
As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?
Simply Put“As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people?” The term תּוֹכֵחַ (Strong’s H8465) means to insult or boast. Pharaoh continues his prideful resistance, refusing to release the Israelites.
18
Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now.
Simply Put“I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail.” The word בָּרָד (Strong’s H1310) means hail. God promises a severe storm unlike any Egypt has known before.
19
Send therefore now, and gather thy cattle, and all that thou hast in the field; for upon every man and beast which shall be found in the field, and shall not be brought home, the hail shall come down upon them, and they shall die.
Simply Put“Gather thy cattle… the hail shall come down upon them.” The verb קָבַץ (Strong’s H6900) means to collect or gather. Those who heed the warning protect their livestock; those who ignore it face loss.
20
He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses:
Simply Put“He that feared the word of the LORD… fled into the houses.” The verb יָרֵא (Strong’s H3214) means to fear or respect. Respecting God’s warning leads to safety for both people and animals.
21
And he that regarded not the word of the LORD left his servants and his cattle in the field.
Simply Put“He that regarded not the word of the LORD left his servants in the field.” The phrase חָכַם (Strong’s H2472) here implies a failure to set one
22
And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch forth thine hand toward heaven, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, upon man, and upon beast, and upon every herb of the field, throughout the land of Egypt.
Simply PutGod commands Moses to "stretch forth" (H4955), meaning to extend his hand in faith toward heaven. The word "hail" (H1261) is a rain of stone, the very instrument God uses to remind Egypt that He controls the weather and the land.
23
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.
Simply PutWhen Moses lifts his rod, God sends thunders (H7304), a mighty roaring voice of power, and hail that runs like fire along the ground. This shows how God’s judgment can be both strikingly visible and an audible proclamation of His authority.
24
So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.
Simply PutThe hail was "grievous" (H2399), a painful, crushing force unlike anything Egypt had seen since it became a nation. It reminds us that when God speaks, He can bring an overwhelming reality that breaks every false sense of safety.
25
And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and beast; and the hail smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field.
Simply PutThe hail "smote" (H5129) every field, man and beast alike, breaking trees and herbs. This total judgment tells us that God's word reaches to the deepest roots of life, leaving no corner untouched.
26
Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, was there no hail.
Simply PutIn Goshen, where Israel lived, there was no hail. God’s protective hand (H3118) shielded His people even while He poured judgment on the Egyptians.
27
And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.
Simply PutPharaoh admits his sin (H2385) and says the LORD is righteous while he and his people are wicked. Acknowledging God’s righteousness is a step toward humility, but true repentance must follow.
28
Intreat the LORD (for it is enough) that there be no more mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer.
Simply PutPharaoh asks Moses to intercede (H7776), hoping that the “voices of God” (H3775) will cease. He thinks he can bargain with God, yet the thunderings are a divine proclamation that cannot be silenced by human will alone.
29
And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD’s.
Simply PutMoses promises to stretch his hands (H4975) toward the LORD so that the thunder and hail will stop, showing that obedience to God’s command can bring peace. The earth belongs to the LORD (H776), and His authority over creation is absolute.
30
But as for thee and thy servants, I know that ye will not yet fear the LORD God.
Simply PutMoses warns Pharaoh that his servants will not yet fear the LORD. The stubborn heart (H6940) resists God’s call, and true reverence comes only when the spirit is humbled.
31
And the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was bolled.
Simply PutThe barley (H6789) and flax were smitten because they were ripe, the “ear” ready to be harvested. God’s judgment often strikes at what is fully exposed and vulnerable.
32
But the wheat and the rie were not smitten: for they were not grown up.
Simply PutThe wheat (H2455) and rye were spared because they had not yet grown, hidden in the earth’s darkness. This shows that God can protect those who are still developing, offering a future hope.
33
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.
Simply PutMoses stretches his hands (H4975), and the thunders and hail cease, illustrating how faithful prayer can align with God’s will to bring calm after storm.
34
And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants.
Simply PutYet when Pharaoh saw the rain and hail had stopped, his heart hardened further. A hardened heart (H6940) is a spiritual blindness that refuses to see God’s mercy and power.
35
And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, neither would he let the children of Israel go; as the LORD had spoken by Moses.
Simply PutPharaoh’s heart remained hardened, refusing to let Israel go, as the LORD had spoken (by Moses’ hand). God’s hand (H3118) orchestrates events, and even the most stubborn hearts ultimately fulfill His purpose.
Psalm 78:44-48These verses recount the plagues on Egypt, confirming and summarizing the judgments described in Exodus 9.
Jeremiah 46:20This verse directly states that the LORD smote the cattle of Egypt, echoing the divine strike on Egyptian livestock in Exodus 9:3-6.
Romans 9:17Paul cites the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, providing a New Testament theological perspective on the event in Exodus 9:7.
Exodus 12:31-32These verses describe the aftermath of the plagues and Pharaoh's ultimate release of Israel, illuminating the purpose and impact of the judgments in Exodus 9.
Reflect
When an unexpected, overwhelming challenge—like the unprecedented hail that struck Egypt—shook your life to its core, how did it reshape your priorities or reveal what truly matters?
