We have come to the seventh plague that God was about to release on Pharaoh, his officials, and his people. God always plays it fair. Here we see Him warning Pharaoh about it. The rebellious king had always been the one who had gone back on his words. When the heat increased, he would relent. But when God honored His word, he would start to play games with Him again. In Exodus 9:13, Moses once again woke up early to meet Pharaoh and gave him the same instruction from God: “Let My people go, that they may serve Me.” By far, this account of the plague of hail is the longest account given.
In the earlier plagues sent so far, God had shown how measured He was. He could have annihilated Pharaoh and all of his in one blow. He did not. The reason is obvious. He was looking for a response to His generosity. He had patiently dealt with the stubborn king. In the way, Moses, at His instruction, went back and forth with Pharaoh was truly God’s patience being displayed. With one snap of His fingers, Pharaoh would be gone forever. But God kept accommodating the king’s reluctance. He is truly a patient God. And it is true that we have all been the recipients of His grace. So, let us not keep trying and testing His patience.
In the upcoming plague, God warned Pharaoh that it would be harder than all the previous ones. The plagues seem to be increasing in intensity with each one. So far, the plague started with the water, then moved into the land and now it would be raining from the sky. All for what purpose? More than to make Pharaoh suffer or to release His people from their bondage, God was giving a signal that He desired a people who would worship, serve and bring Him glory. In these verses, God further clarifies two of His intentions for sending the plagues. Through the plagues, God was giving Pharaoh a personal lesson on Himself. Verse 14 tells us that firstly, there is no one then, and there will be no one ever, who is like Him in all the earth. He is uniquely the all-powerful God.
Verse 16 gives us the second purpose. It says “But, indeed, for this reason, I have allowed you to remain, in order to show you My power and in order to proclaim My name through all the earth.” In other words, this great God is the only one who should be praised and proclaimed universally. He is the only one of all the earth worthy of our praise and proclamation. Regardless of race or language, God wants and desires our worship. Later in verse 29, He clarifies His third purpose to make known that the earth belongs to Him. He owns everything universally.
Confronted with such a great God, there can only be two responses: submit, yield and obey, or resist and stubbornly ignore Him. God gave Pharaoh yet another chance in verse 18-21. He tested to see if the king would yield by telling him what measure could be taken to be protected from the upcoming plague of hailstones. He said, “Behold, about this time tomorrow, I will send a very heavy hail, such as has not been seen in Egypt from the day it was founded until now. Now therefore send, bring your livestock and whatever you have in the field to safety. Every man and beast that is found in the field and is not brought home, when the hail comes down on them, will die.” He was giving him yet another chance to be saved. Thankfully, there were some Egyptians who heeded the warning and were shielded from God’s judgment. But those who refused obviously had their just dessert.
There is no doubt that God is gracious and compassionate. He is reasonable and will give us ample opportunities for us to respond to His graciousness. Be sure to seize the opportunity that He gives, time and again, to help us. God is faithful, so said, Paul. With every trial, He provides the avenue of escape. Take heed and take God’s offer of relief!
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