Old Testament
Exodus 9:18
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Listen carefully — tomorrow at about this time, I will send the worst hailstorm Egypt has ever seen, from the day it was founded until now.
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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.
What Exodus 9:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is warning Egypt about a severe hailstorm that is coming. He emphasizes the seriousness of the situation by stating that this storm will be the worst they have ever experienced. The timing is specific, indicating that it will happen the next day. This message serves as a reminder of God's power and control over nature. It also highlights the consequences of ignoring warnings and the importance of paying attention to what is being communicated. The hailstorm symbolizes judgment and serves as a wake-up call for the people of Egypt. They are being urged to recognize the authority of God and the reality of their situation. This moment is pivotal, as it sets the stage for further events that will unfold in the story of the Exodus. The severity of the storm reflects the seriousness of the choices made by Pharaoh and the people. It’s a call to reflect on their actions and the impact they have on their lives and the world around them. It’s a moment of reckoning.
How to apply Exodus 9:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to heed warnings in our lives. Just as Egypt faced consequences for ignoring God's messages, we too should reflect on our actions and their impact. It’s a reminder to be aware of the signs around us and to take them seriously. Listening and responding can lead to better outcomes in our lives. We should not take warnings lightly, as they can guide us toward positive change and growth.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: The Plague of Hail (Exodus 9:13–35)
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Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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Keep studying Exodus 9:18
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At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 9:18 mean?
Exodus 9:18 means that God is warning Egypt about an unprecedented hailstorm that will occur the next day, emphasizing the severity of the situation and His power over nature.
What is the significance of the hailstorm in Exodus 9:18?
The hailstorm in Exodus 9:18 symbolizes God's judgment and serves as a wake-up call for the people of Egypt to recognize His authority and the consequences of their actions.
What does the phrase 'worst hailstorm Egypt has ever seen' imply in Exodus 9:18?
The phrase implies that the upcoming hailstorm will be unlike any other in Egypt's history, highlighting the seriousness of God's warning and the impending consequences of ignoring it.
How can we apply the message of Exodus 9:18 to our lives?
We can apply the message by being attentive to warnings in our lives, reflecting on our actions, and recognizing that ignoring important signs can lead to negative outcomes.
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