Old Testament
Exodus 9:29
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Moses replied, "As soon as I leave the city, I'll lift my hands in prayer to the LORD. The thunder will stop and the hail will end — so you'll know that the earth belongs to the LORD.
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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.
What Exodus 9:29 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Moses is speaking to Pharaoh, emphasizing the power of God over nature. He assures Pharaoh that once he leaves the city and prays, the thunder and hail will stop. This act is not just a display of power; it serves a purpose. It is meant to show Pharaoh and the people that the earth truly belongs to the LORD. Moses is confident in God's authority and ability to control the elements. His prayer is a direct communication with God, demonstrating faith and obedience. This moment highlights the importance of recognizing who is in control and the significance of prayer in seeking divine intervention. It’s a reminder that God is sovereign over all creation, and His will prevails. Through this event, the people are invited to understand their relationship with God and the reality of His dominion over the earth. Moses' actions are a call to acknowledge God's presence and power in their lives, urging them to reflect on their own beliefs and responses to divine authority.
How to apply Exodus 9:29 to your life
When faced with challenges, remember the power of prayer. Just as Moses prayed for change, you can bring your concerns to God. Trust that He has authority over your circumstances. Acknowledge His presence in your life and seek His guidance in all things. Your faith can lead to transformation and peace in difficult times.
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 9:29
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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 9:29 mean?
Exodus 9:29 shows Moses telling Pharaoh that after he leaves the city, he will pray to God, causing the thunder and hail to stop. This demonstrates God's power over nature and serves to remind Pharaoh that the earth belongs to the LORD.
What is the significance of Moses lifting his hands in prayer in Exodus 9:29?
Moses lifting his hands in prayer symbolizes his direct communication with God and his faith in God's ability to control the elements. It highlights the importance of prayer as a means to seek divine intervention.
How does Exodus 9:29 relate to the power of prayer?
Exodus 9:29 illustrates the power of prayer by showing that Moses' communication with God can lead to significant changes in the natural world. It encourages believers to trust in God's authority and seek His guidance through prayer.
What can we learn from Moses' actions in Exodus 9:29?
Moses' actions in Exodus 9:29 teach us the importance of recognizing God's power and authority. They encourage us to bring our concerns to God in prayer and trust in His ability to bring about change in our lives.
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