Exodus 9:19

So give orders now to shelter your livestock and everything you have in the field. Every man or beast that remains in the field and is not brought inside will die when the hail comes down upon them.'"

Study Bible

So give orders now to shelter your livestock and everything you have in the field.
This command reflects the urgency and seriousness of the impending plague. In the context of the plagues of Egypt, this is the seventh plague, which is a turning point in the narrative. The Egyptians were primarily an agrarian society, heavily reliant on livestock and agriculture for their economy and sustenance. The instruction to shelter livestock indicates a divine warning that offers a chance for protection, highlighting God's mercy even amidst judgment. This also demonstrates God's control over nature, contrasting with the Egyptian gods who were believed to have power over the elements.

Every man or beast that remains in the field and is not brought inside will die
This phrase underscores the severity of the plague and the certainty of God's word. The inclusion of both man and beast emphasizes the indiscriminate nature of the judgment, affecting all who do not heed the warning. Historically, this would have been a significant threat, as both human life and livestock were crucial for survival. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of heeding divine warnings. This can be seen as a type of final judgment, where those who do not seek refuge in God's provision face destruction.

when the hail comes down upon them.’”
Hail in the ancient Near East was a rare but devastating phenomenon, often associated with divine wrath. The specificity of the plague—hail—demonstrates God's power over the natural world and serves as a direct challenge to the Egyptian deities, such as Nut, the sky goddess, and Set, the storm god. This event foreshadows future divine judgments and can be seen as a type of Christ, who provides shelter and protection from the ultimate judgment. The hail also connects to other scriptural instances of divine judgment through natural disasters, such as the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, who is delivering God's message to Pharaoh.

2. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, whose heart is hardened against letting the Israelites go.

3. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved and where the plagues are taking place.

4. The Plague of Hail
The seventh plague sent by God upon Egypt as a judgment and a demonstration of His power.

5. Livestock and Field Workers
The subjects of God's warning, representing both economic resources and human lives.

Teaching Points

Heeding God's Warnings
God's warnings are acts of mercy, providing an opportunity for repentance and protection.

Ignoring divine warnings can lead to severe consequences, both physically and spiritually.

God's Sovereignty and Power
The plagues demonstrate God's control over nature and His ability to protect or judge as He sees fit.

Recognizing God's sovereignty should lead to reverence and obedience.

Faith and Obedience
Faith is demonstrated through obedience to God's instructions, even when they challenge our understanding or comfort.

Obedience to God often requires immediate and decisive action.

God's Care for All Creation
God's concern extends beyond humans to all of creation, as seen in His warning to protect livestock.

Stewardship of God's creation is a responsibility given to humanity.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the warning in Exodus 9:19 reflect God's character and His desire for people to respond to His mercy?

2. In what ways can we see parallels between the plagues in Egypt and the warnings given in the New Testament about the end times?

3. How can we apply the principle of heeding God's warnings in our daily lives, especially when faced with difficult decisions?

4. What does this passage teach us about the relationship between faith and obedience, and how can we cultivate this in our spiritual walk?

5. How can we be better stewards of God's creation, as seen in the care for livestock in this passage, in our current context?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 19
The warning to Lot to flee Sodom parallels the warning to bring livestock and people to safety, emphasizing God's mercy in providing a way of escape.

Psalm 91
This psalm speaks of God's protection for those who take refuge in Him, similar to the protection offered to those who heed the warning in Exodus 9:19.

Matthew 24
Jesus' warnings about the end times echo the urgency and necessity of heeding divine warnings for safety and salvation.