Topical Encyclopedia The concept of conviction, particularly in the context of the biblical narrative, often refers to a deep sense of acknowledgment of wrongdoing and the need for repentance. In the account of the Plague of Hail, as recorded in the Book of Exodus, we observe a moment of conviction in the heart of Pharaoh, albeit fleeting and insincere.Biblical Context The Plague of Hail is the seventh of the ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage. This event is detailed in Exodus 9:13-35. The Lord instructed Moses to confront Pharaoh and warn him of the impending disaster, emphasizing that the plagues were a demonstration of God's power and sovereignty. The Plague of Hail In Exodus 9:18-19 , God warns, "Behold, at this time tomorrow I will rain down the worst hail that has ever fallen on Egypt, from the day it was founded until now. So give orders now to bring your livestock and everything you have in the field to a place of shelter, because the hail will fall on every man and animal that has not been brought in and is still out in the field, and they will die." The hailstorm that followed was unprecedented in its severity, destroying crops, livestock, and even human life. The devastation was so extensive that it left Egypt in ruins, sparing only the land of Goshen, where the Israelites resided. Pharaoh's Moment of Conviction In the aftermath of the hail, Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and expressed a moment of conviction. Exodus 9:27-28 records Pharaoh's words: "This time I have sinned; the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked. Pray to the LORD, for there has been enough of God’s thunder and hail. I will let you go; you do not need to stay any longer." Pharaoh's admission of sin and acknowledgment of the Lord's righteousness marks a rare moment of apparent humility and conviction. However, this acknowledgment was not rooted in genuine repentance but rather in a desire to alleviate the immediate suffering caused by the plague. The Nature of Pharaoh's Conviction Pharaoh's conviction was superficial and short-lived. Once the hail ceased, his heart was hardened again, as noted in Exodus 9:34-35 : "When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had ceased, he sinned again and hardened his heart, he and his officials. So Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not let the Israelites go, just as the LORD had said through Moses." This pattern of temporary conviction followed by a return to obstinacy is a recurring theme in the narrative of the plagues. It highlights the difference between true repentance, which leads to a change in behavior, and mere acknowledgment of wrongdoing without a corresponding transformation of heart. Theological Implications The episode of the Plague of Hail and Pharaoh's fleeting conviction serves as a powerful illustration of the human tendency to resist genuine repentance. It underscores the importance of a heart truly turned toward God, not merely out of fear of consequences but out of a sincere recognition of His righteousness and authority. In the broader biblical narrative, conviction is a work of the Holy Spirit, leading individuals to recognize their sinfulness and their need for God's grace. True conviction results in repentance, a turning away from sin, and a commitment to follow God's will. The account of Pharaoh serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of hardening one's heart against the divine call to repentance. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 9:27,28And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, I have sinned this time: the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked. Nave's Topical Index Library Indiscreet Importunity. The Compassion of Jesus Dedication. From the Close of the General Conference in 1796, to the ... The Doctrine of God God's Barriers against Man's Sin Interpretation of Prophecy. Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. The Doctrine The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment: Resources What does it mean that the Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment? | GotQuestions.orgShould all pronouns referring to God be capitalized? | GotQuestions.org What are the Stations of the Cross and what can we learn from them? | GotQuestions.org Conviction: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Conviction: Adam and Eve, After Their Disobedience Conviction: After Being Rebuked and Punished for Worshiping the Golden Calf Conviction: After Casting Jonah Into the Sea Conviction: After the Plague of Hail Conviction: At the Preaching of Jonah Conviction: Belshazzar, when he "Saw the Part of the Hand That Wrote" Conviction: Darius, when Daniel Was in the Lions' Den Conviction: David After the Pestilence Sent on Account of his Numbering the People Conviction: Felix, Under the Preaching of Paul Conviction: Herod, when he Heard of the Fame of Jesus Conviction: Jonah, in the Belly of the Great Fish Conviction: Joseph's Brother, on Account of Their Cruelty to Joseph Conviction: Judas, After his Betrayal of Jesus Conviction: Philippian Jailer, After the Earthquake Conviction: Saul of Tarsus, when he Saw Jesus on the Way to Damascus Conviction: Saul, After Sparing Agag and the Best of the Spoils Conviction: The Death of the Firstborn Conviction: The Death of the Ten Spies and Their Being Sentenced to Wander for Forty Years Conviction: The Plague of Locusts Conviction: Their Complaining Against God and Being Bitten by Fiery Serpents Conviction: Widow of Zarephath, when Her Son Died Related Terms |
    |