Exodus 9:33: “Then Moses left Pharaoh and went out of the city. He spread out his hands toward the Lord; the thunder and hail stopped, and the rain no longer poured down on the land.”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 9:33 captures the moment when Moses, after confronting Pharaoh, leaves the city and prays to God to end the devastating plague of hail. By spreading out his hands toward the Lord, Moses demonstrates both his submission to God and his role as an intercessor for the people of Egypt. In response to Moses’ prayer, God immediately stops the thunder, hail, and rain. This verse illustrates the power of prayer and the authority that God has over nature. It also highlights Moses’ obedience and his willingness to act on behalf of others, even though Pharaoh’s repentance was insincere.
Historical Context
The historical context of Exodus 9:33 is situated within the broader narrative of the ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. The seventh plague was a catastrophic hailstorm that caused widespread destruction across Egypt, sparing only the land of Goshen where the Israelites lived. Pharaoh, overwhelmed by the devastation, asked Moses to pray to God to stop the storm, promising to let the Israelites go. However, as soon as the storm ceased, Pharaoh hardened his heart once again, refusing to fulfill his promise. This verse highlights a recurring theme in the story—Pharaoh’s temporary contrition followed by a return to defiance.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 9:33 underscores the importance of prayer and the power that God has over creation. Moses’ prayer is a model of intercession, showing that God listens to and responds to the prayers of His people. This verse also reflects God’s mercy, as He stops the storm despite knowing that Pharaoh’s heart will soon harden again. It reveals that God’s actions are not dependent on human sincerity but on His own character and purposes. Additionally, this verse emphasizes the theme of obedience. Moses faithfully carries out God’s instructions, demonstrating that God honors the prayers of those who seek Him in humility and faith.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Exodus 9:33 is structured to emphasize the cause-and-effect relationship between Moses’ prayer and God’s response. The verse begins with Moses leaving Pharaoh and moving to a place of solitude outside the city, where he spreads out his hands in prayer. The description of the hail, thunder, and rain stopping immediately after Moses’ prayer highlights the direct connection between Moses’ actions and the cessation of the plague. The verse also serves as a moment of resolution within the larger narrative of the seventh plague, bringing the storm to an end while setting the stage for the continued conflict between Pharaoh and God.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- James 5:16 – “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
- 1 Kings 8:35-36 – “When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because your people have sinned against you, and when they pray toward this place and give praise to your name and turn from their sin because you have afflicted them, then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your servants, your people Israel. Teach them the right way to live, and send rain on the land you gave your people for an inheritance.”
- Psalm 65:5-7 – “You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas, who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength, who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations.”
- Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 9:33 is a powerful reminder of the importance of prayer and the effectiveness of intercession. It encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that He hears and responds to the prayers of His people. This verse also teaches that God’s mercy is not limited by human faithfulness; He responds to prayer even when those asking for help, like Pharaoh, may not be fully sincere. For Christians, this verse is a call to be faithful in prayer, trusting in God’s power to bring about change and to act according to His will.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love by showing His willingness to respond to the prayers of His people, even when they are interceding on behalf of those who are unfaithful or insincere. God’s love is evident in His mercy, as He stops the storm at Moses’ request despite knowing that Pharaoh’s heart will harden again. This demonstrates that God’s actions are motivated by His love and compassion, not just by the actions or attitudes of those involved. The verse also highlights God’s patience, as He continues to give Pharaoh opportunities to repent, reflecting His desire for all people to come to a knowledge of the truth.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 9:33 connects to Jesus Christ in that Jesus is the ultimate intercessor who stands between God and humanity. Just as Moses prayed on behalf of Pharaoh and the Egyptians, Jesus prays for us, interceding on our behalf before the Father. Jesus’ role as our intercessor ensures that we have access to God’s mercy and grace, even when we fall short. The cessation of the storm in response to Moses’ prayer foreshadows the peace and reconciliation that Jesus brings to those who turn to Him. Through Jesus, believers can approach God with confidence, knowing that their prayers are heard and that they are covered by His righteousness.
Relevant Scriptures:
- Hebrews 7:25 – “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
- Romans 8:34 – “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”
- 1 Timothy 2:5 – “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”
- John 14:13-14 – “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse encourage you to be more faithful and consistent in your prayer life?
- In what ways can you act as an intercessor for others, following Moses’ example?
- What does this verse teach you about God’s response to prayer, even when those asking for help may not be sincere?
- How can you trust in God’s power to bring peace and resolution to the storms in your life through prayer?
- How does understanding Jesus’ role as our ultimate intercessor deepen your appreciation for the power of prayer and God’s mercy?