Chapter Summary

Plagues of murraine, boils and hall.

Discussion Questions for Exodus, Chapter 9

1. Exodus 9 begins with the fifth plague with the livestock dying. After the water turning into blood, the frogs, the gnats, and the flies in addition to the death of the livestock, the stench throughout Egypt should be unbearable at this time. How long of a time lapse do you think is between each plague? Why is this detail significant?
2. Exodus 9 opens with all of the Egyptian livestock dying- cattle, oxen, donkeys, camels, etc. This plague does not affect Hebrew livestock. Beyond the food source, the death of the livestock would also affect their modes of transportation and agriculture work. What is the effect on the Egyptians? How do you think the Egyptian and Hebrew relationship is altered?
3. The fifth plague does not follow the pattern of the first four- Pharaoh tells Moses he will releases the Hebrew children, God stops the plague, Pharaoh hardened his heart and refuses to let God's people go. Why is this significant?
4. The sixth plague, the boils, was the first to physically harm the Egyptians signifying the intensification of the plagues. Even though the Pharaoh is seen as a god, how do you think the were Egyptians beginning to act toward Pharaoh? How do you think their actions toward the Hebrews have change?
5. Exodus 9:8-11 states that Moses and Aaron take soot from the kiln, tossed it in the air to begin the plague of the boils. The kilns were used for pottery or even to fire the bricks that the Hebrews made. Why is God using the object of slavery for the Hebrews to torment the Egyptians? How would the Hebrews react to these events?
6. The Pharaoh also has the boils from the sixth plague, causing a great deal of pain to him. Yet, Pharaoh continues to harden his heart according to Ex. 9:12. Why would someone continue, even in pain, refuse to yield to the Lord? If you can, describe an instance in modern history or personal life you know someone hardened their heart against God? What did God accomplish through these events?
7. Exodus 9:14-16 God speaks through Moses that He could have ended Egypt as a nation as seen through the different plagues so far. However, God says He has not done so that His name would be proclaimed throughout the earth. How do you view God after this statement? Did the Egyptians do anything other countries haven't done to other countries in their land? Is God just to bring these plagues to Egypt, why or why not?
8. God accuses Pharaoh of still exalting himself over the Hebrews in Exodus 9:17. Why do you think Pharaoh is exalting himself above other after all of the events so far?
9. Exodus 9:19 warns the Egyptians to get their livestock and people into shelter because the hail will be heavy enough to kill them. Why is God continuing to intensify the plagues even against human life?
10. The eighth plague of hail is so strong that it kills uncovered livestock, men, destroys trees and crops in the field. Pharaoh declares in Exodus 9:27 that he has sinned and his people are wrong to stop the hail. Moses agrees to stop the hail but says he knows Pharaoh's heart has not turned to God. How does Moses know this? How should we react to a nonbeliever's repentance?

Key Words/Phrase

Smitten, vv. 27, 15.

Characters

God, Moses, Pharaoh, Aaron.

Strong Verse(s)

5