Exodus Chapter 9 Summary
Plagues of murraine, boils and hall.
Discussion Questions for Exodus, Chapter 9
- Exodus 9 begins with the fifth plague, which involves the livestock dying. After the water turns into blood, the frogs, the gnats, and the flies, in addition to the death of the livestock, the stench throughout Egypt must be unbearable at this time. How long do you think elapses between each plague? Why is this detail significant?
- 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 agricultural work. What is the effect on the Egyptians? How do you think the relationship between the Egyptians and Hebrews is altered?
- The fifth plague does not follow the pattern of the first four: Pharaoh tells Moses he will release the Hebrew children, God stops the plague, Pharaoh hardens his heart, and refuses to let God's people go. Why is this significant?
- 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 Egyptians were beginning to act toward Pharaoh? How do you think their actions toward the Hebrews have changed?
- Exodus 9:8-11 states that Moses and Aaron took soot from the kiln and 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?
- The Pharaoh also has the boils from the sixth plague, causing him a great deal of pain. Yet, Pharaoh continues to harden his heart according to Exodus 9:12. Why would someone continue to refuse to yield to the Lord, even in pain? If you can, describe an instance in modern history or in your personal life where you know someone hardened their heart against God. What did God accomplish through these events?
- 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 that other countries haven't done to other countries in their land? Is God just to bring these plagues to Egypt? Why or why not?
- God accuses Pharaoh of still exalting himself over the Hebrews in Exodus 9:17. Why do you think Pharaoh is exalting himself above others after all of the events so far?
- 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?
- The eighth plague of hail is so strong that it kills uncovered livestock and men and destroys trees and crops in the field. Pharaoh declares in Exodus 9:27 that he has sinned and that 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
