Exodus 9:28 - Pray to Yahweh; for there has been enough of mighty thunderings and hail. I will let you go, and you shall stay no longer.”

Generated Verse: Exodus 9:28

What does "Exodus 9:28" mean?


This verse, Exodus 9:28, is part of the narrative of the plagues God sent upon Egypt in order to convince Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. Let's break it down:

"Pray to Yahweh": This is Pharaoh speaking to Moses. He is acknowledging Yahweh (God) and asking Moses to intercede on his behalf. This represents a temporary shift in Pharaoh's attitude. He's realizing the power of Yahweh and hoping to stop the current plague.

"for there has been enough of mighty thunderings and hail": Pharaoh is expressing his suffering and the devastation caused by the seventh plague (thunder and hail). He acknowledges the severity of the situation and the damage it's causing to Egypt.

"I will let you go, and you shall stay no longer": This is Pharaoh's promise to release the Israelites. He's offering to allow them to leave Egypt permanently if the plague stops. He's desperate to end the suffering and destruction.

In essence, the verse means:

Pharaoh, in distress over the intense thunder and hail, implores Moses to pray to God to stop the plague. In exchange for the end of the plague, Pharaoh promises to finally let the Israelites leave Egypt and not keep them as slaves any longer.

Key points and Interpretations

Temporary repentance: Pharaoh's repentance is not genuine and lasting. He only acknowledges Yahweh and promises to release the Israelites out of desperation to end the plague. As the story continues, we see that he will change his mind again once the plague is lifted.
Power of intercession: The verse highlights the role of Moses as an intercessor between God and Pharaoh. Moses' prayers can influence God's actions, which in turn can affect Pharaoh's decisions.
Divine power vs. Human resistance: The verse showcases the conflict between the divine power of God, displayed through the plagues, and the stubborn resistance of Pharaoh, who refuses to acknowledge God's authority unless forced by overwhelming circumstances.
Theological significance: This verse underscores God's concern for justice and his willingness to use his power to liberate the oppressed. It also demonstrates the consequences of resisting God's will.

The events in this passage illustrate the long and difficult process that it takes for Pharaoh to finally allow the Israelites to leave. Despite his promises, he will repeatedly change his mind, prolonging the suffering and necessitating more plagues.

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