Definition: Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Exodus 9:18. It’s a really dramatic and unsettling verse, and it’s packed with symbolism! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a catastrophic event – a massive hailstorm – that is about to happen, and it's going to be extremely destructive. It’s a warning about impending disaster. Let’s unpack the parts: “Behold, to tomorrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail…” "Behold" means "look!" This is a dramatic introduction – God is about to actively do something. “Very grievous” emphasizes how awful it's going to be - it’s not just a little drizzle. “…such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now.” This is the crucial part! This is comparing the hailstorm to something that never happened before, and is happening now . "The foundation of Egypt" refers to the beginning of the world, so it's talking about a truly ancient and powerful event. It suggests this hailstorm will be unlike anything seen in history. What does it mean symbolically? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about: Divine Judgment: God is punishing people for their sins or disobedience. The hail could represent God’s judgment on the world, and it's devastating because it's powerful and unexpected. A Time of Testing: It suggests that God is testing humanity’s faith and resilience. The immense destruction could be a sign of something bigger to come. Important Context (Briefly): This passage comes before the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt. The Egyptians were obsessed with their gods, and they were causing trouble. God decided to punish them for their wickedness through this incredible hailstorm. In short, this verse is a powerful warning about impending disaster, likely connected to judgment and testing, and it's a dramatic statement about divine power. --- Do you want me to: Explain another biblical passage? Discuss the meaning of a specific symbol used in the verse (like hail)?