Definition: So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Exodus 9:24. It’s a really dramatic and significant passage about God’s power and judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, this verse describes a terrifying event where God unleashed immense natural disasters – hail and fire – to completely destroy the Egyptian crops. Here's a breakdown of what each part signifies: “So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail…” This is the core of the story. It’s not just one event; it’s a combination of incredibly destructive weather. Hail is small stones that fall from the sky, and fire comes from lightning or other volcanic activity. The fact that they're mixed together emphasizes the intensity of the storm. “…very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.” This is the key part – it was unlike anything seen before . “Egypt” refers to the Egyptians themselves and their agricultural lands. “Since it became a nation” means they had grown to a significant size and population, making them vulnerable to God’s judgment. The word "griefing" implies this wasn't just a bad storm; it was a deep and devastating disaster. It felt like the entire land was shaken to its core. What does this mean practically? This event is seen as a sign of God’s power and judgment against the Egyptians. It suggests that God is willing to use his power to punish them for their wickedness and lack of faith. It’s often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of sin and disobedience. Important Note: The Bible doesn't usually give us why this happened, but it does emphasize that it was a deliberate act of God, intended to demonstrate his control and protect his people. --- Do you want me to elaborate on any specific aspect of this verse? For example, we could discuss: The context of the story in Exodus 9 What the biblical scholars believe this event meant historically How this passage relates to other stories in the Bible