Definition: And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD; [and] the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth [is] the LORDâS.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 9:29. It's a really significant and important passage about God’s plan for the Israelites. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment of intense divine intervention when Moses is leaving the Egyptian land. God is sending a sign to show the Israelites that He is in control and that they are truly His people. Let's unpack it word by word: “And Moses said unto him…” : This sets up a conversation between Moses and God. It’s like a message from Moses to God, acknowledging his obedience. “…As soon as I am gone out of the city…” : This is crucial. Moses must leave the Egyptian land before he can fulfill this important task. He’s leaving behind a period of oppression and hardship for the Israelites. “I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD…” : This is the core of the verse. "Spreading my hands" means reaching out, extending oneself. It's a symbolic action of offering himself completely to God. Think of it like stretching out your arms in prayer or adoration. “[and] the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail…” : This is a dramatic part of the verse. The “thunder” represents divine judgment and power. “No more hail” refers to destructive storms – things that cause destruction and chaos. The verse says the storm will stop . “That thou mayest know how that the earth [is] the LORD’s.” : This is the most important part. The verse emphasizes that God is in control of everything, including the world itself. "The earth is the Lord's" – it means the earth is God’s creation and He has ultimate authority over it. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse speaks to several key themes: God’s Sovereignty: It highlights that God is in charge of everything, even the most difficult situations. Divine Protection: It signifies a period of divine protection and deliverance for the Israelites. Faith and Obedience: Moses's action – leaving the Egyptian land – demonstrates unwavering faith and obedience to God’s commands. In essence, this verse is a powerful statement about God’s absolute authority and that He is working to protect His people. It’s a moment of profound hope for the Israelites and a reminder of their dependence on God's guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Connect this passage to other stories or scriptures? Discuss the context of Exodus 9:29 within the broader narrative of the Israelites’ journey?