Exodus 9 takes us deeper into the story of God’s relentless pursuit of Pharaoh’s heart, a pursuit that is marked by divine judgment and mercy intertwined. In this chapter, we witness the intensification of the plagues upon Egypt, each one meant to demonstrate the power of God and to break Pharaoh’s obstinate will. Yet, we also see a growing tension between God’s justice and His mercy—a tension that speaks directly to us as we wrestle with moments of hardship, temptation, and our own resistance to God’s call.
The chapter begins with God instructing Moses to go to Pharaoh once again, delivering a clear and powerful message: "Let my people go, that they may serve me." This command is not just a demand for freedom; it’s an invitation to Pharaoh to recognize the sovereignty of the true God. But Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened, and instead of submitting, he digs in his heels. In our own lives, we can sometimes relate to Pharaoh’s stubbornness. When faced with God’s will, we might resist, preferring our comfort or control, not realizing that surrender to God’s plan is where true freedom lies.
God tells Moses that if Pharaoh continues to resist, He will bring a severe pestilence upon Pharaoh’s livestock, and all the cattle in Egypt will die. However, God makes a distinction: He will spare the animals of the Israelites, showing His protection over His people even in the midst of judgment. This is a significant moment because it shows us that God’s protection is real and tangible, even when the world around us seems to be falling apart. It’s a reminder for us that when we face trials, God’s care for us is specific, personal, and powerful. Even when His judgment is being poured out, His mercy covers His people.
As Moses and Aaron stretch out their hands over the land, the pestilence strikes. The Egyptians’ livestock is decimated, but the Israelites’ animals are unharmed. This sign is unmistakable—God is drawing a clear line between His people and the Egyptians. However, Pharaoh still refuses to humble himself, and his heart hardens even further. Here, we see a key theme that runs through Exodus: God’s justice is not arbitrary; it is an invitation for repentance. But when Pharaoh repeatedly hardens his heart, he chooses his own destruction over God’s grace. This serves as a warning to us that our choices have consequences, and when we resist God’s will, we risk the destruction of what could be a life of peace and fulfillment.
Next, God sends Moses to warn Pharaoh of another plague—boils. Moses takes soot from a furnace and throws it into the air, and it becomes a fine dust that causes painful boils to break out on the skin of the Egyptians and their animals. This plague, like the others, highlights both God’s power and Pharaoh’s growing resistance. Despite the devastation, Pharaoh’s heart remains unchanged. For us, this plague speaks to the depths of human stubbornness. We can sometimes become so focused on our own way or desires that we resist God even when it’s clear He is calling us to something better.
In the midst of these judgments, God provides a glimmer of mercy. He tells Pharaoh that if he would just repent, God would hold back the coming storm of hail. Pharaoh is given another opportunity to soften his heart, yet he refuses. This moment is incredibly important for us because it shows that God gives us chances—again and again—despite our mistakes. It reminds us that His mercy is vast, and He is patient, waiting for us to turn back to Him. But when we continuously reject His offer, we see in Pharaoh’s story that judgment will eventually come.
The next plague—hail—arrives with terrifying force. God warns Pharaoh through Moses that the storm will be unlike anything Egypt has ever experienced. It will destroy crops, trees, and anything left outside. The severity of the storm shows us the seriousness of Pharaoh’s rebellion. Once again, God makes a distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites—while Egypt will face the full force of the hail, the land of Goshen remains untouched. This moment is a powerful reminder for us that while we live in a world full of challenges and suffering, God’s people are never forgotten. Even in the midst of chaos, God’s protection is a shield over those who choose to trust Him.
As the storm begins, we see that those Egyptians who had the foresight to bring their servants and animals indoors are spared from the worst of the damage. The others, who ignored the warning, face the full brunt of the hailstorm. This division within Egypt speaks to us of how our choices to listen—or not listen—affect our outcomes. In our own lives, we are given constant opportunities to heed God’s voice, to make wise choices that protect us and lead us to His peace. The Egyptians’ suffering here reflects the reality that our decisions have consequences, both in the immediate and the long-term.
When the storm subsides, Pharaoh once again admits his wrongdoing and promises to let the Israelites go. But, as we’ve seen before, this promise is short-lived. After the immediate danger has passed, Pharaoh hardens his heart again, refusing to let the people go. This cycle of repentance followed by defiance is so deeply ingrained in Pharaoh’s character that it reflects the danger of growing accustomed to sin. When we continue to disregard God’s calls to repentance, our hearts can become so hardened that even the clearest signs of His intervention no longer move us. Exodus 9 invites us to reflect on how we respond to God’s calls in our lives. Are we quick to repent and turn to Him when we face difficulties, or do we turn away when the pressure eases?
Exodus 9 is a chapter that challenges us to confront our own resistance to God’s will. Through the plagues, we see God’s power displayed in ways that are undeniable, yet we also see the choice that Pharaoh makes in response—stubbornly refusing to submit to God’s authority. The same choice is presented to us daily. Will we open our hearts to God’s guidance, or will we harden them in defiance? Ultimately, this chapter reminds us that God's judgment is just, but His mercy is greater, and He always offers us the opportunity to change our hearts and walk in His ways.