Rise up early . Compare Exodus 7:15 , and Exodus 8:20 . The practice of the Egyptian kings to rise early and proceed at once to the dispatch of business is noted by Herodotus. It is a common practice of oriental monarchs. And say unto him . The same message is constantly repeated in the same words as a token of God's unchangingness. See Exodus 8:1-20 ; Exodus 9:1 ; Exodus 10:3 ; etc. read more
Harden not your hearts. Our position in considering the dealings of God with men, resembles the position of scholars in some school observing and criticizing the conduct of the master. Certain inferences cannot be drawn from partial knowledge. Moreover, God's dealings with us resemble, to some extent, the dealings of a tutor with his scholars. Where intelligent appreciation is impossible through immaturity of intelligence, then action must seem arbitrary, however perfect may be the... read more
The earth is the Lord's and the fulness of it. In this comprehensive message from Jehovah, standing as it does about midway in the course of his judgments upon Pharaoh, we have a peculiar and impressive application of the foregoing word of the Psalmist ( Psalms 24:1 ). The word "earth," it will be noticed, stands in a very prominent position in each of the Exodus 9:14 , Exodus 9:15 , Exodus 9:16 . Evidently, then, we should give the word an equally prominent position in our... read more
The method of the Divine Rule over bad men illustrated by God's message to Pharaoh. The message illustrates, 1. THE LONG - SUFFERING OF GOD TOWARDS SINNERS . "For now might I have stretched out my hand and smitten thee and thy people with pestilence"( Exodus 9:15 ). Pharaoh had opposed himself to God so long, had shown himself in various ways so wicked, that he well deserved to have been stricken with plague and made to perish miserably. He had been insolent and... read more
Mercy in Judgment. I. GOD 'S PURPOSE IN DEALING WITH THE WICKED BY CHASTISEMENT AND NOT BY JUDGMENT (13-16). God might have desolated the land, and let Israel pass unquestioned through the midst of it. But in Pharaoh and his people the Lord would, by foretold, continued, deepening chastisements, reveal the terror and resistlessness of his power. He would make the heart of the oppressor quail in every age and nation, and stir up the oppressed to hope and prayer.... read more
The plague of hail. This plague was introduced with ampler remonstrance. Moses was commanded to proceed to Pharaoh, and to warn him in stronger and more decisive language than he had yet employed of the folly of this insane resistance. Exodus 9:15 should probably be translated, "For now indeed had I stretched forth my hand, and smitten thee and thy people with the pestilence, thou hadst then been out off from the earth;" and then Exodus 9:16 will give the reason why God had not cut... read more
I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart . A very emphatic announcement. At this time contrasts the immediate future with the past, and tells Pharaoh that the hour of mild warnings and slight plagues is gone by. Now he is to expect something far more terrible God will send all his plagues —every worst form of evil—in rapid succession; and will send them against his heart . Each will strike a blow on that perverse and obdurate heart—each will stir his nature to its... read more
For now I will stretch out my hand . It is generally agreed by modern writers that this translation fails to give the true sense of the original God does not here announce what he is going to do, but what he might have done, and would have done, but for certain considerations. Translate, "For now might I have stretched out my hand, and smitten thee and thy people with pestilence; and then thou hadst been cut off from the earth." Scripture shows that pestilence is always in God's power, and... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 9:8-13
The plague of boils and blains. This plague, like the third, was unannounced. God varies his methods. There was need for some token being given of God's severe displeasure at Pharaoh's gross abuse of his goodness and forbearance. This plaque is distinguished from the rest by being introduced with a significant action. I. THE ACTION INTRODUCING THE PLAGUE ( Exodus 9:8-10 ). Hitherto the only actions employed had been the stretching out of Aaron's rod, and in the case of the... read more