Why did the hailstorm come in the 10 plagues of Egypt?

Answer 1

The Egyptians at the time treated Moses people very badly, using them to work for them whipping them continuously. God's way to make Pharaoh release the captive Jews was to send 10 plagues; 1. water into blood, 2. frogs, 3. gnats, 4. flies, 5. farm animals get sick and die, 6. boils, 7. hail, 8. locusts, 9. darkness, 10. death of every first born Egyptian son. Finally Pharaoh let the Jews go!

Answer 2

The Bible says that God brought down ten terrible plagues on the nation of Egypt during the time of Moses and just before the Exodus from Egypt. The first of these plagues were portrayed as being intended to force the pharaoh to release the Israelites and allow them to leave Egypt. But when the pharaoh showed signs of relenting, the Bible says that God hardened his heart, so that more plagues were justified. This change of heart sounds too mythical, too much as if intended to help the readers enjoy a good story of the prolonged suffering of the supposed enemies of the Hebrew people.

We can expect the economic and social impact of these plagues to have been so dramatic that a good deal of evidence would be found in the Egyptian archaeological record. However, nothing has been found, either in the written records or in artefacts from the period, and the Egyptian economy continued on as if nothing had happened, not only through the fifteenth century but for centuries to come. The only rational conclusion seems to be that the ten biblical plagues never really happened and the explanation simply lies with a legend that developed in Israel and Judah centuries after the supposed events.

Answer 3

Because of the Egyptians' wanton cruelty towards the Israelites (Exodus ch.1 and 18:11); and also in order to perform the miracles of the Plagues in keeping with His love for the Israelites' forefathers (Genesis 15:13-14; Exodus ch.3).

Further thoughts:

Egypt refused to send Israel away, as God demanded (Exodus 5:1+2) so God executed plagues against each of their 'gods' (Exodus 12:12)(Numbers 33:4)(Isaiah 19:1)(Jeremiah 43:13)(Zephaniah 2:11).

1. Hapi - The Nile god was disgraced when the water was turned to blood, and all the fish died (fish were also worshiped in Egypt, and sometimes mummified)(Exodus 7:19-21)

2. Heqt - the Frog goddess, a symbol of fertility, was disgraced when frogs uncontrollably covered EVERYTHING in Egypt(Exodus 8:5-14)

3. Thoth (supposed inventor of magic arts)- was unable to help the magic practicing priests deal with the gnats from the third plague (Exodus 8:16-19)

4. The fourth plague (gadflies) drew a line between Egypt and Israel....the remaining plagues affected ONLY the Egyptians(Exodus 8:23+24). None of their false god's could prevent this.

5. Hathor, Apis and the sky goddess, Nut - were humiliated by the wide spread death of livestock throughout Egypt, but again, not affecting Israel.(Exodus 9:8-11)

6. Thoth, Isis, and Ptah, known for their 'healing powers' - were disgraced when they could not prevent boils from ravaging the Egyptians.(Exodus 9:8-11)

7. Reshpu (lightning god) and Thoth(god of rain and thunder)- could not prevent severe hailstorms and lightning(Exodus 9:22-26)

8. Min(protector of crops)- could not prevent the locust plague that destroyed the harvest(Exodus 10:12-15)

9. Rah and Horus (sun gods) could do nothing to prevent the total darkness that followed (Exodus 10:21-23)

10. Pharaoh was also considered a God....Amon-Ra (son of Rah). When the tenth plague hit, killing the first born of every creature, man to beast, including Pharaoh's son, this meant the death of a god.(Exodus 12:12+29) and the final stroke that broke Egypt's hold. At any time, Pharaoh could have changed his mind, but with stubborn pride, refused to humble himself.

Answer 4

To show Pharaoh that the God of Moses was more powerful than his gods. It was aimed at Nut, the sky goddess; Isis, the goddess of life and Seth, the protector of crops.