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 LORD’s.
Moses leaves Pharaoh's presence to pray in solitude because unbelief would pollute his intercession; the place where an idolater dwells cannot be holy ground. He does not speak rashly but as a prophet, taught by the Spirit's sure revelation, pronouncing what God will do. God's dominion appears not only in the infliction of punishment but in its remission, His power shines brightest when He heals the very wounds He has struck.
AI summary
God makes the clouds His arsenals. When He pleases, He draws forth hail and lightning as formidable artillery against His enemies, woeful havoc that kills men and beasts and batters down the very trees. Yet mark: Goshen was preserved untouched. God directs the pregnant clouds themselves and causes it to rain on one city and not on another.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 9:22-35
Pharaoh's confession of sin came not from true fear of God but from dread of punishment. Once delivered from this plague, his goodness will move him to sin again, not to fear. The man feared God's face before the thunders ceased; he will not fear Him after.
AI summary