Dig a Little Deeper: God Over Nut

The hailstorm shook ancient Egypt as it revealed Nut’s powerlessness. 


God’s confrontation with Pharaoh was a relentless pursuit of his glory and his people’s liberation. This plague, number seven, strikes with an escalating intensity in this conflict between the true living God and Egypt’s pantheon of gods–in which Pharaoh was believed to be a part. As the hail and fire rain down from the heavens, we witness a display of God's unparalleled power and judgment, bringing devastation to man, beast, and crops alike.


Nut: Goddess of the Sky


The goddess Nut, the deity of the sky, whose supposed authority over weather and natural order is defeated. Despite her revered status among the Egyptians, Nut stands powerless before the destructive hailstorm. The plague serves as a powerful sign, undermining the credibility of Egypt's religious practices and further exposing the impotence of their gods.


Fair Warning


Like with previous plagues, we see God giving Pharaoh fair warning. He offers a chance for repentance, a way to avert the devastation. Yet, despite these warnings, Pharaoh's heart remains stubborn, and he refuses to yield to God's commands.


The consequences of Pharaoh's rebellion are dire. Egypt's economy, which relied heavily on agricultural productivity, suffers a crippling blow. Livestock are lost, crops destroyed, and Egypt's workforce diminished, all adding to the nation's severe affliction.


Desperate for Relief


In the face of utter devastation, Pharaoh finally admits his guilt and offers to free the people if the plague is lifted. But, once again, his confession lacks sincerity, and his actions betray his hollow words. Pharaoh's temporary remorse leads to no lasting change.


A Call to Repent


God has warned us to turn from our sin for thousands of years. The plagues in Exodus serve as reminders of the urgency to submit to God's word and seek refuge in his protection.


In our daily lives, we encounter choices and challenges. Like Pharaoh, we may struggle with pride and stubbornness, leading us to make promises we do not intend to keep. In those moments, we must remember that God's power and authority are unmatched, and genuine repentance leads to lasting transformation.


Let us be people of action, embracing the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom, and responding to his call with sincerity and obedience. As we navigate the storms of life, let us find solace in the unwavering faithfulness of Jesus, who has the power to calm the storms that threaten to overwhelm us.

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