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Patriarchs and Prophets
Those who are quieting a guilty conscience with the thought that
they can change a course of evil when they choose, that they can trifle
with the invitations of mercy, and yet be again and again impressed,
take this course at their peril. They think that after casting all their
influence on the side of the great rebel, in a moment of utmost ex-
tremity, when danger compasses them about, they will change leaders.
But this is not so easily done. The experience, the education, the
discipline of a life of sinful indulgence, has so thoroughly molded the
character that they cannot then receive the image of Jesus. Had no
light shone upon their pathway, the case would have been different.
Mercy might interpose, and give them an opportunity to accept her
overtures; but after light has been long rejected and despised, it will
be finally withdrawn.
A plague of hail was next threatened upon Pharaoh, with the warn-
ing, “Send therefore now, and gather thy cattle, and all that thou hast
in the field; for upon every man and beast which shall be found in the
field, and shall not be brought home, the hail shall come down upon
them, and they shall die.” Rain or hail was unusual in Egypt, and such
a storm as was foretold had never been witnessed. The report spread
rapidly, and all who believed the word of the Lord gathered in their
cattle, while those who despised the warning left them in the field.
Thus in the midst of judgment the mercy of God was displayed, the
people were tested, and it was shown how many had been led to fear
God by the manifestation of His power.
The storm came as predicted—thunder and hail, and fire mingled
with it, “very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of
Egypt since it became a nation. And the hail smote throughout all the
land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and beast; and the hail
smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field.” Ruin
and desolation marked the path of the destroying angel. The land of
Goshen alone was spared. It was demonstrated to the Egyptians that
the earth is under the control of the living God, that the elements obey
His voice, and that the only safety is in obedience to Him.
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All Egypt trembled before the awful outpouring of divine judg-
ment. Pharaoh hastily sent for the two brothers, and cried out, “I
have sinned this time: the Lord is righteous, and I and my people
are wicked. Entreat the Lord (for it is enough) that there be no more
mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no