King James Version

What Does Psalms 105:32 Mean?

Psalms 105:32 in the King James Version says “He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land. them: Heb. their rain hail — study this verse from Psalms chapter 105 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land. them: Heb. their rain hail

Psalms 105:32 · KJV


Context

30

Their land brought forth frogs in abundance, in the chambers of their kings.

31

He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, and lice in all their coasts.

32

He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land. them: Heb. their rain hail

33

He smote their vines also and their fig trees; and brake the trees of their coasts.

34

He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillers, and that without number,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The seventh plague (hail, Exodus 9:22-26) is recounted here. The Hebrew emphasizes the transformation: instead of rain (blessing), God gave hail (judgment). 'Flaming fire' refers to lightning mingled with hail, creating an unprecedented supernatural storm. This plague challenged Nut (sky goddess), Shu (air god), and Tefnut (moisture goddess). The agricultural devastation demonstrated God's authority over Egypt's economic foundation. Reformed theology sees this as common grace withdrawn—God sustains all creation, but in judgment He may remove His preserving hand, revealing creation's dependence on Him.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This plague fell during the barley and flax harvest season (Exodus 9:31-32), maximizing economic impact. Egypt's wealth depended on agricultural exports, making this judgment particularly severe. The psalm's recounting reminds Israel that their deliverance came through God's active judgment on their oppressors, not through natural circumstances or human strength.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the withdrawal of God's common grace reveal our dependence on Him?
  2. What agricultural and economic 'gods' do modern societies trust instead of the Creator?
  3. How should God's control over nature affect environmental stewardship and policy?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
נָתַ֣ן1 of 6

He gave

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

גִּשְׁמֵיהֶ֣ם2 of 6

for rain

H1653

a shower

בָּרָ֑ד3 of 6

them hail

H1259

hail

אֵ֖שׁ4 of 6

fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

לֶהָב֣וֹת5 of 6

and flaming

H3852

flame

בְּאַרְצָֽם׃6 of 6

in their land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 105:32 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 105:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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