The Plague of Hail

Moshe Ben-Chaim

It is interesting why this plague of hail generated the response from Pharaoh, “Enough of God’s voice” (Exod. 9:28). In hail’s audible noises, Pharaoh attributed a “voice,” a being with "will” targeting him and Egypt. It was no longer natural devastation, but a being with will attacking Pharaoh. If man is a victim of natural disaster, he doesn’t feel victimized, but he does when pursued by an assailant. Pharaoh expresses this sense. 

This bothered Pharaoh for another reason: Egypt’s view was that their religious rites “pleased” their gods, but now, a God was displeased.