תהלים, פרק ע״ח, פסוק מ״ט

God's anger against the Egyptians manifested not just as physical afflictions, but as a relentless wave of uncompromising disasters. The outpouring of divine wrath during the plagues in Egypt serves as a focal point for understanding the sheer force of this punishment. One approach views this intense wrath as a general summary, gathering together all the plagues that were not explicitly detailed earlier in the historical account [רד״ק]. Others see a precise numerical parallel. Because the narrative previously outlined exactly five plagues, the five distinct expressions of divine anger detailed here represent the remaining five plagues that were left unlisted [מאירי]. Alternatively, this intense anger is linked directly to the immense terror caused by the plague of hail. This specific disaster holds unique weight, as it was the only plague severe enough to shatter Pharaoh's resolve and force him to admit his wickedness [אבן עזרא].

The different descriptions of God's anger reveal distinct layers of the punishment. While some view the fury simply as a general expression of anger [ביאור שטיינזלץ], others note careful distinctions between the types of wrath. One form of anger points specifically to a targeted punishment and curse. Another form describes a fury that overflows its boundaries, striking even those who did not sin directly. This overflowing wrath was evident during the plague of pestilence, which struck indiscriminately. In contrast, during the plague of hail, those who feared God had the opportunity to bring their livestock indoors and find safety [מלבי״ם].

The punishment is further characterized as a continuous sending of disasters, arriving one after another in overwhelming numbers [רד״ק]. This sequence of ruin is carried out by evil angels, a concept interpreted in several ways. Some explain that the plagues themselves are these messengers, appearing and acting strictly as agents of God's will [רד״ק]. Others suggest this refers to a literal plague of pestilence delivered by actual angels [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Finally, some identify these destructive messengers as the deadly fire that flashed within the hail, acting as God's envoy to spread ruin across the land [אבן עזרא].