Only in the land of Goshen brings out an important exception that seems to weaken the emphasis on “all the land of Egypt.” The idea that the people of Israel were not affected by the plagues has already been suggested in 8.22 and 9.4, since they were living together in Goshen. It was “the best of the land” (Gen 47.6), where the Pharaoh of Joseph’s time had placed their ancestors, and was still a part of Egypt in Moses’ time. That was “the only place where there was no hail” (Good News Translation). One may also express this as “the only place where hail didn’t fall.”

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .