then the hand of the LORD will bring a severe plague on your livestock in the field--on your horses, donkeys, camels, herds, and flocks. beholdThe Hebrew word for "behold" is "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), which serves as an imperative to pay attention or to see something significant. In the context of Exodus, it is a divine alert, emphasizing the seriousness of God's impending action. This word invites the reader to witness the unfolding of God's power and justice, reminding us of His sovereignty and the importance of being attentive to His words and actions. the hand of the LORD
The phrase "the hand of the LORD" is a powerful anthropomorphism, using human imagery to describe divine action. In Hebrew, "יָד יְהוָה" (yad YHWH) signifies God's direct intervention in human affairs. Historically, this expression is used to demonstrate God's might and authority, often in the context of judgment or deliverance. It reassures believers of God's active presence in the world, executing His will with precision and purpose. will fall
The Hebrew verb "הָיָה" (hayah) in this context implies an inevitable occurrence. It conveys certainty and the unstoppable nature of God's decree. This serves as a reminder of the reliability of God's word; what He declares will come to pass. It encourages believers to trust in God's promises and warnings, knowing that His plans are unchangeable and His purposes will be fulfilled. with a severe plague
The term "severe plague" translates from the Hebrew "דֶּבֶר כָּבֵד" (dever kaved), indicating a heavy or grievous pestilence. In the ancient Near Eastern context, plagues were often seen as divine retribution. This phrase underscores the intensity of God's judgment against Egypt, serving as a warning of the consequences of defying His commands. It also highlights God's control over nature, using it as an instrument of His will. on your livestock in the field
The phrase "on your livestock in the field" specifies the target of the plague, emphasizing the economic and societal impact of God's judgment. Livestock were essential to Egyptian agriculture and economy, symbolizing wealth and sustenance. This targeted strike demonstrates God's ability to disrupt human reliance on material resources, urging believers to place their trust in Him rather than in worldly possessions. on your horses, donkeys, camels, herds, and flocks
This detailed enumeration of animals—horses, donkeys, camels, herds, and flocks—reflects the comprehensive nature of the plague. Each animal had a specific role in Egyptian society, from transportation to agriculture. The specificity of this list highlights the thoroughness of God's judgment, leaving no aspect of Egyptian life untouched. It serves as a reminder of God's omniscience and His ability to address every facet of human existence. This comprehensive impact calls believers to recognize the breadth of God's dominion and the futility of resisting His will. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The God of Israel, who is demonstrating His power and sovereignty over Egypt and its gods through the plagues. 2. PharaohThe ruler of Egypt, whose heart is hardened against letting the Israelites go, despite the plagues. 3. Moses and AaronGod's chosen leaders to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt. 4. EgyptThe land where the Israelites are enslaved, and the setting for the plagues. 5. The Plague on LivestockThe fifth plague sent by God, targeting the Egyptian economy and religious symbols. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyThe plagues demonstrate God's control over nature and His authority over all creation. Believers can trust in God's power and His plans for justice. Judgment and MercyWhile the plagues are acts of judgment, they also serve as opportunities for repentance. God's mercy is evident in His warnings and patience. The Hardness of HeartPharaoh's refusal to heed God's command illustrates the danger of a hardened heart. Believers are called to remain open and responsive to God's voice. The Cost of DisobedienceThe economic and spiritual impact of the plagues on Egypt highlights the consequences of resisting God's will. Obedience to God brings life and blessing. God's Protection of His PeopleThe distinction between the Egyptians and Israelites during the plagues reassures believers of God's protection and care for His covenant people. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the plague on livestock demonstrate God's power over the Egyptian gods and economy? 2. In what ways does Pharaoh's response to the plagues serve as a warning for us today regarding the hardness of heart? 3. How can we see God's mercy in the midst of judgment in the account of the plagues? 4. What are some modern-day "plagues" or challenges that might be opportunities for us to turn back to God? 5. How does the protection of the Israelites during the plagues encourage us in our faith journey today? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 12:17The plagues on Pharaoh's house during Abraham's time foreshadow the plagues in Exodus, showing God's protection over His covenant people. Deuteronomy 28:15-68The blessings and curses outlined for Israel, where disobedience leads to curses similar to the plagues of Egypt. Revelation 16:1-21The plagues in Revelation echo the plagues of Egypt, symbolizing God's judgment and ultimate victory over evil. People Aaron, Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, PharaohPlaces Egypt, GoshenTopics Asses, Behold, Camels, Cattle, Disease, Donkeys, Evil, Fall, Field, Flock, Flocks, Goats, Grievous, Herd, Herds, Horses, Livestock, Murrain, Oxen, Pestilence, Plague, Severe, Sheep, TerribleDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 9:3 4684 sheep Exodus 9:1-3 8459 perseverance Exodus 9:2-3 8833 threats Library Confession of Sin --A Sermon with Seven Texts
The Hardened Sinner. PHARAOH--"I have sinned."--Exodus 9:27. I. The first case I shall bring before you is that of the HARDENED SINNER, who, when under terror, says, "I have sinned." And you will find the text in the book of Exodus, the 9th chap. and 27th verse: "And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked." But why this confession from the lips of the haughty tyrant? He was not often wont to …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857The God of the Old Testament is the God of the New
(Palm Sunday.) Exodus ix. 14. I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth. We are now beginning Passion Week, the week of the whole year which ought to teach us most theology; that is, most concerning God, his character and his spirit. For in this Passion Week God did that which utterly and perfectly showed forth his glory, as it never has been shown forth before or since. …
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch The Plagues of Egypt
(Palm Sunday.) EXODUS ix. 13, 14. Thus saith the Lord God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me. For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth. You will understand, I think, the meaning of the ten plagues of Egypt better, if I explain to you in a few words what kind of a country Egypt is, what kind of people the Egyptians were. Some of you, doubtless, …
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch Sign Seekers, and the Enthusiast Reproved.
(Galilee on the Same Day as the Last Section.) ^A Matt. XII. 38-45; ^C Luke XI. 24-36. ^c 29 And when the multitudes were gathering together unto him, ^a 38 Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Teacher, we would see a sign from thee. [Having been severely rebuked by Jesus, it is likely that the scribes and Pharisees asked for a sign that they might appear to the multitude more fair-minded and open to conviction than Jesus had represented them to be. Jesus had just wrought …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture.
"He hath hardened their heart."-- John xii. 40. The Scripture teaches positively that the hardening and "darkening of their foolish heart" is a divine, intentional act. This is plainly evident from God's charge to Moses concerning the king of Egypt: "Thou shalt speak all that I command thee; and I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not harken unto you, and I will lay My hand upon Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
"Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God" (Rom. 11:22). In the last chapter when treating of the Sovereignty of God the Father in Salvation, we examined seven passages which represent Him as making a choice from among the children of men, and predestinating certain ones to be conformed to the image of His Son. The thoughtful reader will naturally ask, And what of those who were not "ordained to eternal life?" The answer which is usually returned to this question, even by those who profess …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Man's Misery by the Fall
Q-19: WHAT IS THE MISERY OF THAT ESTATE WHEREINTO MAN FELL? A: All mankind by their fall lost communion with God, are under his wrath and curse, and so made liable to all the miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell for ever. 'And were by nature children of wrath.' Eph 2:2. Adam left an unhappy portion to his posterity, Sin and Misery. Having considered the first of these, original sin, we shall now advert to the misery of that state. In the first, we have seen mankind offending; …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Opposition to Messiah Ruinous
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel T here is a species of the sublime in writing, which seems peculiar to the Scripture, and of which, properly, no subjects but those of divine revelation are capable, With us, things inconsiderable in themselves are elevated by splendid images, which give them an apparent importance beyond what they can justly claim. Thus the poet, when describing a battle among bees, by a judicious selection of epithets …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. )
Ver. 1. "And it shall come to pass, afterwards, I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions." The communication of the Spirit of God was the constant prerogative of the Covenant-people. Indeed, the very idea of such a people necessarily requires it. For the Spirit of God is the only inward bond betwixt Him and that which is created; a Covenant-people, therefore, without such an inward …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Exodus 9:3 NIVExodus 9:3 NLTExodus 9:3 ESVExodus 9:3 NASBExodus 9:3 KJV
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