◄ Exodus 9:5 ►
The LORD set a time, saying, "Tomorrow the LORD will do this in the land."
Study Bible
The LORD set a time
This phrase underscores the sovereignty and authority of God. The Hebrew word for "set" is "מוֹעֵד" (moed), which can also mean an appointed time or season. This indicates that God's actions are deliberate and purposeful, not random or arbitrary. In the context of the plagues, it shows that God is in control of the timing and unfolding of events. Historically, this reflects the structured nature of God's covenantal relationship with His people, where He sets times for feasts, Sabbaths, and other significant events.

saying
The act of God speaking is significant throughout the Bible. The Hebrew word "אָמַר" (amar) is used here, which means to say, speak, or declare. This highlights the power and authority of God's word. When God speaks, creation responds, as seen in Genesis with the creation narrative. In the context of Exodus, God's declarations are not just informative but transformative, bringing about change and demonstrating His power over creation and the false gods of Egypt.

'Tomorrow
The use of "tomorrow" emphasizes the immediacy and certainty of God's actions. It reflects the Hebrew word "מָחָר" (machar), which means the next day or the morrow. This term is used to convey urgency and the impending nature of God's judgment. It serves as a warning to Pharaoh and the Egyptians, giving them a short window to recognize God's power and repent. Theologically, it reminds believers of the certainty of God's promises and the importance of readiness and obedience.

the LORD will do this
This phrase asserts God's active role in the events that are about to unfold. The Hebrew verb "עָשָׂה" (asah) means to do, make, or accomplish. It signifies that God is not a passive observer but the active agent in history. In the context of the plagues, it demonstrates God's direct intervention in human affairs to fulfill His purposes. This reassures believers of God's involvement in their lives and His ability to accomplish His will despite human resistance.

in the land
The phrase "in the land" refers to the geographical and cultural context of Egypt. The Hebrew word "אֶרֶץ" (eretz) can mean land, earth, or territory. It highlights the scope of God's actions, affecting the entire land of Egypt, not just isolated areas. This serves as a testament to God's dominion over all creation, challenging the Egyptian belief in their gods' territorial limitations. For believers, it reinforces the truth that God's power and presence are not confined to specific locations but encompass the whole earth.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who demonstrates His power and sovereignty over creation and the false gods of Egypt.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egyptian bondage.

3. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, whose heart is hardened against the Israelites and the commands of God.

4. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved, and the setting for the plagues that demonstrate God's power.

5. The Plagues
A series of divine judgments against Egypt, each targeting specific aspects of Egyptian life and their pantheon of gods.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Timing
God's control over time and events is absolute. He sets the time for His actions, demonstrating His authority over history and human affairs.

The Certainty of God's Word
When God speaks, His words are certain and will come to pass. Believers can trust in the promises and warnings of Scripture.

Judgment and Mercy
The plagues serve as both judgment against Egypt and a means of deliverance for Israel. God's actions are just and purposeful, offering both warning and opportunity for repentance.

Faith in Action
Moses' role as God's messenger required faith and obedience. Believers are called to act in faith, trusting God's timing and purposes.

The Hardness of Heart
Pharaoh's hardened heart serves as a warning against resisting God's will. Believers should remain open and responsive to God's leading.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the setting of a specific time by God in Exodus 9:5 demonstrate His sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our trust in God's timing in our lives?

2. In what ways do the plagues of Egypt reveal God's power over false gods and idols, and how can this encourage us to confront modern-day idols in our lives?

3. How does the certainty of God's word in Exodus 9:5 encourage us to rely on the promises found in other parts of Scripture, such as the promises of salvation and eternal life?

4. What can we learn from Moses' obedience and faith in delivering God's message to Pharaoh, and how can we apply this to our own calling to share God's truth with others?

5. How does the hardening of Pharaoh's heart serve as a warning for us today, and what steps can we take to ensure our hearts remain open and responsive to God's guidance?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 1:1-3
The power of God's word in creation is mirrored in His command over the plagues, emphasizing His authority over all creation.

Exodus 7:3-5
The hardening of Pharaoh's heart and the purpose of the plagues are reiterated, showing God's intention to reveal His power and make His name known.

Psalm 105:26-36
A recounting of the plagues, highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant and His deliverance of Israel.

Revelation 16:1-21
The plagues in Revelation echo the plagues of Egypt, symbolizing God's judgment and ultimate victory over evil.
Sermons
Another Blow At Egyptian IdolatryT. S. Millington.Exodus 9:1-7
Calf-Worship in Modern TimesT. S. Millington.Exodus 9:1-7
God's Mercy in Temporal JudgmentsJ. Urquhart Exodus 9:1-7
The Fifth Plague - the Murrain Among the BeastsD. Young Exodus 9:1-7
The Suffering that Comes Upon the Brute Creation in Consequence of the Sin of ManJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 9:1-7
The Plague of Murrain of BeastsJ. Orr Exodus 9:1-8
People
Aaron, Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, Pharaoh
Places
Egypt, Goshen
Topics
Appointed, Definite, Fixed, Morrow, Saying, Setteth, Tomorrow, To-morrow
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 9:4-6

     4604   animals, nature of

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: 1857

The 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

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