Exodus 9:1-7 - All of the livestock of the Egyptians died

9:1-5

In this chapter we have the fifth, sixth and seventh plagues. The fifth plague applies to livestock. As we work through the plagues more and more aspects of Egyptian life are being targeted. This one begins with the command to Pharaoh to “let my people go”. Various sorts of livestock that are in the field will be affected. There is a distinction with this plague in that the Hebrews will not be affected, they will be protected from the plague. A specific time was set for this happening. The specificity helps to demonstrate that this is no random occurrence, but a deliberate act of God.

9:6,7

Pharaoh, of course, did not obey, and so the plague came and had the effect that Moses had foretold. This included the Israelites being unaffected. This reminds us of Ps 91:7 “a thousand may fall at my side ...”. “But the heart of Pharaoh was hardened ...” Here there is no mention of Pharaoh hardening his heart, nor of God hardening his heart. When we harden our hearts it becomes increasingly difficult to unharden it. That is why early repentance of sins is so important, we must not let sin take a firm root in our lives.