What is the meaning of Exodus 9:4? But the LORD will make a distinction The Lord Himself steps in, showing that He, not chance, governs the outcome (Exodus 8:22–23). This clear line between mercy and judgment echoes throughout Scripture—think of Malachi 3:18 and 2 Timothy 2:19. God’s covenant faithfulness guarantees that His people are never lost in the crowd when He moves. between the livestock of Israel Livestock meant food, labor, and future income, so protecting it was practical as well as symbolic. God guards even the “stuff” that sustains His people, just as He promised in Deuteronomy 7:13 and affirmed in Psalm 37:28. His care isn’t limited to souls; it extends to barns and fields. and the livestock of Egypt Egypt worshiped cattle deities like Apis and Hathor. By striking their herds, the Lord discredited those idols (Exodus 12:12; Numbers 33:4). Jeremiah 46:25 reminds us that God topples every rival. Egypt’s economy and religion collapsed together, proving that any system opposed to God eventually crumbles. so that no animal belonging to the Israelites will die Not “few,” but “no” animals perish—total preservation that magnifies total sovereignty (Exodus 9:6; Psalm 91:7). The precision of this promise foreshadows Passover protection in Exodus 12:13. When God draws a boundary, nothing slips through the line. summary • God decisively separates His people from judgment (Exodus 8:22; Malachi 3:18). • His protection covers every practical need, right down to livestock (Deuteronomy 7:13). • The plague exposes false gods and hollow systems (Numbers 33:4). • The flawless outcome assures us that every word God speaks is sure (Exodus 9:6; Psalm 91:7). |
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