Exodus 9:1-7

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 9:1-7

GOD 'S MERCY IN TEMPORAL JUDGMENTS . Hitherto no great loss had been inflicted; now their cattle is taken. In God's mercy the afflictions deepen that Egypt may forsake the path of death. When the Lord's hand falls in heavier blows it is to save from something worse which lies beyond. Israel's calamities preceded her captivity. God's chastisements fall that we may not be condemned with the world ( 1 Corinthians 11:32 ). II. CONVICTION DOES NOT ALWAYS COMPEL OBEDIENCE ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 9:1-8

The plague of murrain of beasts. I. THE ALTERNATIVE AGAIN ( Exodus 9:1 , Exodus 9:2 ). Surely Pharaoh was well warned. The analogy of the third plague would have led us to expect that on this occasion—after a second and glaring breach of faith—there would have been no warning. Yet mercy waits upon him. Faithless though he had been, if even yet he will let the people go, all will be forgiven. If not—then judgments. Mark how sacredly, in all this, the freedom of Pharaoh is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 9:3

Thy cattle which is in the field . The word "cattle" here is to be taken generally, as including under it the various kinds particularised. The cattle are mentioned as being at this time "in the field," because during the inundation all of them were brought in and housed, while, after the waters had retired, and the land had dried, most of them were turned out to graze. This is always the time at which epidemics break out. The horses, the asses , etc. Horses, which had been unknown prior... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 9:4

The Lord shall sever . Compare Exodus 8:22 . There shall nothing die, etc The original is more emphatic, and might be rendered literally—" There shall not die of all that is the children's of Israel a thing." read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 9:5

To-morrow . God may have interposed the interval in order that such as believed the announcement might save their animals by bringing them in out of the fields. All the cattle died — i.e , all that were "in the field" ( Exodus 9:3 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 9:7

And Pharaoh sent . This time the king had the curiosity to send out and see whether the Israelites had been spared. Though he found the fact correspond to the announcement, he was not seriously impressed. Perhaps he thought the Israelites took better care of their cattle and were better cattle doctors than his own people. Or he may have attributed the escape of their animals to the more healthy air of Goshen. Pharaoh's heart was hardened . The plague affected him less than others had done,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Exodus 9:3

A very grievous murrain - Or “pestilence;” but the word “murrain,” i. e. “a great mortality,” exactly expresses the meaning. This terrible visitation struck far more severely than the preceding, which had caused distress and suffering; it attacked the resources of the nation.The camels - These animals are only twice mentioned, here and Genesis 12:16, in connection with Egypt. Though camels are never represented on the monuments, they were known to the Egyptians, and were probably used on the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Exodus 9:6

All the cattle - i. e. which were left in the field; compare Exodus 9:19-21. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Exodus 9:7

Was hardened - See Exodus 4:21. Pharaoh probably attributed the exemption of the Israelites to natural causes. They were a pastoral race, well acquainted with all that pertained to the care of cattle; and dwelling in a healthy district probably far more than the rest of Lower Egypt. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Exodus 9:3

Exodus 9:3. The hand of the Lord Immediately, without the stretching out of Aaron’s hand; is upon the cattle Many of which, some of all kinds, should die by a sort of pestilence. The hand of God is to be acknowledged even in the sickness and death of cattle, or other damage sustained in them; for a sparrow falls not to the ground without our Father. And his providence is to be acknowledged with thankfulness in the life of the cattle, for he preserveth man and beast, Psalms 36:6. read more

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