“Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain.”
In this verse, we find ourselves in the midst of the plagues that God sent upon Egypt during the time of Moses. The context of this verse is the fifth plague, which was a severe disease or pestilence that afflicted the livestock of the Egyptians.
Let’s break down the verse and explore its key elements:
- “Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle”: This phrase emphasizes that God’s power and judgment are directly responsible for the affliction of the Egyptian cattle. It highlights God’s sovereignty over all creation and His ability to bring judgment upon those who oppose His will.
- “which is in the field”: The reference to the cattle being in the field suggests that the plague affected both domesticated and grazing animals. No place of refuge or safety was exempt from God’s judgment.
- “upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep”: This enumeration of different types of livestock demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the plague. No specific type of animal was spared, and the impact was widespread. It further emphasizes that God’s judgment was all-encompassing.
- “there shall be a very grievous murrain”: The term “murrain” refers to a severe epidemic or pestilence that affects animals. This word denotes the intensity and severity of the disease that struck the livestock. It was a devastating blow to the Egyptian economy and a demonstration of God’s power over their livelihood.
From a broader perspective, the plagues in the book of Exodus were a series of supernatural events that God orchestrated to bring about the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. These plagues served multiple purposes: to demonstrate God’s power, to challenge the false gods of Egypt, to weaken the resolve of Pharaoh, and to showcase God’s faithfulness to His covenant with Israel.
In Exodus 9:3, the affliction of the livestock can be seen as a specific judgment against the Egyptians’ economic prosperity and their reliance on these animals for various purposes. By striking at their livelihood, God demonstrated His ability to disrupt and destroy the foundations of their society.
This verse reminds us of the importance of recognizing God’s sovereignty and His power over all aspects of creation. It also serves as a warning against idolatry and placing our trust in worldly possessions or economic prosperity, which can be subject to God’s judgment.
Overall, Exodus 9:3 provides us with insights into God’s character, His ability to bring judgment, and His faithfulness to His people. It encourages us to acknowledge His sovereignty and to seek His guidance and protection in all areas of our lives.
