“Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not one of the cattle of the Israelites dead. And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go.”
This verse is part of the narrative of the ten plagues that God sent upon Egypt in order to secure the release of the Israelites from their bondage. In this particular instance, Moses and Aaron had confronted Pharaoh, declaring God’s command to let His people go, or else a severe plague would befall Egypt. The fifth plague was a devastating outbreak of livestock disease, but it affected only the animals belonging to the Egyptians, sparing the livestock of the Israelites.
Let’s break down this verse and explore its significance:
- Pharaoh sent:This phrase refers to Pharaoh’s investigation or inquiry into the situation. Upon hearing Moses and Aaron’s warning, Pharaoh sent someone to inspect and confirm the state of the livestock.
- There was not one of the cattle of the Israelites dead:Here, we see that despite the widespread death of Egyptian livestock due to the plague, none of the Israelites’ cattle were affected. This demonstrates God’s ability to distinguish between the Egyptians and His own people, extending His protection and provision over the Israelites.
- The heart of Pharaoh was hardened:Pharaoh’s response to this miraculous event was not one of humility or acknowledgment of God’s power. Instead, his heart remained stubborn and resistant to God’s command. The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart is a recurring theme throughout the Exodus narrative, highlighting his persistent refusal to let the Israelites go and the subsequent consequences of his actions.
- He did not let the people go:Despite witnessing God’s power firsthand through the miraculous sparing of the Israelite livestock, Pharaoh remained unmoved. His heart continued to be unyielding, and he refused to release the Israelites from their slavery in Egypt.
This verse serves as a reminder of the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart and his continual defiance of God’s will. It showcases God’s sovereignty over His creation, His ability to protect and provide for His people, and the consequences of resisting His commands.
Furthermore, this passage highlights the broader narrative of the Exodus, which not only demonstrates God’s power and deliverance but also foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who would ultimately deliver humanity from the bondage of sin and death.
Overall, Exodus 9:7 serves as a pivotal moment in the account of the ten plagues and the struggle between God and Pharaoh, showcasing the contrasting responses to God’s actions and underscoring the importance of obedience and humility in the face of divine authority.
