Exo 9:1-7 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Exod 9:1-7: 9:1-7 The fifth plague was against the livestock . As with the withholding of flies from the area where the Hebrews lived (8:22-23 ), the distinction between the livestock of the Israelites and that of the Egyptians (9:4 ) shows that a natural explanation of this event is insufficient, even if the previous plagues contributed. The Egyptians, like many in the ancient Near East, worshiped the ram, the goat, and the bull as representing power and fertility. These animals had no power before the Lord, in whom true power resides.

b8:22-23►

‏ Exodus 9:1-7

Summary for Exod 9:1-7: 9:1-7 ^a The fifth plague was against the livestock. As with the withholding of flies from the area where the Hebrews lived (8:22-23 ^b), the distinction between the livestock of the Israelites and that of the Egyptians (9:4 ^c) shows that a natural explanation of this event is insufficient, even if the previous plagues contributed. The Egyptians, like many in the ancient Near East, worshiped the ram, the goat, and the bull as representing power and fertility. These animals had no power before the Lord, in whom true power resides.
9:3 ^d Your livestock refers specifically to field animals. Other animals would have boils inflicted upon them in the next plague.

• The term all (also in 9:6 ^e) is not absolute; it does not mean that every single livestock animal was killed. There were still some left to protect from the hail of the seventh plague (9:20 ^f).
Summary for Exod 9:5-6: 9:5-6 ^g Prediction again played an important role. These events were being directed by the One who is sovereign over all that happens.