The Fifth Plague

                                                                      Exodus 9:1-7

 

August 27, 2025

 

The Fifth Plague: Egyptian Livestock Die

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, “Let my people go, that they may serve me.  For if you refuse to let them go and still hold them,  behold, the hand of the Lord will fall with a very severe plague upon your livestock that are in the field, the horses, the donkeys, the camels, the herds, and the flocks.  But the Lord will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt, so that nothing of all that belongs to the people of Israel shall die.”  And the Lord set a time, saying, “Tomorrow the Lord will do this thing in the land.”  And the next day the Lord did this thing. All the livestock of the Egyptians died, but not one of the livestock of the people of Israel died.  And Pharaoh sent, and behold, not one of the livestock of Israel was dead. But the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go.

 

What are some thoughts that come into your mind as you read the above Scripture?  My first thought is Pharaoh's elevator sure stops before it reaches his brain. After seeing the hand of God, why would he not believe God could and would do all that he promised?  Then I think about you and me, why do we not do what God has told us to do?  Can you imagine the impact that had on his nation, his army with no horses, and the massive clean-up of removing herds of horses and cattle, and sheep.  What about the livelihood of the people?  Obedience brings blessing, and disobedience brings a lot of pain, as in this case, the people of Egypt. 

 

First thing we need to understand is God is in control, Pharaoh's heart was hardened by God, often a judgment like this on a leader is to show the people of God, how big their God is.  King Nebuchadnezzar was a pagan king whom God used and blessed, till he became so full of self that he took full credit for all that God had done.  What did God do with that great king for seven years? He ate grass like livestock.  And after the seven years, we see this account in Daniel 4:34, “At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.

His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.

 

Have you come to that place where you not only acknowledge God, but you put your life in His hands, to do with as He desires?

 

From our Back Porch,

 

Bob Rice