Exodus 9:3 - behold, Yahweh’s hand is on your livestock which are in the field, on the horses, on the donkeys, on the camels, on the herds, and on the flocks with a very grievous pestilence.
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What does "Exodus 9:3" mean?
This verse, Exodus 9:3, is part of the fifth plague that God inflicts upon Egypt during the Exodus narrative. Let's break down what it means:
"Behold, Yahweh's hand is on your livestock..." This is a declaration that the plague is not a natural occurrence but a direct action from God (Yahweh is the Hebrew name for God, often translated as LORD). The phrase "Yahweh's hand" signifies God's power and authority at work.
"...which are in the field..." This specifies that the livestock affected are those that are out in the open, pasturing or working.
"...on the horses, on the donkeys, on the camels, on the herds, and on the flocks..." This lists the specific types of livestock that will be affected. This would have included animals vital to the Egyptian economy and way of life:
Horses: Used for war and transportation (chariots).
Donkeys: Pack animals, crucial for carrying goods.
Camels: While not as prevalent in Egypt as in other regions, they were still present and used for transport, especially in desert regions.
Herds: Cattle, primarily.
Flocks: Sheep and goats.
"...with a very grievous pestilence." This describes the nature of the plague: a severe and deadly disease affecting the livestock. "Grievous" emphasizes the severity and pain of the plague. "Pestilence" suggests a widespread, rapidly spreading, and deadly disease.
In summary, the verse is a warning to Pharaoh, telling him that God is about to strike the Egyptian livestock with a devastating and deadly disease. It's a demonstration of God's power and a part of the escalating pressure on Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery.
Significance within the Narrative:
Attack on Egyptian Economy: Livestock was crucial for the Egyptian economy and way of life, providing food, transportation, and labor. This plague directly impacted their economic well-being.
Challenge to Egyptian Gods: The Egyptians worshipped various animal deities. This plague can be seen as a direct challenge to the power of these gods, demonstrating Yahweh's supremacy over them.
Escalation of Plagues: This is the fifth plague in a series, each more severe than the last, designed to break Pharaoh's resistance.
Demonstration of God's Mercy: The Bible also states that if the Egyptians kept their livestock inside, they would be spared from the pestilence. This gave them the opportunity to heed the warning and avert the plague. This aspect of the story highlights God's desire for repentance rather than destruction.
Exodus 9:3 - behold, Yahweh’s hand is on your livestock which are in the field, on the horses, on the donkeys, on the camels, on the herds, and on the flocks with a very grievous pestilence.
What does "Exodus 9:3" mean?
This verse, Exodus 9:3, is part of the fifth plague that God inflicts upon Egypt during the Exodus narrative. Let's break down what it means:
"Behold, Yahweh's hand is on your livestock..." This is a declaration that the plague is not a natural occurrence but a direct action from God (Yahweh is the Hebrew name for God, often translated as LORD). The phrase "Yahweh's hand" signifies God's power and authority at work.
"...which are in the field..." This specifies that the livestock affected are those that are out in the open, pasturing or working.
"...on the horses, on the donkeys, on the camels, on the herds, and on the flocks..." This lists the specific types of livestock that will be affected. This would have included animals vital to the Egyptian economy and way of life:
Horses: Used for war and transportation (chariots).
Donkeys: Pack animals, crucial for carrying goods.
Camels: While not as prevalent in Egypt as in other regions, they were still present and used for transport, especially in desert regions.
Herds: Cattle, primarily.
Flocks: Sheep and goats.
"...with a very grievous pestilence." This describes the nature of the plague: a severe and deadly disease affecting the livestock. "Grievous" emphasizes the severity and pain of the plague. "Pestilence" suggests a widespread, rapidly spreading, and deadly disease.
In summary, the verse is a warning to Pharaoh, telling him that God is about to strike the Egyptian livestock with a devastating and deadly disease. It's a demonstration of God's power and a part of the escalating pressure on Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery.
Significance within the Narrative:
Attack on Egyptian Economy: Livestock was crucial for the Egyptian economy and way of life, providing food, transportation, and labor. This plague directly impacted their economic well-being.
Challenge to Egyptian Gods: The Egyptians worshipped various animal deities. This plague can be seen as a direct challenge to the power of these gods, demonstrating Yahweh's supremacy over them.
Escalation of Plagues: This is the fifth plague in a series, each more severe than the last, designed to break Pharaoh's resistance.
Demonstration of God's Mercy: The Bible also states that if the Egyptians kept their livestock inside, they would be spared from the pestilence. This gave them the opportunity to heed the warning and avert the plague. This aspect of the story highlights God's desire for repentance rather than destruction.