Exodus 9:4 - Yahweh will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt; and nothing shall die of all that belongs to the children of Israel.”’”

Generated Verse: Exodus 9:4

What does "Exodus 9:4" mean?


This verse, Exodus 9:4, is part of the narrative of the plagues God inflicted upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. Let's break down its meaning:

"Yahweh will make a distinction...": This highlights the key point of the verse: God is going to differentiate between the Egyptians and the Israelites. The plague about to be inflicted will affect the Egyptians, but not the Israelites.

"...between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt...": The specific distinction being made is concerning livestock. This indicates the plague will be a disease or disaster that affects animals.

"...and nothing shall die of all that belongs to the children of Israel.": This is the promise of protection. The livestock belonging to the Israelites will be spared from the plague. They will not suffer the same fate as the Egyptian livestock.

In essence, the verse conveys the following meaning:

God is promising to protect the livestock of the Israelites from a coming plague that will strike the livestock of the Egyptians. This serves as a demonstration of God's power, his favor towards the Israelites, and his ability to protect those who are faithful to him. It's a tangible sign of God's presence and intervention on behalf of the Israelites. It also contrasts the destiny of Egyptians (afflicted by the plague) and Israelites (protected).

Significance in Context:

This verse is significant because it establishes the pattern of the plagues: each plague is targeted at Egypt and its gods, while the Israelites are often (but not always) spared. This reinforces the idea that Yahweh is more powerful than the Egyptian gods and that he is actively working to deliver the Israelites from bondage. This plague specifically attacks the Egyptians' economic base and agricultural productivity, adding to the pressure on Pharaoh to release the Israelites.