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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This plague hits Egypt's most valuable, mobile, and visible wealth – livestock being grazed in the open fields. It's a direct strike at their economy and a public spectacle, meant to be undeniable proof that this isn't just bad luck but God's powerful intervention.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following the devastation of the previous plagues, God instructs Moses to confront Pharaoh again, emphasizing that this plague will be different as it comes directly from God's hand, not through Aaron's rod. This divine strike will target all of Egypt's livestock – horses, donkeys, camels, cattle, and sheep – causing a severe and widespread disease, while sparing the Israelites' animals. Despite this clear demonstration of divine power and a final warning, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened, refusing to let God's people go.
When disaster strikes, where do you look for answers? This verse points us directly to the source.
The phrase 'the hand of the LORD' is a powerful way the Bible describes God's direct involvement in the world, especially in judgment. It's not just a natural event or bad luck; it's God actively intervening.
Why animals? This plague wasn't random; it struck at the heart of Egypt's prosperity and power.
This plague specifically targets the livestock of Egypt—horses, donkeys, camels, herds, and flocks. This was a devastating blow to their economy and way of life for several reasons:
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God's judgments often build. This plague was 'grievous' in ways beyond just the immediate loss.
The term 'very grievous murrain' points to a plague that was not only severe but had lasting consequences. This wasn't a fleeting inconvenience; it was a deep wound to Egypt.
Understand the original words
yad · Hebrew Noun
A powerful, divine action or manifestation of God’s sovereign control over nature and history. It is often used to execute judgment, display authority, or fulfill God's purposes in the world.
deber · Hebrew Noun
A divine judgment or stroke of affliction sent by God, often to bring about correction, repentance, or the manifestation of His power against oppression and sin.
This plague specifically targets the Egyptians' wealth and the animals they worshipped, demonstrating God's power over their idols and striking at the heart of their economy. The sparing of Israelite livestock highlights God's protective covenant with His people amidst His judgment on Egypt.
c. 1440 BC
Israelites Enslaved in Egypt
The Israelites, descendants of Jacob, have grown into a large population in Egypt. To control them, the Egyptians enslave them and force them into harsh labor.
c. 1440 BC
Moses Encounters the Burning Bush
God calls Moses to return to Egypt and demand Pharaoh release the Israelites, revealing His name and purpose.
c. 1440 BC
First Plague: Water Turned to Blood
Pharaoh refuses Moses' demand, and the Nile River and all Egyptian water sources turn to blood, killing fish and making water undrinkable for Egyptians.
c. 1440 BC
Second Plague: Frogs
Frogs swarm Egypt from the Nile, infesting homes and fields. Pharaoh briefly relents but hardens his heart again when the frogs are removed.
c. 1440 BC
Third Plague: Gnats (or Lice)
Dust turns into swarms of gnats that plague both Egyptians and their animals. The Egyptian magicians acknowledge God's power here.
c. 1440 BC
Fourth Plague: Flies
Dense swarms of flies infest the homes of Egyptians, but are withheld from the land of Goshen where the Israelites live.
c. 1440 BC— this verse
Fifth Plague: Livestock Pestilence
God strikes all the livestock of Egypt – horses, donkeys, camels, herds, and flocks – with a deadly pestilence, while sparing the livestock of Israel.
This passage recounts the plagues of Egypt, specifically mentioning God's power over animals and His judgment on Pharaoh's stubbornness, mirroring the severity and divine origin of the plague described in Exodus 9:3.
Jeremiah 12:4This verse directly references the aftermath of this plague, stating that because of the Egyptians' wickedness, the land mourned and the beasts perished, confirming the divine judgment aspect present in Exodus 9:3.
Job 39:1-13While a different context, Job's reflection on God's sovereignty over wild animals like the wild donkey, the deer, and the wild ox highlights God's ultimate control over all creatures, including those afflicted in Egypt.
Luke 12:24-28Jesus speaks about God's care for the birds and lilies, showing that even the smallest details of creation are known to Him, which underscores the idea that God's 'hand' is also behind the affliction of livestock.
calvinExodus 9:1-7: "Then the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh, and tell him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me."
And 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.
Et misit Pharao: et ecce, ex pecore Israel ne unum quidem animal mortuum erat. Et aggravatum fuit cor Pharaonis, ut non dimitteret populum.
Then the Lord said. No co…
clarkeExodus 9:3: "Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain."
The hand of the Lord - The power of God manifested in judgment. Upon the horses - סוסים susim. This is the first place the horse is mentioned; a creature for which Egypt and Arabia were always famous. סס sus is supposed to have the same meaning with שש sas, which signifies to be active…
This plague hits Egypt's most valuable, mobile, and visible wealth – livestock being grazed in the open fields. It's a direct strike at their economy and a public spectacle, meant to be undeniable proof that this isn't just bad luck but God's powerful intervention.
Following the devastation of the previous plagues, God instructs Moses to confront Pharaoh again, emphasizing that this plague will be different as it comes directly from God's hand, not through Aaron's rod. This divine strike will target all of Egypt's livestock – horses, donkeys, camels, cattle, and sheep – causing a severe and widespread disease, while sparing the Israelites' animals. Despite this clear demonstration of divine power and a final warning, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened, refusing to let God's people go.
Following the devastation of the previous plagues, God instructs Moses to confront Pharaoh again, emphasizing that this plague will be different as it comes directly from God's hand, not through Aaron's rod. This divine strike will target all of Egypt's livestock – horses, donkeys, camels, cattle, and sheep – causing a severe and widespread disease, while sparing the Israelites' animals. Despite this clear demonstration of divine power and a final warning, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened, refusing to let God's people go.
"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." — This plague hits Egypt's most valuable, mobile, and visible wealth – livestock being grazed in the open fields. It's a direct strike at their economy and a public spectacle, meant to be undeniable pr…
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Last reviewed October 2026