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.”’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights a powerful, non-obvious truth: God's judgment is specific and targeted. Even amidst widespread destruction intended to break Pharaoh's will, the cattle belonging to His chosen people were divinely protected, showing His care even within His dealings of judgment. This incredible distinction, affecting creatures breathing the same air and drinking the same water, points to the profound separation God makes between those who serve Him and those who defy Him.
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.”’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following the devastating plague of boils on humans and animals, God instructs Moses to confront Pharaoh again, not with a plea, but with a divine decree. This specific plague will be a devastating murrain that kills all the livestock in Egypt, yet God promises to miraculously protect the livestock belonging to the Israelites. Pharaoh, blinded by his own stubbornness, will still refuse to let the people go, even after witnessing this clear distinction between his suffering and Israel’s exemption.
How could entire herds die while those right next to them remained untouched? This wasn't just luck; it was a deliberate act of God's power and purpose.
In Exodus 9:4, we see God making a clear and astonishing distinction between the livestock of the Israelites and the livestock of the Egyptians during the plague of murrain.
A Supernatural Separation
This miraculous distinction highlighted God's sovereignty and His intention to protect and deliver His chosen people, even while bringing judgment upon their oppressors.
Ask a follow-up
Why did Pharaoh remain stubbornly resistant even when faced with such undeniable proof of God's power? The text reveals a deeper, divine dimension to his obstinacy.
The narrative surrounding this plague isn't just about the livestock; it's also about Pharaoh's response and God's ultimate authority.
The Cycle of Judgment and Hardening
Pharaoh's hardened heart became a tool through which God displayed His power, His judgment, and His unwavering commitment to the liberation of His people.
Understand the original words
palah · Hebrew Verb
The act of separating or treating differently based on moral, spiritual, or covenantal standing. It reflects God’s ability to protect His people while simultaneously judging those who oppose Him.
This verse highlights a crucial turning point in the plagues, where God begins to make a clear distinction between His people and their oppressors, demonstrating His protective power and isolating Egypt in its suffering.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
The Exodus from Egypt
After 400 years of slavery, God miraculously led the Israelites out of Egypt under Moses, fulfilling His promises to Abraham.
c. 1446 BC
The Ten Plagues Begin
God sent a series of ten devastating plagues upon Egypt to weaken Pharaoh's resolve and demonstrate His power.
c. 1446 BC
The Murrain (Fifth Plague)
A deadly pestilence struck the livestock of Egypt, killing all their cattle, donkeys, camels, oxen, and sheep, while none of the Israelites' animals perished.
c. 1446 BC
Pharaoh's Heart Hardens
Despite the devastating plagues, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened, often refusing to let the Israelites go even after witnessing God's judgment.
This passage describes the Israelites prospering and multiplying in the land of Goshen, highlighting their favored status and separation from the Egyptians even before this plague.
Psalm 105:36This psalm directly recounts the plague of the murrain and specifically mentions that 'not one' of the Israelites' livestock died, echoing the exact promise made in Exodus 9:4.
John 10:29Jesus speaks of His sheep being safe in His hand, drawing a parallel to God's protective power over His people and their possessions, even in the midst of widespread destruction.
1 Corinthians 10:13This verse assures believers that God will not allow them to be tempted beyond what they can bear and will provide a way out, reflecting God's faithfulness in protecting His own from overwhelming disaster.
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…
gillExodus 9:4: "And the LORD shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt: and there shall nothing die of all that is the children's of Israel."
And the Lord shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt,.... Make such a difference and distinction between them, that the murrain should not be on the one, when it was on the other, and which was a very marvellous thing; and especially in the land of Goshen, where the Egyptians had much cattle, and Pharaoh himsel…
This verse highlights a powerful, non-obvious truth: God's judgment is specific and targeted. Even amidst widespread destruction intended to break Pharaoh's will, the cattle belonging to His chosen people were divinely protected, showing His care even within His dealings of judgment. This incredible distinction, affecting creatures breathing the same air and drinking the same water, points to the profound separation God makes between those who serve Him and those who defy Him.
Following the devastating plague of boils on humans and animals, God instructs Moses to confront Pharaoh again, not with a plea, but with a divine decree. This specific plague will be a devastating murrain that kills all the livestock in Egypt, yet God promises to miraculously protect the livestock belonging to the Israelites. Pharaoh, blinded by his own stubbornness, will still refuse to let the people go, even after witnessing this clear distinction between his suffering and Israel’s exemption.
Following the devastating plague of boils on humans and animals, God instructs Moses to confront Pharaoh again, not with a plea, but with a divine decree. This specific plague will be a devastating murrain that kills all the livestock in Egypt, yet God promises to miraculously protect the livestock belonging to the Israelites. Pharaoh, blinded by his own stubbornness, will still refuse to let the people go, even after witnessing this clear distinction between his suffering and Israel’s exemption.
"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.”’”" — This verse highlights a powerful, non-obvious truth: God's judgment is specific and targeted. Even amidst widespread destruction intended to break Pharaoh's will, the cattle belonging to His chosen p…
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Last reviewed October 2026