Exodus 9:6 meaning

In the unfolding narrative of Exodus, God's sovereignty is starkly illustrated through the series of plagues visited upon Egypt. At this point, we witness a divine declaration that leads to one of the most severe judgments—the murrain among the livestock. This plague is specifically designed to demonstrate not only God's power but also His protective faithfulness towards the Israelites, who would be exempt from this calamity. The contrast between the suffering Egyptians and the untouched Israelites serves to highlight God's covenant love and justice.

As God warns Pharaoh, He emphasizes the need for liberation for His people, showing the serious consequences of disobedience. This is reflected in the subsequent events where, despite Pharaoh's visible distress and acknowledgment of wrongdoing, his heart remains hardened, illustrating a profound spiritual truth: persistent rebellion against God's calls can lead to an irreversible state of obstinacy. Thus, we read in Exodus 9:6 that "all the cattle of Egypt died, but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not one." This distinction points to God's providence and care, reinforcing the lesson that God defends and preserves His own.