We see God’s mercy amid judgment. He warns us ahead of the decision and grants us the opportunity of salvation from destruction. He determined the time of the plague; this plaque was linked to God’s timing. The Lord mercifully gave Pharaoh and Egypt time to prepare ahead of the plaque. Maybe they could hide some of their livestock in Goshen or other lands before the plague came.
“And the Lord will make a difference between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt. So nothing shall die of all that belongs to the children of Israel. Then the Lord appointed a set time, saying, “Tomorrow the Lord will do this thing in the land.” (Ex 9:4-5). As with the fourth plaque, God distinguished Israel’s livestock and those of the Egyptians. The Egyptians worshipped many gods who were represented by animals. They believed that the spirit of some gods lived in every living thing on the earth. Thus, they took some animals and moulded their images with wood, stones and metals. They had created idols as the symbol of the gods whose spirits supposedly in-dwelt the animals. And they worshipped gods such as the ram god and cow god. The Lord used this plaque to judge the false gods of Egypt. He demonstrated that no animal in the world and no god of animals control animal life. The Lord is the Sovereign over all things, and He determined the boundaries of the plaque. As the Lord had done previously, He limited the extent of the plaque affecting the livestock of His people. Some biblical historians believe this plaque came from a livestock infection such as anthrax. Since the Lord has power over bacterial infections, He may have sent a boundary around His children against the bacteria that killed the livestock of the Egyptians.
Scriptures.
But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. (2 Thess 3:3)
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ (Is 41:10).
But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You. (Ps 5:11).
