Exodus 9: Plagues on Livestock and Boils Commentary

Exodus 9 describes the continuation of the plagues God sends upon Egypt through Moses and Aaron to convince Pharaoh to release the Israelites. The chapter details three specific plagues: the fifth (a pestilence on livestock), the sixth (boils on humans and animals), and the seventh (hail). The fifth plague strikes Egypt’s cattle, horses, donkeys, camels, and sheep, killing them, while Israel’s livestock remain unharmed. Pharaoh remains unmoved. The sixth plague involves Moses and Aaron scattering ashes that cause festering boils on Egyptians and their animals, yet Pharaoh’s heart hardens further. The seventh plague brings a devastating hailstorm mixed with fire, destroying crops, trees, and people caught outside, though the land of Goshen, where the Israelites live, is spared. God warns Pharaoh through Moses, emphasizing His power and purpose to demonstrate His name across the earth. Despite some officials fearing God and heeding the warning, Pharaoh refuses to relent, his stubbornness persisting even after witnessing the selective destruction.