Exodus 9:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And the Lord set a time, saying, "Tomorrow the Lord will do this thing in the land."

NIV: The Lord set a time and said, "Tomorrow the Lord will do this in the land."

NASB: And the Lord set a definite time, saying, 'Tomorrow the Lord will do this thing in the land.'

CSB: And the Lord set a time, saying, "Tomorrow the Lord will do this thing in the land."

NLT: The Lord has already set the time for the plague to begin. He has declared that he will strike the land tomorrow.’'

KJV: And the Lord appointed a set time, saying, To morrow the Lord shall do this thing in the land.

NKJV: Then the Lord appointed a set time, saying, “Tomorrow the Lord will do this thing in the land.”

The Lord has promised another plague on Egypt (Exodus 3:20) because the king refuses to release Hebrew slaves (Exodus 9:1–3). This disaster will be terrible, but it will only affect Egyptian animals. Hebrew flocks will be free from danger (Exodus 9:4). That helps to prove that this is a supernatural event, caused by a God who makes a distinction between His chosen people and the rest of the world. It emphasizes that Egyptian livestock idols such as Hathor or Apis are powerless.

Another proof that this is supernatural is the exact schedule offered by Moses. The timing of "tomorrow" has already been mentioned three times in Exodus (Exodus 8:10, 23, 29). The plagues of hail (Exodus 9:18) and locusts (Exodus 10:4) will also be predicted precisely one day in advance. The tenth plague, involving the death of firstborn males, would offer a sudden nighttime judgment (Exodus 11:4; 12:29).

God's timing varies throughout Scripture. Some prophecies have yet to be fulfilled. For others, God gave a specific timeline. Still others have both short-term fulfillment and long-term fulfillment, meaning the prophecy proved true within a brief time and had a deeper meaning that would be fulfilled in a longer period. In all these instances, the Lord's timing is perfect. While from our human perspective God's timing may seem slow, Peter reminds believers that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day (2 Peter 3:8). He tarries because He is patient and desires all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

After four devastating plagues, Pharaoh continues to resist God's command to free the Hebrew slaves. Through Moses, the Lord sends two more: death of Egyptian livestock and an epidemic of skin lesions. Pharoah refuses to respond to the first, and God makes him stubborn after the second. This leads to the most terrifying sign yet: the seventh plague of hail and fire. Pharoah claims to repent. Yet as soon as the hail stops, he again chooses obstinance. After this, the Lord will use Pharaoh as a tool to demonstrate divine judgment.

Moses and Aaron brought the Lord's command that Pharaoh should release Hebrew slaves (Exodus 5:1–4). Over and over, Egypt's king was obstinate. This resulted in divine plagues meant to demonstrate God's power and authority (Exodus 7:20; 8:6, 17, 24). In this chapter, God sends three more disasters: a plague on livestock, an epidemic of skin sores, and an obliterating storm of hail and lightning. Pharaoh will once again choose stubbornness, passing a point of no return (Proverbs 29:1). For the remaining plagues (Exodus 10—12) and after (Exodus 14:4), Pharaoh will be a living example of the Lord's divine judgment (Exodus 4:21).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.