The LORD set a timeThis phrase indicates God's sovereignty and control over events. In the context of the plagues, it demonstrates that God is not acting randomly but with purpose and precision. This is consistent with other instances in Scripture where God sets specific times for His actions, such as the timing of the flood in
Genesis 7:4 and the birth of Jesus in
Galatians 4:4. It underscores the idea that God’s plans are deliberate and unfold according to His divine timetable.
saying, “Tomorrow
The specification of "tomorrow" highlights the immediacy and certainty of God's actions. It serves as a warning to Pharaoh and the Egyptians, giving them a short period to consider the seriousness of their situation. This immediacy is seen in other biblical narratives, such as the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah inGenesis 19:12-13, where God provides a clear and urgent timeline for His judgment.
the LORD will do this
The phrase emphasizes that the forthcoming event is an act of God, not a natural occurrence or coincidence. It is a demonstration of His power over creation, reinforcing His identity as the one true God. This is a recurring theme in the plagues, as each one challenges the authority of the Egyptian gods and affirms the supremacy of the God of Israel. It also foreshadows the ultimate acts of God in history, such as the resurrection of Jesus, which is a definitive act of divine intervention.
in the land.”
The reference to "the land" signifies the geographical scope of God's action, which in this context is Egypt. It highlights the impact of the plague on the Egyptian people and their environment, serving as a direct challenge to Pharaoh's authority and the Egyptian belief system. The land of Egypt, with its reliance on the Nile and its pantheon of gods, is a fitting stage for God to demonstrate His power. This also prefigures the broader biblical theme of God’s dominion over all the earth, as seen inPsalm 24:1, and His ability to act within specific locations to fulfill His purposes.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who demonstrates His power and sovereignty over creation and the false gods of Egypt.
2.
MosesThe prophet and leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egyptian bondage.
3.
PharaohThe ruler of Egypt, whose heart is hardened against the Israelites and the commands of God.
4.
EgyptThe land where the Israelites are enslaved, and the setting for the plagues that demonstrate God's power.
5.
The PlaguesA series of divine judgments against Egypt, each targeting specific aspects of Egyptian life and their pantheon of gods.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and TimingGod's control over time and events is absolute. He sets the time for His actions, demonstrating His authority over history and human affairs.
The Certainty of God's WordWhen God speaks, His words are certain and will come to pass. Believers can trust in the promises and warnings of Scripture.
Judgment and MercyThe plagues serve as both judgment against Egypt and a means of deliverance for Israel. God's actions are just and purposeful, offering both warning and opportunity for repentance.
Faith in ActionMoses' role as God's messenger required faith and obedience. Believers are called to act in faith, trusting God's timing and purposes.
The Hardness of HeartPharaoh's hardened heart serves as a warning against resisting God's will. Believers should remain open and responsive to God's leading.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 9:5?
2.How does Exodus 9:5 demonstrate God's control over time and events?
3.What does "the LORD set a time" reveal about God's authority and precision?
4.How can we trust God's timing in our personal challenges today?
5.Connect Exodus 9:5 with another instance of God's timing in the Bible.
6.How should God's sovereignty in Exodus 9:5 influence our daily decision-making?
7.How does Exodus 9:5 demonstrate God's control over nature and time?
8.What historical evidence supports the events described in Exodus 9:5?
9.How does Exodus 9:5 reflect God's judgment and mercy?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 9?
11.What were the Ten Plagues of Egypt in the Bible?
12.What does the Bible say about stubbornness?
13.Does Job 14:1-2's portrayal of life as short and full of trouble conflict with biblical passages that promise long life and blessings?
14.How plausible is a widespread hailstorm of the described magnitude in the region (Exodus 9:18-25)?What Does Exodus 9:5 Mean
The LORD set a time- The verse begins by highlighting God’s deliberate scheduling. He is not reacting; He is ruling. Just as He set “an appointed time” for Isaac’s birth (Genesis 18:14) and for Israel’s deliverance (Exodus 12:41), He now fixes the moment for this plague.
- A set time gives Pharaoh clear warning. God’s justice is never arbitrary; it is announced, measured, and fair (Exodus 7:16;Amos 3:7).
- Precision underscores God’s sovereignty over every second.Habakkuk 2:3 reminds us that the vision “awaits an appointed time” and “will not delay.” The Lord who orders the cosmos also orders the calendar.
- For believers today, this assures us that history is not random. The same God who scheduled Egypt’s judgment has already “fixed a day” for the return of Christ (Acts 17:31), proving He remains in control.
saying- Scripture emphasizes that God speaks. The universe was spoken into existence (Genesis 1:3), and here the same authoritative voice addresses Egypt.
- When God speaks, His words carry absolute certainty (Numbers 23:19).Isaiah 55:11 promises that His word “will accomplish what I please.” Pharaoh can scoff, but he cannot nullify the decree.
- God’s speech is also an act of mercy. By articulating His plan, He invites repentance (Jeremiah 18:7-8). Even after multiple plagues, God still communicates clearly, showing patience (2 Peter 3:9).
- Today, we possess that authoritative voice in the pages of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Every promise and warning is as sure as when first spoken.
Tomorrow the LORD will do this in the land- “Tomorrow” gives Pharaoh a final 24-hour window to humble himself. Each plague intensifies, but grace still lingers (Exodus 9:19 before the hail).
- The phrase “will do” stresses certainty. Unlike Egyptian magicians who delved in illusion (Exodus 8:18), God alone produces unfailing results.Psalm 115:3 declares, “Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases.”
- “In the land” shows the judgment is localized and targeted. The livestock of Israel will be spared (Exodus 9:6), spotlighting a clear distinction between covenant people and rebels (Malachi 3:18).
- The statement foreshadows God’s continuing interventions in geography—parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21) and halting the Jordan (Joshua 3:13). Wherever God acts, the location becomes a stage for His glory.
summaryExodus 9:5 reveals a God who rules the clock, speaks with authority, and acts with unstoppable power. He sets the schedule, announces it plainly, and then fulfills it exactly. The verse assures us that every word of Scripture is sure, every warning is merciful, and every promise will come to pass right on time.
(5)
The Lord appointed asettime.--As murrain is not uncommon in Egypt, especially in the Delta, and the coming affliction might therefore be ascribed by the Egyptians to natural causes, God took care to mark its miraculous character (1) by appointing a time; (2) by exempting the cattle of Israel; (3) by making the disease fatal to
all the cattle of the Egyptians that were left "in the field."
Tomorrow.--The delay allowed any Egyptians who believed Moses to save their cattle by housing them.
Verse 5. -
To-morrow. God may have interposed the interval in order that such as believed the announcement might save their animals by bringing them in out of the fields.
All the cattle died -
i.e, all that were "in the field" (ver. 3).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The LORDיְהוָ֖ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelsetוַיָּ֥שֶׂם(way·yā·śem)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7760:Put -- to put, place, seta time,מוֹעֵ֣ד(mō·w·‘êḏ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4150:Appointed time, place, or meetingsaying,לֵאמֹ֑ר(lê·mōr)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559:To utter, say“Tomorrowמָחָ֗ר(mā·ḥār)Adverb
Strong's 4279:Deferred, the morrow, tomorrow, hereafterthe LORDיְהוָ֛ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelwill doיַעֲשֶׂ֧ה(ya·‘ă·śeh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makethisהַזֶּ֖ה(haz·zeh)Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088:This, thatin the land.”בָּאָֽרֶץ׃(bā·’ā·reṣ)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, land
Links
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OT Law: Exodus 9:5 Yahweh appointed a set time saying Tomorrow (Exo. Ex)