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Exodus 9:6 - Divine judgment spares Israel.

Exodus 9:6 - שמות 9:6

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַשׂ יְהוָה אֶת־הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה מִמָּחֳרָת וַיָּמָת כֹּל מִקְנֵה מִצְרָיִם וּמִמִּקְנֵה בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל לֹא־מֵת אֶחָד׃

English Translation

And the Lord did that thing on the morrow, and all the cattle of Miżrayim died: but of the cattle of the children of Yisra᾽el not one died.

Transliteration

Va'ya'as Adonai et-hadavar haze mimacharat vayamot kol mikne Mitzrayim umimikne bnei-Yisra'el lo-met echad.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֨עַשׂ יְהֹוָ֜ה אֶת־הַדָּבָ֤ר הַזֶּה֙ מִֽמׇּחֳרָ֔ת וַיָּ֕מׇת כֹּ֖ל מִקְנֵ֣ה מִצְרָ֑יִם וּמִמִּקְנֵ֥ה בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֹא־מֵ֥ת אֶחָֽד׃
וַיַּ֨עַשׂ יְהֹוָ֜ה אֶת־הַדָּבָ֤ר הַזֶּה֙ מִֽמׇּחֳרָ֔ת וַיָּ֕מׇת כֹּ֖ל מִקְנֵ֣ה מִצְרָ֑יִם וּמִמִּקְנֵ֥ה בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֹא־מֵ֥ת אֶחָֽד׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Plague

The verse describes the fifth plague against Egypt, the death of livestock (Devar, or "pestilence"), as recounted in Shemot (Exodus) 9:6. This plague specifically targeted the cattle of the Egyptians while sparing those of Bnei Yisrael, demonstrating Hashem's distinction between the oppressors and the oppressed.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Shemot 9:6) notes that the phrase "וַיַּעַשׂ יְהוָה אֶת־הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה" ("And the Lord did that thing") emphasizes that Hashem carried out the plague precisely as forewarned through Moshe. This reinforces the principle of divine justice—Hashem warns before punishing.

Rashi further explains that the plague affected only Egyptian livestock, even if they were in the possession of Israelites, while Israelite-owned cattle remained unharmed, even if they were among Egyptian herds. This distinction highlights divine providence (Hashgacha Pratit).

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:46) discusses the purpose of the plagues as both punitive and educational. The death of Egyptian livestock served to break Egypt's economic strength (as cattle were vital for agriculture and transportation) while proving that Hashem governs nature and protects His people.

Midrashic Insights

  • Shemot Rabbah (11:4): The Midrash teaches that the plague targeted only the livestock that the Egyptians worshipped (such as the bull-god Apis), thereby discrediting their idols.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Va'eira 14): The Egyptians had initially hidden their livestock indoors to protect them, but the plague penetrated their shelters, demonstrating that no human effort can thwart divine decree.

Halachic Implications

The Mechilta (Bo 12) derives from this verse that the plagues were executed with precision—only the guilty were stricken, while the innocent were spared. This principle later informs Jewish legal thought regarding divine justice and the concept of middah k'neged middah (measure for measure).

Symbolism of the Plague

Malbim (Shemot 9:6) explains that the death of Egyptian livestock symbolized the collapse of Egypt's material power and false deities. In contrast, the preservation of Israel's cattle signified their chosen status and the futility of opposing Hashem's will.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 11a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the plagues in Egypt and the distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 9:6 mean?
A: Exodus 9:6 describes the fifth plague, where Hashem struck all the livestock of Egypt with a deadly disease, while sparing the livestock of the Israelites. This demonstrated Hashem's power and His distinction between the Egyptians and the Jewish people.
Q: Why did Hashem kill the Egyptian livestock but spare the Israelites' animals?
A: According to Rashi and other commentaries, this plague showed Hashem's justice and His protection of the Jewish people. The Egyptians oppressed the Israelites, so their livestock was punished, while the Israelites, who were righteous in their actions, were spared. This also proved that the plagues were divine acts, not natural occurrences.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 9:6?
A: This verse teaches us about Hashem's justice and His ability to distinguish between those who follow His ways and those who do not. The Midrash explains that this was also a test of faith for the Israelites—those who truly trusted in Hashem kept their livestock inside, while those who doubted suffered losses.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: Just as Hashem protected the Israelites in Egypt, He continues to watch over the Jewish people today. The verse reminds us of the importance of faith and obedience to Hashem’s commandments, as well as the principle of divine justice—reward for good deeds and consequences for wrongdoing.
Q: Did all Egyptian livestock really die in this plague?
A: Rashi explains that some Egyptian livestock survived because they were hidden by Egyptians who feared Hashem and brought their animals indoors (Exodus 9:20). However, the majority perished, reinforcing that this was a divine punishment, not a random event.