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Exodus 9:3 - Divine judgment strikes Egyptian livestock

Exodus 9:3 - שמות 9:3

Hebrew Text

הִנֵּה יַד־יְהוָה הוֹיָה בְּמִקְנְךָ אֲשֶׁר בַּשָּׂדֶה בַּסּוּסִים בַּחֲמֹרִים בַּגְּמַלִּים בַּבָּקָר וּבַצֹּאן דֶּבֶר כָּבֵד מְאֹד׃

English Translation

behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous plague.

Transliteration

Hineh yad-Adonai hoyah bemiknekha asher basadeh basusim bachamorim bagmalim babakar uvatzon dever kaved me'od.

Hebrew Leining Text

הִנֵּ֨ה יַד־יְהֹוָ֜ה הוֹיָ֗ה בְּמִקְנְךָ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה בַּסּוּסִ֤ים בַּֽחֲמֹרִים֙ בַּגְּמַלִּ֔ים בַּבָּקָ֖ר וּבַצֹּ֑אן דֶּ֖בֶר כָּבֵ֥ד מְאֹֽד׃
הִנֵּ֨ה יַד־יְהֹוָ֜ה הוֹיָ֗ה בְּמִקְנְךָ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה בַּסּוּסִ֤ים בַּֽחֲמֹרִים֙ בַּגְּמַלִּ֔ים בַּבָּקָ֖ר וּבַצֹּ֑אן דֶּ֖בֶר כָּבֵ֥ד מְאֹֽד׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Plagues of Egypt

This verse (Shemot 9:3) describes the fifth plague, Dever (דֶּבֶר), a severe pestilence that struck the livestock of Egypt. According to Rashi, this plague specifically targeted animals left in the fields, sparing those kept indoors—highlighting Hashem's precision in distinguishing between Egyptian and Israelite property (since Bnei Yisrael dwelled in Goshen, where no plague occurred, as stated in Shemot 9:4).

The Significance of "Yad Hashem" (Hand of the Lord)

The phrase "הִנֵּה יַד־יְהוָה" ("behold, the hand of the Lord") emphasizes divine intervention. Ramban explains that this terminology underscores that the plague was not a natural occurrence but a direct act of Hashem to demonstrate His sovereignty over creation. The Midrash Tanchuma (Bo 5) elaborates that each plague corresponded to Egypt’s specific sins, and Dever punished their exploitation of Israelite labor in agricultural work with livestock.

Enumeration of Affected Animals

  • Horses, Donkeys, Camels, Oxen, and Sheep: The Torah lists these animals to show the comprehensiveness of the plague. Ibn Ezra notes that these were the primary sources of Egypt’s wealth and military power (e.g., horses for chariots). Their destruction undermined Egypt’s economic and political strength.
  • בַּשָּׂדֶה ("in the field"): Sforno explains that only animals exposed in open fields were stricken, sparing those sheltered—a sign that Pharaoh could have heeded the warning to protect his livestock but chose not to.

The Severity of the Plague

The term "דֶּבֶר כָּבֵד מְאֹד" ("a very grievous plague") is interpreted by the Malbim as indicating an unprecedented level of devastation. Unlike natural plagues, which might affect certain species or regions, this was a targeted, supernatural affliction designed to break Pharaoh’s stubbornness (as per Shemot Rabbah 11:3).

Moral and Theological Implications

The plague of Dever served as a divine rebuke of Egypt’s cruelty. The Kli Yakar connects this to the broader theme of middah k’neged middah (measure for measure): just as Pharaoh enslaved Bnei Yisrael by forcing them to tend livestock (Shemot 1:11), his own livestock were struck. Additionally, the Chizkuni highlights that the Egyptians worshipped some of these animals (e.g., the bull-god Apis), making their destruction a blow to idolatry.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 9:3 mean?
A: Exodus 9:3 describes a severe plague that G-d brought upon the livestock of Egypt as one of the Ten Plagues. According to Rashi, this plague (called 'Dever') specifically targeted the animals left in the fields, showing that the Egyptians who ignored Pharaoh's warning to bring their animals inside would suffer the consequences.
Q: Why did G-d target the animals in this plague?
A: The Midrash explains that this plague served as divine justice because the Egyptians worshipped some of these animals (like bulls and rams). By striking their livestock, G-d demonstrated His supremacy over their false gods. Rambam also teaches that the plagues were meant to prove G-d's absolute control over nature.
Q: Did this plague affect the Israelites' animals?
A: No, the Torah (Exodus 9:4-6) makes a clear distinction—only Egyptian livestock died. Rashi explains that this differentiation showed G-d's protection over the Israelites and His ability to precisely direct punishment.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this plague today?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 5a) teaches that suffering can sometimes be a wake-up call for repentance. Just as the plagues were meant to make Pharaoh and Egypt recognize G-d's power, hardships today can remind us to reflect on our actions and strengthen our relationship with Hashem.
Q: Why were specific animals listed in this verse?
A: Rashi notes that the Torah lists these animals (horses, donkeys, camels, cattle, and sheep) because they were Egypt's primary sources of wealth and labor. Striking them was both an economic and psychological blow, demonstrating that no aspect of Egyptian life was beyond G-d's reach.