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Exodus 9:1-3

1             Then Yahweh said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh, and tell him, ‘This is what Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, says: “Let my people go, that they may serve me.

2             For if you refuse to let them go, and hold them still,

3             behold, Yahweh’s hand is on your livestock which are in the field, on the horses, on the donkey, on the camels, on the herds, and on the flocks with a very grievous pestilence.

Plague #5: Pestilence Pesters Pharoah

Yahweh will work to make sure the livestock of the Israelites will be safe. Yahweh set a time to get this taken care of, and the following morning – the livestock of the Egyptians all died. The blood disrupted the water supply. The frogs disrupted the fertility of the land. The gnats disrupted religious customs. The flies disrupted daily life. What will the death of the livestock represent? Let’s talk about it.

It’s All Gone

This grievous pestilence describes an intense and widespread affliction. The livestock was a major part of the Egyptian economy and daily life, providing food, labor, and trade goods. The plague shows how vulnerable Egypt’s resources are and how they impact their agricultural and economic stability. The horses were used for chariots and military purposes. The donkeys were used for transportation. The camels were used for trade. The herds and flocks were used for food and clothing. All of these animals show us that no part Egypt’s life would be left untouched through God’s judgment. In Egypt, some animals were linked with the Egyptian gods and royal power, so this plague not only shattered the economy but also exposed how fragile Egypt’s empire and their gods really were.

REFLECTION CHECKPONT: This disease killed off all the animals, used for different parts of the Egyptian life. How would you respond as a citizen if this happened to you?

Stubborn Persistence

The economic and spiritual impact of the plagues on Egypt shows us what the consequences of resisting God’s will would be like. Remember, this is not the citizens revolting against God, but Pharaoh. The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart and his refusal to let the Israelites go is what’s causing this situation. His own poor decision making is having an adverse effect both his officials and his people.

There’s something to be said about the projection of a leader can set up their official and citizens for success. We have been seeing our current leaders often take power into their own hands, ignoring the advice and guidance from, often, more qualified individuals within their respective fields, to achieve their own objectives. They will push forward with their plans, not regarding anyone one else in their path and any damage they cause. I can only imagine the conversations, frustrations, and uprisings happening within the Egyptian town. They are watching their leaders, who we can believe they trusted, creating this unnecessary stress and struggle because they are unwilling to listen to someone’s request and even attempt to work out a compromise. Their leaders remain stuck in doing what they think is right, regardless of how it’s affecting their people.

I know it may feel like I’m beating around the bush with how I am talking about this. There are subtle undertones about how I see the United States governmental leaders acting in our world today. It’s important to recognize, as I have said before, that it’s okay to be upset and angry at our world. It’s okay to be frustrated with how our leaders are treating not only their own constituents, but all people with malice, slander, and bias. It’s okay to participate in activist movements and protests to ensure that their voices are being heard and that you are using your platform to best care for your neighbors. It can be uncomfortable, and sometimes even dangerous and risky. I say this next thing, not to minimalize the impact of a protest gone wrong, but as an encouraging reminder that Jesus stated following him would not be easy. Please remember to be aware of your surroundings and the situations that you are a part of. Please remember to make sure you are taking care of yourself and those around you. I encourage you to always remain peaceful, unless in moments of self-defense. Not everyone will march in the streets, and that’s okay. Some write letters and emails, some vote and organize locally, some support community groups, and some quietly care for their neighbors. All of these are faithful ways of standing against these Pharaoh-like systems and lifting up those whose voices are ignored.

The more our voices get heard, and our presence gets shown, the higher chance that we have to make a change.  We know that Pharaoh still remains stubborn for five more plagues. We know that our current leaders are in effect for three more years. Moses stayed persistent with God’s guidance. We can also stay persistent with God’s guidance.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: What is one thing you can do to help raise the voice of others to our leaders so that we can make proper changes?

Part 6: Health and Healing || Plagues Galore || Part 6