Exodus 11:7

But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.

But against any of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} shall not a dog {H3611} move {H2782} his tongue {H3956}, against man {H376} or beast {H929}: that ye may know {H3045} how that the LORD {H3068} doth put a difference {H6395} between the Egyptians {H4714} and Israel {H3478}.

But not even a dog's growl will be heard against any of the people of Isra'el, neither against people nor against animals. In this way you will realize that ADONAI distinguishes between Egyptians and Isra'el.

But among all the Israelites, not even a dog will snarl at man or beast.’ Then you will know that the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.

But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that Jehovah doth make a distinction between the Egyptians and Israel.

Commentary

Context

Exodus 11:7 is a pivotal declaration delivered by Moses to Pharaoh, setting the stage for the climactic tenth and final plague upon Egypt: the death of the firstborn. This verse follows nine devastating plagues that increasingly demonstrated the LORD's power over the gods of Egypt and Pharaoh's hardened heart. While previous plagues, such as the flies (Exodus 8:22-23) and livestock, already showed a distinction in their impact between the Egyptians and the Israelites in Goshen, this verse emphasizes an even more profound and absolute separation, promising complete peace and security for the children of Israel just before the most terrifying judgment.

Key Themes

  • Divine Distinction and Separation: The central message is God's active and undeniable separation of His people, Israel, from the Egyptians. This was not a passive observation but an intentional act of divine intervention to protect His chosen nation. It highlights God's unique relationship with Israel, based on His covenant promises.
  • God's Absolute Sovereignty and Protection: This verse powerfully illustrates the LORD's complete control over creation and circumstances. Even the smallest disturbances, symbolized by a dog's bark, would be absent for Israel, demonstrating God's meticulous care and protective hand over His people amidst widespread calamity.
  • Witness to God's Power: The purpose of this stark contrast is explicitly stated: "that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference." It served as an undeniable testament to both Egyptians and Israelites that the God of Israel was the one true God, distinct from all other deities, and that He was actively working on behalf of His people.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "shall not a dog move his tongue" is an ancient idiom signifying absolute peace, quiet, and absence of disturbance or threat. It implies such profound tranquility and security that not even the smallest creature, like a dog (which would typically bark at intruders or disturbances), would make a sound against the Israelites. This emphasizes the completeness of God's protection – not just from physical harm, but from any form of alarm or discomfort.

The Hebrew word for "difference" (Χ€Φ·ΦΌΧœΦΈΧ”, palah) used here means to "set apart," "distinguish," or "make distinct in a marvelous way." It underscores that God's act of separating Israel from Egypt was unique and miraculous, a clear demonstration of His extraordinary power and favor.

Practical Application

Exodus 11:7 offers profound encouragement and insight for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • God Still Distinguishes: Just as God made a clear distinction between Israel and Egypt, the Bible teaches that He continues to distinguish between those who serve Him and those who do not (Malachi 3:18). This distinction may not always be visible in outward circumstances, but it is real in God's eyes and in His ultimate plan.
  • Assurance of Divine Protection: In times of global unrest, personal challenges, or spiritual warfare, this verse offers assurance that God's protective hand is over His children. While believers are not exempt from trials, they can trust in God's sovereign care and His promise to work all things for their good (Romans 8:28).
  • God's Character Revealed: This verse reveals God as a faithful protector, a just judge, and a God who keeps His covenant promises. Understanding this aspect of His character builds faith and trust in His unfailing love and power.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 10:21

    And all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel.

  • Exodus 8:22

    And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms [of flies] shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I [am] the LORD in the midst of the earth.

  • Exodus 10:23

    They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.

  • Malachi 3:18

    Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

  • Exodus 9:4

    And the LORD shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt: and there shall nothing die of all [that is] the children's of Israel.

  • Job 5:16

    So the poor hath hope, and iniquity stoppeth her mouth.

  • Exodus 7:22

    And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said.
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