Exodus 9:5

KJV

And the LORD appointed a set time, saying, To morrow the LORD shall do this thing in the land.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} appointed {H7760} a set time {H4150}, saying {H559}, To morrow {H4279} the LORD {H3068} shall do {H6213} this thing {H1697} in the land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI determined the exact time by saying, "Tomorrow ADONAI will do this in the land."

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD set a time, saying, “Tomorrow the LORD will do this in the land.”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah appointed a set time, saying, To-morrow Jehovah shall do this thing in the land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 9:5 announces the fifth plague upon Egypt—a devastating pestilence on livestock—by emphasizing the LORD's absolute control, precise timing, and deliberate intent. This divine declaration of "To morrow" underscores the immediate certainty of God's impending judgment, serving as a direct challenge to Pharaoh's continued defiance and a powerful demonstration of divine sovereignty over all creation, explicitly distinguishing between Israel and Egypt.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the escalating narrative of the plagues, following the first four (blood, frogs, lice, flies) and immediately preceding the actual execution of the murrain on livestock in [Exodus 9:6](/exodus/9-6 "The Fifth Plague: The Murrain"). Each plague builds upon the last, progressively demonstrating the LORD's power over Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt, while simultaneously hardening Pharaoh's heart. Exodus 9:5 marks a significant shift, as it is the first plague where God explicitly sets a precise timeframe ("To morrow"), intensifying the sense of divine control and the undeniable nature of the impending judgment. This specific announcement also serves to highlight the distinction God will make between the livestock of the Israelites and the Egyptians, foreshadowing the clear separation between His people and their oppressors that becomes a recurring theme.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was an agrarian society where livestock (cattle, horses, donkeys, camels, sheep, goats) were vital to its economy, providing food, labor, and transportation. Beyond their practical value, many animals held religious significance. For example, cattle were sacred to deities like Hathor (cow goddess of fertility and motherhood) and Apis (the sacred bull, an incarnation of Ptah and later Osiris). A plague targeting livestock was not merely an economic disaster; it was a direct assault on the very fabric of Egyptian life, their sustenance, and their religious beliefs. The destruction of their animals, especially those considered divine, served as a profound humiliation of their gods and a direct challenge to Pharaoh's perceived divine authority, demonstrating the LORD's supremacy over all Egyptian pantheon.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 9:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, showcasing the LORD's absolute control over natural phenomena, time, and the destinies of nations. He is not merely reacting to Pharaoh but is meticulously executing His pre-ordained plan. Secondly, it highlights the **Reliability of God's Word**, as His declaration of "To morrow" is immediately and perfectly fulfilled, affirming Him as the God who speaks and acts. This contrasts sharply with the impotence of Egyptian magic and deities. Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Distinction**, as the plague will specifically target Egyptian livestock while sparing Israel's, emphasizing God's protective care for His chosen people, a theme that becomes more pronounced in subsequent plagues like the plague of hail in [Exodus 9:26](/exodus/9-26 "The Distinction in the Plague of Hail").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From the root meaning "to be," this is the covenant name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "the Lord." It signifies the self-existent, eternal, and unchanging God who is actively involved in history and keeps His promises. In this context, the repeated use of "the LORD" emphasizes that it is the one true God, YHWH, who is orchestrating these events, not a random occurrence or the work of Egyptian deities.
* **appointed (Hebrew, _sûwm'_):** A primitive root meaning "to put, place, set, ordain, determine." Here, it conveys the idea of God deliberately setting or fixing a specific time. It speaks to God's intentionality and precision, indicating that this plague is not a spontaneous reaction but a planned, purposeful act within His sovereign will.
* **set time (Hebrew, _môwʻêd'_):** Properly, "an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season." While it can refer to a festival or assembly, in this context, it denotes a precisely determined moment. It underscores the divine order and control over time itself, highlighting that God's actions are not arbitrary but occur according to His perfect, pre-ordained schedule.
* **To morrow (Hebrew, _mâchâr'_):** Literally "deferred," but commonly used adverbially to mean "tomorrow." This simple word carries immense weight here, emphasizing the immediacy and certainty of the impending judgment. It provides a clear, undeniable timeframe, leaving no room for doubt about the divine origin and precise fulfillment of the prophecy.
* **do (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." In this verse, it signifies God's active and effective execution of His declared will. It conveys the certainty that what God says, He will unfailingly bring to pass, demonstrating His omnipotence and faithfulness to His word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD appointed a set time,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine initiative and absolute sovereignty. It is YHWH, the covenant God, who takes deliberate action. The phrase "appointed a set time" (Hebrew: *sûwm môwʻêd*) signifies a precisely determined moment, emphasizing that God's actions are not reactive or impulsive, but part of a meticulously planned, pre-ordained purpose. This highlights His meticulous control over temporal events and His unwavering commitment to His declared will.
* **"saying, To morrow"**: This direct divine speech conveys the immediacy and certainty of the impending judgment. The simple word "To morrow" (Hebrew: *mâchâr*) serves as a clear, undeniable deadline. It leaves no ambiguity about when the plague will strike, allowing Pharaoh and the Egyptians a final, albeit brief, opportunity to acknowledge the LORD's power, while also setting up a direct test of God's word's reliability.
* **"the LORD shall do this thing in the land."**: This final clause reiterates the divine agent ("the LORD") and the certainty of His action ("shall do"). "This thing" refers to the specific plague of murrain on livestock, which was just described in [Exodus 9:3-4](/exodus/9-3-4 "The nature of the murrain plague"). The phrase "in the land" specifies the scope of the judgment, confirming it will occur within Egypt, impacting their economy and religious system, and demonstrating God's dominion over their territory.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 9:5 employs several potent literary devices. **Divine Speech** or **Direct Discourse** is central, as the verse records the LORD's exact words, lending authority and immediacy to the declaration. This direct address underscores God's active involvement and intentionality in the unfolding events. The **Repetition** of "the LORD" (YHWH) at the beginning and end of the divine declaration ("And the LORD appointed... the LORD shall do") acts as an emphatic inclusio, powerfully reinforcing that YHWH alone is the author and executor of this judgment, leaving no doubt about the source of the impending calamity. Furthermore, the precise temporal marker "To morrow" functions as **Foreshadowing**, building dramatic tension and guaranteeing the imminent fulfillment of the prophecy, which is immediately realized in [Exodus 9:6](/exodus/9-6 "The fulfillment of the fifth plague"). This precision also creates a stark **Contrast** between the ordered, predictable, and certain action of the sovereign God and the chaotic, unpredictable, and ultimately futile resistance of Pharaoh and his gods.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 9:5 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty and the unwavering reliability of His word. The LORD's ability to "appoint a set time" and declare "To morrow" with such certainty demonstrates His complete control over all creation, time, and human affairs. This is not a God who reacts haphazardly, but one who meticulously plans and executes His purposes with divine precision. This divine precision serves as both a warning to the defiant and an assurance to His people, revealing a God who is faithful to His promises and just in His judgments.

* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "God declares the end from the beginning") - "Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure."
* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "God is not a man, that he should lie") - "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?"
* [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "God raised up Pharaoh to show His power") - "For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 9:5 serves as a profound reminder that God is eternally in control, operating with perfect timing and unwavering purpose. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and human striving, this verse calls believers to a deeper trust in the divine agenda. Just as the LORD precisely appointed the time for the plague, so too does He orchestrate every detail of our lives and the unfolding of history. This should inspire us to take God's promises and warnings with utmost seriousness, knowing that what He declares, He will unfailingly accomplish. It invites us to rest in His sovereignty, finding peace in the knowledge that His plans are perfect, even when we cannot discern them. Our response to such a God should be one of humble obedience, confident expectation, and patient endurance, trusting that He will "do this thing" in His own perfect time and way, always for His glory and our ultimate good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the LORD's precise timing in Exodus 9:5 challenge my assumptions about God's responsiveness to prayer or my own timeline for desired outcomes?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to surrender control and trust in God's "appointed set time" rather than my own?**
* **What does God's consistent fulfillment of His word in the plagues teach me about the reliability of His promises for my own life?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of anticipation and readiness for God's work, knowing that He acts decisively and precisely?**

### FAQ
**Why did God specify "To morrow" for the plague?**

Answer: God specified "To morrow" (Hebrew: *mâchâr*) for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it emphasized the absolute certainty and immediacy of His judgment, leaving no doubt about its divine origin and distinguishing it from natural occurrences or human actions. Secondly, it served as a final, clear warning to Pharaoh and the Egyptians, giving them a brief, undeniable window to acknowledge the LORD's power and reconsider their stance. This precision underscored that the plague was not random but a deliberate act of the sovereign God, demonstrating His control over time and events, as seen in the immediate fulfillment in [Exodus 9:6](/exodus/9-6 "The plague strikes as promised").

**What does "appointed a set time" signify about God's character?**

Answer: The phrase "appointed a set time" (Hebrew: *sûwm môwʻêd*) signifies God's meticulous planning, absolute sovereignty, and perfect timing. It reveals that His actions are not reactive, impulsive, or arbitrary, but are part of a deliberate, pre-ordained plan, executed with divine precision. This highlights His reliability, faithfulness, and ultimate control over all events and the course of history. It demonstrates that God is purposeful in His judgments and faithful in His declarations, always acting according to His wise and sovereign will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The precise and certain timing of God's judgment in Exodus 9:5 profoundly foreshadows the perfect timing of God's ultimate plan of salvation and judgment in Jesus Christ. Just as God "appointed a set time" for the plagues to demonstrate His power and gather glory, so too did He appoint the "fullness of the time" for Christ's incarnation, His atoning death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection, all according to His sovereign will ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "God sent his Son in the fullness of time")). The absolute certainty of God's word in this verse, where "tomorrow" brings the promised action, points to the absolute certainty of all God's promises fulfilled in Christ—His first coming as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), His victory over sin and death, and His future return to judge the living and the dead at a time known only to the Father ([Acts 1:7](/acts/1-7 "The Father's appointed times and seasons")). Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God's righteous judgment against sin and His merciful provision for humanity, executed with divine precision and perfect timing throughout redemptive history.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 8:23

And I will put a division between my people and thy people: to morrow shall this sign be.

Job 24:1

¶ Why, seeing times are not hidden from the Almighty, do they that know him not see his days?

Jeremiah 28:16

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will cast thee from off the face of the earth: this year thou shalt die, because thou hast taught rebellion against the LORD.

Jeremiah 28:17

So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month.

Matthew 27:63

Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.

Matthew 27:64

Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.

Exodus 9:18

Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now.