Exodus 9:2
For if thou refuse to let them go, and wilt hold them still,
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
2 of 8
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לְשַׁלֵּ֑חַ
to let them go
H7971
לְשַׁלֵּ֑חַ
to let them go
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
5 of 8
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
וְעֽוֹדְךָ֖
H5750
וְעֽוֹדְךָ֖
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
Historical Context
Apis bull represented Ptah's fertility and strength. Hathor, cow goddess, symbolized motherhood and music. Egyptians worshipped cattle as sacred; their death struck at core religious identity while demonstrating YHWH's power over life.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's precise timing demonstrate His sovereignty?
- What idols masquerading as 'life-givers' has God exposed in your experience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Verse 2 describes the plague on livestock, targeting Apis bull cult and Hathor cow goddess. God strikes Egyptian livestock while Israelite animals remain healthy. The 'set time' (מוֹעֵד, moed—appointed time) emphasizes God's sovereignty over timing.