Behold to-morrow about this time, &c.— The Almighty marks the time of this terrible event in the most exact manner, to shew his supremacy over all the parts of Nature; to shew that fire and hail, snow and vapour, stormy winds and thunders, were ready to fulfil his word. Psalms 148:8. The goodness of God, who, in the midst of judgment, remembers mercy, is very remarkable in the notice he gives the Egyptians, Exodus 9:19 to preserve their cattle and servants; and we find, that though Pharaoh and his courtiers disregarded these admonitions, yet there were some among the people who feared the word of the Lord, Exodus 9:20 and accordingly profited by that fear, as every man certainly will do who regards the word of God. We may just observe, that the energy of the 19th verse is much weakened by the additional words which our translators have thrown into the text, as will be evident by reading the verse without them. Send therefore now, gather thy cattle and all that thou hast in the field: every man and beast which shall be found in the field—shall die.
REFLECTIONS.— Did ever any man harden his heart against God and prosper? Let us read and tremble.
1. A new demand is made, and a more terrible judgment threatened. Bodily plagues are grievous, but heart-plagues the worst of miseries. God will be glorified wherever he contends. The wrath and furiousness of man shall praise him.
2. To those who have any fear of God, time is given to prepare for and avoid the stroke, by taking in their cattle. Mercy here mingles with judgment. Note; If a man hear and fear, he may escape; for there is in Jesus Christ a covert from the storm for the chief of sinners. Some, like the master, despised the warning. Wickedness in high places affords a most pernicious and prevalent example. Some feared, and brought in their cattle. God hath his secret ones in the worst days.