Exodus 9:19-21 – Unlocking the Mystery of Egypt’s Livestock in Exodus 9

In this episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast, we delve into a perplexing passage from Exodus 9:19-21. Host Lance Smith explores the apparent contradiction in the biblical narrative: if all Egyptian livestock perished in the fifth plague, how could there be animals to protect from the seventh plague's hailstorm? By examining biblical language, cultural context, and ancient Near Eastern customs, we uncover the nuances behind this mystery. Discover the interpretative journey that explains how remnants of livestock survived and what this means for understanding God's power and mercy amidst the plagues. Join us as we shed light on this scriptural enigma and its profound implications.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

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Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties (https://a.co/d/7shn4hI)
2. Guzik, David, “Exodus 9 – More Plagues Upon Egypt,” Enduring Word Bible Commentary, https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/exodus-9/ 
3. “Livestock or Deadstock?” Answers in Genesis, https://answersingenesis.org/contradictions-in-the-bible/livestock-or-deadstock/ 
4. “A Simple Reordering: Reconciling the Fifth and Seventh Plagues in Exodus 9,” Essential Church, https://essentialchurch.net/2018/01/19/a-simple-reordering-reconciling-the-fifth-and-seventh-plagues-in-exodus-9/ 
5. Alexander, Eric, “The Plagues of Egypt and Their Meaning,” Biblical Archaeology Society, https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/exodus/exodus-in-the-bible-and-the-egyptian-plagues/  
6. “Thoughts on Evidence from 5th Plague in Exodus 9,” Veritas Domain, https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2022/04/11/thoughts-on-evidence-from-5th-plague-in-exodus-9/
7. Montgomery, John W., “The Plagues of Egypt: Lessons from the Exodus Narrative,” College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University Digital Commons, https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1747&context=sot_papers
8. Lyons, Eric, “Cattle Contradiction?” Apologetics Press, https://apologeticspress.org/cattle-contradiction-2302/