Overview
Murrain is a contagious disease affecting cattle and livestock, used by God as a sign of His power and judgment. In Exodus, the murrain served as the fifth plague upon Egypt, destroying the Egyptians' herds while sparing the livestock of the Israelites—a clear demonstration of God's sovereignty and His protection of His people.
Key Scriptures
"Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Go in to Pharaoh and say to him, "Thus says the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, 'Let my people go, that they may serve me. For if you refuse to let them go and still hold them, behold, the hand of the Lord will fall with a very severe plague upon your livestock that are in the field'"'" (Exodus 9:1-3, ESV).
"So the Lord sent a plague upon Egypt, and all the firstborn of Egypt died" (Psalm 78:50, NIV)—referencing God's judgment through plagues including the murrain.
Application
Recognize God's power over all creation and His willingness to act decisively in judgment, calling us to repentance and obedience rather than hardening our hearts against His Word.