Exodus 9:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Why did He instruct that the livestock be gathered into shelter when He was about to send hail? The Almighty, who embodies compassion for humanity, administers discipline tempered with grace. He understands that some individuals are deserving of His mercy. This truth is supported by Sacred Scripture, which states: If a man heeds the word of the Lord that was spoken by the servants of Pharaoh, he should bring his livestock inside; but if he disregards the word of the Lord, he will leave his cattle in the fields (Ex. 9:20-21).

According to travelers in Egypt, livestock are allowed to feed in the fields from January through April, while for the remainder of the year, they are housed in barns, yards, or sheltered pens. This practice approximately marks the period of the seventh execution, which is further clarified in verses 31 and 32.