Exodus 9:19

So give orders now to shelter your livestock and everything you have in the field. Every man or beast that remains in the field and is not brought inside will die when the hail comes down upon them.'"

Study Bible

So give orders now
This phrase indicates urgency and authority. The Hebrew root for "give orders" is "צָוָה" (tsavah), which means to command or charge. This reflects God's sovereign authority and the immediacy of His instructions. Historically, this command underscores the seriousness of the impending plague and the necessity for immediate action. It is a call to heed divine warnings promptly, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture as God often provides a way of escape or protection for those who obey His commands.

to bring your livestock and everything you have in the field
The phrase emphasizes the inclusivity of the command, covering all possessions and livestock. In ancient Egypt, livestock was a significant part of wealth and livelihood. The Hebrew word for "livestock" is "מִקְנֶה" (miqneh), which refers to cattle or possessions. This highlights the comprehensive nature of God's warning, affecting both economic and personal aspects of life. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of creation and the impact of divine judgment on all aspects of life.

to a place of shelter
This phrase suggests a refuge or protection from impending danger. The Hebrew word for "shelter" is "מָקוֹם" (maqom), meaning a place or location. It signifies God's provision of safety amidst judgment, a recurring theme in the Bible where God provides a means of protection for those who heed His warnings. This concept of shelter is symbolic of God's protective nature and His desire to save those who trust in Him.

because the hail will fall
The phrase introduces the cause of the urgency. "Hail" in Hebrew is "בָּרָד" (barad), a destructive force of nature. In the context of the plagues, hail represents one of the many ways God demonstrated His power over the natural world and the gods of Egypt. This serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over creation and His ability to use natural elements to fulfill His purposes.

on every man and beast that has not been brought in
This phrase highlights the indiscriminate nature of the judgment. The Hebrew word for "man" is "אָדָם" (adam), and for "beast" is "בְּהֵמָה" (behemah), indicating that both humans and animals are subject to the consequences of disobedience. It underscores the universal impact of sin and the importance of obedience to God's commands. The inclusion of both man and beast emphasizes the comprehensive scope of God's judgment.

and is still in the field
The phrase specifies the location of vulnerability. The "field" in Hebrew is "שָׂדֶה" (sadeh), representing open, unprotected areas. This highlights the danger of remaining exposed to judgment without seeking the provided refuge. It serves as a metaphor for spiritual exposure and the necessity of seeking God's protection through obedience and faith.

and they will die
This phrase presents the ultimate consequence of ignoring God's warning. The Hebrew word for "die" is "מוּת" (muth), signifying physical death. It is a stark reminder of the seriousness of God's judgments and the reality of consequences for disobedience. This serves as a sobering call to take God's warnings seriously and to seek His mercy and protection. The finality of death in this context underscores the urgency of responding to God's call for repentance and obedience.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, who is delivering God's message to Pharaoh.

2. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, whose heart is hardened against letting the Israelites go.

3. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved and where the plagues are taking place.

4. The Plague of Hail
The seventh plague sent by God upon Egypt as a judgment and a demonstration of His power.

5. Livestock and Field Workers
The subjects of God's warning, representing both economic resources and human lives.

Teaching Points

Heeding God's Warnings
God's warnings are acts of mercy, providing an opportunity for repentance and protection.

Ignoring divine warnings can lead to severe consequences, both physically and spiritually.

God's Sovereignty and Power
The plagues demonstrate God's control over nature and His ability to protect or judge as He sees fit.

Recognizing God's sovereignty should lead to reverence and obedience.

Faith and Obedience
Faith is demonstrated through obedience to God's instructions, even when they challenge our understanding or comfort.

Obedience to God often requires immediate and decisive action.

God's Care for All Creation
God's concern extends beyond humans to all of creation, as seen in His warning to protect livestock.

Stewardship of God's creation is a responsibility given to humanity.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the warning in Exodus 9:19 reflect God's character and His desire for people to respond to His mercy?

2. In what ways can we see parallels between the plagues in Egypt and the warnings given in the New Testament about the end times?

3. How can we apply the principle of heeding God's warnings in our daily lives, especially when faced with difficult decisions?

4. What does this passage teach us about the relationship between faith and obedience, and how can we cultivate this in our spiritual walk?

5. How can we be better stewards of God's creation, as seen in the care for livestock in this passage, in our current context?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 19
The warning to Lot to flee Sodom parallels the warning to bring livestock and people to safety, emphasizing God's mercy in providing a way of escape.

Psalm 91
This psalm speaks of God's protection for those who take refuge in Him, similar to the protection offered to those who heed the warning in Exodus 9:19.

Matthew 24
Jesus' warnings about the end times echo the urgency and necessity of heeding divine warnings for safety and salvation.