Those among Pharaoh's officials who feared the word of the LORD hurried to bring their servants and livestock to shelter, Those among Pharaoh’s officialsThis phrase refers to the Egyptian elite who served in Pharaoh's court. Historically, these officials were influential figures in Egyptian society, often well-educated and holding significant power. Their inclusion in this narrative highlights the reach of God's influence beyond the Israelites, affecting even those in positions of authority within Egypt. The Hebrew term for "officials" (עֲבָדָיו, avadim) can also mean "servants," indicating their role as both servants to Pharaoh and as individuals with their own responsibilities and decisions. who feared the word of the LORD
The fear mentioned here is not merely terror but a reverential awe and respect for the power and authority of God. The Hebrew word for "feared" (יָרֵא, yare) conveys a deep respect and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. This fear led to action, demonstrating that true reverence for God results in obedience. It is significant that even some Egyptians recognized the authority of the God of Israel, suggesting a universal acknowledgment of divine power that transcends cultural and national boundaries. hurried to bring
The urgency in their actions is captured by the word "hurried." This reflects a decisive and immediate response to the warning given by God through Moses. The Hebrew root (מָהַר, mahar) implies a swift and earnest action, underscoring the seriousness with which these officials took the divine warning. Their haste indicates a prioritization of God's word over their daily routines and responsibilities, a model of prompt obedience for believers. their servants and livestock to shelter
This phrase illustrates the practical steps taken by those who heeded God's warning. The mention of "servants and livestock" highlights the comprehensive nature of their response, as they sought to protect both human life and economic resources. In the ancient Near Eastern context, livestock were vital to a family's wealth and survival, and their protection was crucial. The act of bringing them "to shelter" signifies a proactive measure to safeguard against the impending disaster, demonstrating faith in God's word and a desire to preserve life and livelihood. Persons / Places / Events 1. Pharaoh's OfficialsThese are the Egyptian officials serving under Pharaoh. Some of them are beginning to recognize the power and authority of the God of Israel. 2. The LORD (Yahweh)The God of Israel, who is demonstrating His power through the plagues in Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. 3. Servants and LivestockThe possessions and people under the care of the Egyptian officials, who are at risk due to the impending plague. 4. ShelterA place of safety where the officials hurriedly brought their servants and livestock to protect them from the coming plague. 5. The Plague of HailThis is the seventh plague that God sends upon Egypt, a demonstration of His power and a judgment against the Egyptians. Teaching Points The Fear of the Lord Leads to WisdomRecognizing and respecting God's authority is the beginning of wisdom. The officials who feared the Lord acted wisely to protect their people and possessions. Faith Requires ActionTrue faith is demonstrated through actions. The officials' decision to bring their servants and livestock to shelter shows that faith is not passive but active. God's Mercy in JudgmentEven in the midst of judgment, God provides a way of escape for those who heed His warnings. This reflects His mercy and desire for repentance. The Influence of Godly FearThe fear of the Lord can influence even those who are not part of God's covenant people, as seen in the actions of Pharaoh's officials. The Importance of Heeding God's WarningsIgnoring God's warnings can lead to destruction, while heeding them can lead to preservation and blessing. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the response of Pharaoh's officials teach us about the importance of fearing the Lord in our own lives? 2. How can we apply the principle of faith requiring action in our daily decisions and challenges? 3. In what ways does God's mercy manifest even in times of judgment, and how can we recognize and respond to it? 4. How can the fear of the Lord positively influence those around us who may not share our faith? 5. What are some modern-day "warnings" from God that we might be ignoring, and how can we better heed them to avoid negative consequences? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 9:10This verse speaks about the fear of the Lord being the beginning of wisdom. The officials who feared the word of the Lord acted wisely by taking precautions. Hebrews 11:7This verse highlights the faith of Noah, who acted on God's warning to save his household. Similarly, the officials acted on the warning given by God through Moses. James 2:17This verse discusses faith being accompanied by action. The officials' fear of the Lord led them to take action, demonstrating their faith. People Aaron, Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, PharaohPlaces Egypt, GoshenTopics Bondmen, Bring, Cattle, Caused, Fear, Feared, Fearing, Flee, Houses, Hurried, Inside, Livestock, Pharaoh, Quickly, Servants, SlavesDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 9:18-33 4828 hail Exodus 9:20-21 1690 word of God Library Confession of Sin --A Sermon with Seven Texts
The Hardened Sinner. PHARAOH--"I have sinned."--Exodus 9:27. I. The first case I shall bring before you is that of the HARDENED SINNER, who, when under terror, says, "I have sinned." And you will find the text in the book of Exodus, the 9th chap. and 27th verse: "And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked." But why this confession from the lips of the haughty tyrant? He was not often wont to …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857The God of the Old Testament is the God of the New
(Palm Sunday.) Exodus ix. 14. I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth. We are now beginning Passion Week, the week of the whole year which ought to teach us most theology; that is, most concerning God, his character and his spirit. For in this Passion Week God did that which utterly and perfectly showed forth his glory, as it never has been shown forth before or since. …
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch The Plagues of Egypt
(Palm Sunday.) EXODUS ix. 13, 14. Thus saith the Lord God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me. For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth. You will understand, I think, the meaning of the ten plagues of Egypt better, if I explain to you in a few words what kind of a country Egypt is, what kind of people the Egyptians were. Some of you, doubtless, …
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch Sign Seekers, and the Enthusiast Reproved.
(Galilee on the Same Day as the Last Section.) ^A Matt. XII. 38-45; ^C Luke XI. 24-36. ^c 29 And when the multitudes were gathering together unto him, ^a 38 Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Teacher, we would see a sign from thee. [Having been severely rebuked by Jesus, it is likely that the scribes and Pharisees asked for a sign that they might appear to the multitude more fair-minded and open to conviction than Jesus had represented them to be. Jesus had just wrought …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture.
"He hath hardened their heart."-- John xii. 40. The Scripture teaches positively that the hardening and "darkening of their foolish heart" is a divine, intentional act. This is plainly evident from God's charge to Moses concerning the king of Egypt: "Thou shalt speak all that I command thee; and I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not harken unto you, and I will lay My hand upon Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
"Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God" (Rom. 11:22). In the last chapter when treating of the Sovereignty of God the Father in Salvation, we examined seven passages which represent Him as making a choice from among the children of men, and predestinating certain ones to be conformed to the image of His Son. The thoughtful reader will naturally ask, And what of those who were not "ordained to eternal life?" The answer which is usually returned to this question, even by those who profess …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Man's Misery by the Fall
Q-19: WHAT IS THE MISERY OF THAT ESTATE WHEREINTO MAN FELL? A: All mankind by their fall lost communion with God, are under his wrath and curse, and so made liable to all the miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell for ever. 'And were by nature children of wrath.' Eph 2:2. Adam left an unhappy portion to his posterity, Sin and Misery. Having considered the first of these, original sin, we shall now advert to the misery of that state. In the first, we have seen mankind offending; …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Opposition to Messiah Ruinous
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel T here is a species of the sublime in writing, which seems peculiar to the Scripture, and of which, properly, no subjects but those of divine revelation are capable, With us, things inconsiderable in themselves are elevated by splendid images, which give them an apparent importance beyond what they can justly claim. Thus the poet, when describing a battle among bees, by a judicious selection of epithets …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. )
Ver. 1. "And it shall come to pass, afterwards, I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions." The communication of the Spirit of God was the constant prerogative of the Covenant-people. Indeed, the very idea of such a people necessarily requires it. For the Spirit of God is the only inward bond betwixt Him and that which is created; a Covenant-people, therefore, without such an inward …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Exodus 9:20 NIVExodus 9:20 NLTExodus 9:20 ESVExodus 9:20 NASBExodus 9:20 KJV
Exodus 9:20 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
