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 officials serving under Pharaoh. These individuals were part of the ruling class in Egypt, responsible for various administrative and governmental duties. Historically, Egypt was a powerful and advanced civilization, and its officials would have been well-educated and influential. The mention of Pharaoh's officials highlights the reach of God's influence, even among those who were not part of the Israelite community. Gen 41:10-13 Pharaoh was once angry with his servants… who feared the word of the LORD The fear of the LORD here indicates a recognition of God's power and authority. This fear is not merely terror but a reverential awe and respect for God's commands and warnings. In the context of the plagues, it shows that some Egyptians acknowledged the reality and power of the God of Israel. This fear is similar to the fear of the LORD described in Proverbs 1:7, which is the beginning of knowledge. It also foreshadows the eventual acknowledgment of God's power by the Egyptians during the Exodus. Isa 66:2 Has not My hand made all these things?… hurried to bring their servants and livestock to shelter, This action demonstrates a practical response to the warning given by God through Moses. The officials' decision to protect their servants and livestock shows a belief in the impending judgment and a desire to preserve life and property. It reflects a contrast between those who heed God's warnings and those who do not, as seen in the broader narrative of the plagues. This act of taking shelter can be seen as a type of seeking refuge in God, akin to the protection offered by the blood of the Passover lamb, which is a type of Christ's sacrificial protection for believers. Gen 7:1-7 Then the LORD said to Noah, “Go into the ark… 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 Livestock The possessions and people under the care of the Egyptian officials, who are at risk due to the impending plague. 4. Shelter A place of safety where the officials hurriedly brought their servants and livestock to protect them from the coming plague. 5. The Plague of Hail This 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 Action True 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 Judgment Even 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 Fear The 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 Warnings Ignoring 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 11:7 This 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 2:17 This 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 9:18-33Library Confession of Sin --A Sermon with Seven TextsThe 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: 1857 The God of the Old Testament is the God of the New The Plagues of Egypt Sign Seekers, and the Enthusiast Reproved. The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture. The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation Man's Misery by the Fall Opposition to Messiah Ruinous Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. ) Exodus Links Exodus 9:20 NIVExodus 9:20 NLT Exodus 9:20 ESV Exodus 9:20 NASB Exodus 9:20 KJV Exodus 9:20 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |