but those who disregarded the word of the LORD left their servants and livestock in the field. but those who disregarded the word of the LORDThis phrase highlights the theme of disobedience and unbelief. In the context of the plagues in Egypt, it underscores the contrast between those who heeded God's warnings and those who did not. The "word of the LORD" refers to the divine message delivered through Moses, which was a call to action to protect themselves from the impending plague. This reflects a broader biblical theme where ignoring God's word leads to consequences, as seen in Genesis 3 with Adam and Eve's disobedience. It also foreshadows the importance of faith and obedience in the New Testament, where Jesus emphasizes hearing and acting upon His words (Matthew 7:24-27). 2Ch 36:16 But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words… left their servants and livestock in the field. This part of the verse illustrates the tangible consequences of ignoring divine warnings. In ancient Egypt, livestock were vital to the economy and daily life, serving as a source of food, labor, and wealth. By leaving their servants and livestock in the field, those who disregarded God's warning exposed them to the deadly hailstorm, resulting in significant loss. This act of negligence can be seen as a lack of stewardship and care for what God has entrusted to them. It also serves as a parallel to spiritual neglect, where failing to heed God's word can lead to spiritual ruin. The imagery of leaving the field unprotected can be connected to Jesus' parable of the sower, where the seed that falls on rocky ground or among thorns fails to thrive (Mark 4:3-20), symbolizing the importance of a receptive heart to God's message. Job 1:14-17 While the oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing… Persons / Places / Events 1. PharaohThe ruler of Egypt who hardened his heart against God's commands delivered through Moses. 2. Moses The prophet and leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. 3. Egypt The land where the Israelites were enslaved and where God demonstrated His power through the plagues. 4. The Plagues A series of divine judgments sent by God upon Egypt, with the seventh being the plague of hail. 5. The Israelites God's chosen people, who were living in Egypt and were the intended recipients of God's deliverance. Teaching Points The Importance of Heeding God's WordIgnoring God's warnings leads to destruction. We must be attentive and responsive to His instructions. Faith and Obedience True faith is demonstrated through obedience. Those who believed God's word acted to protect their servants and livestock. Consequences of Disregard Disregarding God's word results in tangible consequences, as seen in the loss suffered by those who left their servants and livestock in the field. God's Sovereignty and Mercy Even in judgment, God provides a way of escape for those who will listen and obey. The Role of Leadership Leaders have a responsibility to heed God's warnings and protect those under their care. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the response of the Egyptians to God's warning reveal about human nature and the tendency to ignore divine instruction?2. How can we apply the lesson of heeding God's warnings in our daily lives, especially when faced with difficult decisions? 3. In what ways does the account of the plagues in Egypt demonstrate God's sovereignty and justice? 4. How does the concept of obedience in this passage connect with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament? 5. Reflect on a time when you either heeded or ignored a warning from God. What were the outcomes, and what did you learn from the experience? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 19:14Similar to Lot's sons-in-law who disregarded the warning of impending destruction, those in Egypt who ignored God's warning faced dire consequences. Proverbs 1:24-33 This passage speaks to the folly of ignoring wisdom and the consequences that follow, paralleling the Egyptians' disregard for God's warning. Matthew 7:24-27 Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders highlights the importance of acting on God's word, akin to the Egyptians' choice to heed or ignore the warning.
People Aaron, Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, PharaohPlaces Egypt, GoshenTopics Attention, Bondmen, Cattle, Didn't, Field, Heart, Kept, Leaveth, Livestock, Paid, Regard, Regarded, Respect, Servants, SlavesDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 9:21Library 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 9:21 NIVExodus 9:21 NLT Exodus 9:21 ESV Exodus 9:21 NASB Exodus 9:21 KJV Exodus 9:21 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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