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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 9:13–21. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. A general declaration of the wrath of God against Pharaoh for his obstinacy. Though God has hardened his heart (Exo 9:12), yet Moses must repeat his applications to him; God suspends his grace and yet demands obedience, to punish him for requiring bricks of the children of Israel when he denied them straw. God would likewise show forth a pattern of long-suffering, and how he waits to be gracious to a rebellious and gainsaying people Six times the demand had been made in vain, yet Moses must make it the seventh time: Let my people go, Exo 9:13. A most dreadful message Moses is here ordered to deliver to him, whether he will hear or whether he will forbear. 1. He must tell him that he is marked for ruin, that he now stands as the butt at which God would shoot all the arrows of his wrath, Exo 9:14, Exo 9:15. "Now I will send all my plagues." Now that no place is found for repentance in Pharaoh, nothing can prevent his utter destruction, for that only would have prevented it. Now that God begins to harden his heart, his case is desperate. "I will send my plagues upon thy heart, not only temporal plagues upon thy body, but spiritual plagues upon thy soul." Note, God can send plagues upon thy soul." Note, God can send plagues upon the heart, either by making it senseless or by making it hopeless - and these are the worst plagues. Pharaoh must now expect no respite, no cessation of arms, but to be followed with plague upon plague, till he is utterly consumed. Note, When God judges he will overcome; none ever hardened his heart against him and prospered. 2. He must tell him that he is to remain in history a standing monument of the justice and power of God's wrath (Exo 9:16): "For this cause have I raised thee up to the throne at this time, and made thee to stand the shock of the plagues hitherto, to show in thee my power." Providence ordered it so that Moses should have a man of such a fierce and stubborn spirit as he was to deal with; and every thing was so managed in this transaction as to make it a most signal and memorable instance of the power God has to humble and bring down the proudest of his enemies. Every thing concurred to signalize this, that God's name (that is, his incontestable sovereignty, his irresistible power, and his inflexible justice) might be declared throughout all the earth, not only to all places, but through all ages while the earth remains. Note, God sometimes raises up very bad men to honour and power, spares them long, and suffers them to grow insufferably insolent, that he may be so much the more glorified in their destruction at last. See how the neighbouring nations, at that time, improved the ruin of Pharaoh to the glory of God. Jethro said upon it, Now know I that the Lord is greater than all gods, Exo 18:11. The apostle illustrates the doctrine of God's sovereignty with this instance, Rom 9:17. To justify God in these resolutions, Moses is directed to ask him (Exo 9:17), As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people? Pharaoh was a great king; God's people were poor shepherds at the best, and now poor slaves; and yet Pharaoh shall be ruined if he exalt himself against them, for it is considered as exalting himself against God. This was not the first time that God reproved kings for their sakes, and let them know that he would not suffer his people to be trampled upon and insulted, no, not by the most powerful of them.
II.A particular prediction of the plague of hail (Exo 9:18), and a gracious advice to Pharaoh and his people to send for their servants and cattle out of the field, that they might be sheltered from the hail, Exo 9:19. Note, When God's justice threatens ruin his mercy, at the same time, shows us a way of escape from it, so unwilling is he that any should perish. See here what care God took, not only to distinguish between Egyptians and Israelites, but between some Egyptians and others. If Pharaoh will not yield, and so prevent the judgment itself, yet an opportunity is given to those that have any dread of God and his word to save themselves from sharing in the judgment. Note, Those that will take warning may take shelter; and those that will not may thank themselves if they fall by the overflowing scourge, and the hail which will sweep away the refuge of lies, Isa 28:17. See the different effect of this warning.
1.Some believed the things that were spoken, and they feared, and housed their servants and cattle (Exo 9:20), like Noah (Heb 11:7), and it was their wisdom. Even among the servants of Pharaoh there were some that trembled at God's word; and shall not the sons of Israel dread it? But,
2.Others believed not: though, whatever plague Moses had hitherto foretold, the event exactly answered to the prediction; and though, if they had had any reason to question this, it would have been no great damage to them to have kept their cattle in the house for one day, and so, supposing it a doubtful case, to have chosen the surer side; yet they were so foolhardy as in defiance to the truth of Moses, and the power of God (of both which they had already had experience enough, to their cost), to leave their cattle in the field, Pharaoh himself, it is probable, giving them an example of the presumption, Exo 9:21. Note, Obstinate infidelity, which is deaf to the fairest warnings and the wisest counsels, leaves the blood of those that perish upon their own heads.
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Summary
Exodus 9:21 is set against the backdrop of the devastating seventh plague of hail, vividly illustrating the stark contrast between those Egyptians who responsibly heeded God's explicit warning to shelter their livestock and servants, and those who deliberately disregarded it. This verse highlights the severe and immediate consequences of choosing indifference or defiance toward divine instruction, serving as a potent illustration of the principle that human choices regarding God's revealed word have tangible and often profound outcomes, underscoring the critical importance of reverent obedience.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of the seventh plague, the plague of devastating hail and fire, detailed in Exodus 9:18-35. Crucially, it follows a clear and merciful divine warning issued by the LORD through Moses: "Send therefore now, and gather thy cattle, and all that thou hast in the field; for upon every man and beast which shall be found in the field, and shall not be brought home, the hail shall come down upon them, and they shall die" (Exodus 9:19). In direct, deliberate contrast to the subject of Exodus 9:21, the preceding verse, Exodus 9:20, explicitly states that "He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses." Thus, Exodus 9:21 functions as the negative counterpart, showcasing the dire fate of those who chose indifference or outright defiance. This immediate literary juxtaposition powerfully emphasizes the critical nature of human response to God's authoritative word and sets up a clear dichotomy between wisdom and folly.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Egypt, livestock—comprising cattle, sheep, and goats—represented immense wealth and were indispensable for agricultural productivity, transportation, and as a primary food source. Servants, too, were highly valued assets, forming a significant portion of a household's labor force and contributing directly to its economic stability. To "leave his servants and his cattle in the field" was an act of profound negligence, exposing one's most valuable possessions and human capital to certain destruction. This action speaks volumes about a deep-seated disregard for the divine warning or a complete disbelief in its efficacy. While the concept of a divine warning before judgment was present in various ancient Near Eastern cultures, the specificity, directness, and immediate, visible fulfillment of Yahweh's warning in Exodus highlight the unique power, sovereignty, and justice of the God of Israel. Pharaoh's persistent hardening of his heart throughout the plague narrative provides a broader context for understanding the individual, yet equally stubborn, hardening of heart exhibited by some of his subjects.
Key Themes
This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Judgment, demonstrating that God is not merely a regional deity but exercises absolute control over creation to execute His will and judgment upon those who defy Him. Secondly, it highlights the Consequences of Obedience and Disobedience, presenting a vivid, immediate object lesson that heeding God's word leads to preservation, while ignoring it leads to destruction. This theme is foundational to the covenant relationship established later at Sinai, where blessings are promised for obedience and curses for disobedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 28. Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of Discernment and Faith, as it required a measure of faith to believe Moses' seemingly incredible warning and act upon it, especially when faced with the power of Pharaoh and the established order. Finally, it reinforces the theme of God's Mercy Amidst Judgment, as the warning itself was an act of grace, providing an opportunity for even the Egyptians to escape the impending catastrophe, echoing God's character revealed throughout the biblical narrative, such as in Jonah 3:10.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
The KJV phrase "regarded not" translates the Hebrew idiom לֹא שָׂם לִבּוֹ (lo sam libbo), which literally means "did not set his heart upon." This idiom combines the verb שׂוּם (Hebrew, sûwm'), meaning "to put" or "to set," and the noun לֵב (Hebrew, lêb'), meaning "heart," which figuratively represents the intellect, will, feelings, and the very core of a person. Therefore, "regarded not" is far from a passive oversight; it signifies a deliberate, active choice of indifference, neglect, or even contempt. It implies a willful refusal to give attention, to consider, to believe, or to act upon the divine warning. This posture indicates a hardened heart or a profound lack of reverent fear for the LORD, standing in stark contrast to those in Exodus 9:20 who "feared the word of the LORD."
The term דָבָר (Hebrew, dâbâr') is a rich and multifaceted word that extends beyond a mere spoken utterance. While it can mean "word," it also encompasses "matter," "thing," "affair," "decree," "report," or "commandment." In this context, "the word of the LORD" refers to God's direct, authoritative, and revealed communication—specifically, His explicit warning about the impending hail. To disregard this "word" is not merely to dismiss advice, but to reject a divine decree that carries the full weight of God's character, power, and sovereign will.
This refers to יְהֹוָה (Hebrew, Yᵉhôvâh'), the proper, personal, and covenantal name of God, often transliterated as "Jehovah" or rendered as "the LORD" in English translations. It signifies "the Self-Existent One" or "the Eternal One." The use of this specific name emphasizes that the warning came from the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel, the one true God who reveals Himself and acts decisively in history. Disregarding His "word" is thus an act of rebellion against the supreme authority and very being of the Creator.
Verse Breakdown
"And he that regarded not the word of the LORD"
This initial clause identifies the specific group of individuals within Pharaoh's court or among the Egyptian populace who became the tragic subjects of this verse. The phrase "regarded not," as analyzed above, points to a conscious and deliberate act of spiritual indifference or defiance. It describes those who, despite hearing the clear and specific divine warning delivered by Moses, chose not to "set their heart upon" it. This reveals a fundamental choice of unbelief, apathy, or even outright contempt in the face of revealed truth, highlighting a spiritual blindness or stubbornness that mirrors Pharaoh's own.
"left his servants and his cattle in the field"
This second clause describes the direct, devastating, and predictable consequence of the aforementioned disregard. By failing to bring their valuable human and animal assets into shelter, these individuals demonstrated a profound lack of foresight, trust, or reverent fear. The "field" was the place of extreme vulnerability during the impending hail and fire, standing in stark contrast to the safety of "houses" explicitly mentioned in God's warning (Exodus 9:19) and the actions of those who obeyed (Exodus 9:20). Their actions were a direct, tangible manifestation of their internal disposition towards God's word, leading inevitably to significant material and human loss.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Exodus 9:20-21 is juxtaposition or contrast. These two verses are intentionally placed side-by-side to create a powerful rhetorical effect. Exodus 9:20 describes those who "feared the word of the LORD" and took protective action, resulting in their preservation. Immediately following, Exodus 9:21 describes those who "regarded not the word of the LORD" and suffered devastating loss. This stark parallelism vividly illustrates the two possible human responses to divine revelation—reverent obedience versus willful disregard—and their immediate, diametrically opposed outcomes. The contrast serves to underscore the critical importance of heeding God's word and the severe consequences of its rejection, making the theological lesson undeniably clear.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 9:21 profoundly illustrates several core theological truths. Firstly, it underscores God's merciful nature even in the midst of judgment. Before unleashing devastation, God issues a clear, specific warning, providing an opportunity for repentance and escape. This demonstrates His desire for life, not death, and His patience before righteous judgment. Secondly, it highlights the critical importance of human response to divine revelation. God's word is not merely information; it demands a response of faith and obedience. The differing outcomes in Exodus 9:20 and Exodus 9:21 vividly demonstrate that heeding God's word leads to protection and blessing, while disregarding it leads to destruction and loss. This is a foundational principle throughout Scripture: true wisdom is found in obeying God's commands, and folly in rejecting them. Finally, the verse speaks to God's unwavering justice. While mercifully providing a way of escape, He also ensures that those who willfully defy His word face the inevitable consequences of their choices. This reinforces the theme of divine accountability and the reality that God's warnings are not empty threats but expressions of His righteous character.
This theme of heeding or disregarding God's word resonates throughout the biblical narrative:
Reflection and Application
Exodus 9:21 serves as a timeless and potent cautionary tale for all who encounter God's truth. In a world saturated with competing voices and endless information, this verse challenges us to discern and prioritize God's authoritative voice above all others. It calls us to move beyond passive hearing to active, deliberate heeding, recognizing that our choices regarding God's word have tangible, often profound, consequences in every sphere of our lives—spiritual, relational, and even material. It encourages us to cultivate a heart that is not merely open, but deeply receptive, responsive, and reverent towards divine instruction, whether it comes as a warning against sin, guidance for daily living, or a promise of blessing. Just as the Egyptians faced a literal, physical storm, we too face spiritual, emotional, and relational "storms" in life, and God's wisdom, found in His Word, provides the only true and lasting shelter. Our most precious spiritual and relational "assets"—our peace, our relationships, our integrity, our eternal destiny—are profoundly at risk if we treat God's word with indifference, contempt, or willful disregard. This verse compels us to ask ourselves if we are truly setting our hearts on the Lord's word, or if we are allowing ourselves to be exposed to unnecessary peril through our neglect.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God warn them if He knew some would disobey?
God's warnings are a profound expression of both His justice and His mercy. Even when He possesses foreknowledge of human choices, He consistently provides clear instruction and opportunity for repentance. This demonstrates His perfect righteousness—no one can legitimately claim ignorance or unfairness—and His boundless patience, offering a chance for escape from impending judgment. Furthermore, it powerfully highlights human responsibility; the choice to disregard the warning was entirely theirs, not a divine imposition. God's character is vindicated, and human accountability is affirmed.
Is this verse only about literal livestock and servants, or does it have broader meaning?
While the immediate context is undeniably literal, the verse carries profound symbolic and spiritual weight that extends far beyond ancient Egyptian property. In ancient times, livestock and servants represented a person's most significant wealth, security, and means of livelihood. Their loss signifies the devastating consequences of spiritual indifference. Spiritually, "leaving one's servants and cattle in the field" can symbolize neglecting one's spiritual well-being, one's relationships, one's calling, or one's eternal destiny by failing to heed God's warnings about sin, judgment, or the urgent need for salvation. It speaks to the universal principle that what we value and protect (or fail to protect) reveals our true priorities in light of God's revealed will.
Does God still punish people directly for disobedience today, like He did in Exodus?
The nature of God's judgment has evolved and been revealed progressively throughout redemptive history. While God's character (His justice, holiness, and hatred of sin) remains eternally unchanged, direct, physical plagues like those in Exodus are not the typical mode of divine judgment in the New Covenant era. However, the underlying principle remains absolutely true: disobedience to God's revealed will still carries consequences. These may manifest as the natural consequences of sin (e.g., relational breakdown, internal turmoil, moral decay), spiritual consequences (e.g., separation from God, a hardened heart, spiritual blindness), or ultimately, eternal judgment. The New Testament emphasizes that the ultimate consequence of disregarding God's word is eternal separation from Him, and the ultimate warning is against rejecting His Son, Jesus Christ, as articulated in passages like John 3:18.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 9:21 powerfully prefigures the ultimate "word of the LORD" given to humanity in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the warning in Exodus concerned physical safety from a literal storm, Jesus Himself is the embodiment of God's final, most comprehensive, and most crucial warning and invitation. He is the "Word made flesh" (John 1:14), through whom God speaks His definitive message of salvation and judgment to all humanity. Just as some Egyptians "regarded not the word of the LORD" and faced destruction, the New Testament presents the ultimate choice: to heed or disregard Jesus, the living Word. Those who "fear the word of the LORD" in the New Covenant are those who, by faith, believe in Jesus, repent of their sins, and obey His commands, finding spiritual refuge and eternal life in Him (John 3:16-18). Conversely, those who "regard not" or willfully reject Christ face the ultimate, eternal consequences of being left exposed to God's righteous wrath, symbolized not by hail, but by eternal separation from God in judgment (Matthew 25:46). Christ's sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection provide the ultimate "shelter" from the storm of God's righteous judgment for all who heed His call, fulfilling and transcending the pattern of divine warning and provision seen in the Exodus narrative.