Exodus 9:21

KJV

And he that regarded not the word of the LORD left his servants and his cattle in the field.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he that regarded {H7760}{H3820} not the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} left {H5800} his servants {H5650} and his cattle {H4735} in the field {H7704}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but those who had no regard for what ADONAI had said left their slaves and livestock in the field.

Berean Standard Bible

but those who disregarded the word of the LORD left their servants and livestock in the field.

American Standard Version

and he that regarded not the word of Jehovah left his servants and his cattle in the field.

Commentary

### 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](/exodus/9-18 "The Seventh Plague: Hail and Fire"). 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](/exodus/9-19 "God's Warning About the Hail")). In direct, deliberate contrast to the subject of [Exodus 9:21](/exodus/9-21 "The Disobedience of Some Egyptians"), the preceding verse, [Exodus 9:20](/exodus/9-20 "The Obedience of Some Egyptians"), 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](/exodus/9-21 "The Disobedience of Some Egyptians") 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](/deuteronomy/28 "Blessings and Curses"). 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](/jonah/3-10 "God's compassion on Nineveh").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **regarded not (Hebrew, _sûwm'_ H7760 and _lêb'_ H3820):** 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](/exodus/9-20 "Those who feared the word of the LORD") who "feared the word of the LORD."
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_ H1697):** 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.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_ H3068):** 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](/exodus/9-19 "God's warning about the hail")) and the actions of those who obeyed ([Exodus 9:20](/exodus/9-20 "Those who feared the word of the LORD")). 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](/exodus/9-20-21 "The two responses to God's warning") is **juxtaposition** or **contrast**. These two verses are intentionally placed side-by-side to create a powerful rhetorical effect. [Exodus 9:20](/exodus/9-20 "The obedience of some Egyptians") describes those who "feared the word of the LORD" and took protective action, resulting in their preservation. Immediately following, [Exodus 9:21](/exodus/9-21 "The disobedience of some Egyptians") 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](/exodus/9-20 "Those who feared the word of the LORD") and [Exodus 9:21](/exodus/9-21 "The disobedience of some Egyptians") 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:
* [Deuteronomy 28:1-68](/deuteronomy/28 "Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience")
* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge")
* [Hebrews 2:3](/hebrews/2-3 "The danger of neglecting salvation")

### 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
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be "regarding not" or deliberately ignoring a clear warning or instruction from God's Word?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more "fearful" (meaning reverent, attentive, and obedient) heart towards the "word of the LORD" in my daily life?**
* **How does my current response to God's word reflect my trust in His character, His promises, and His warnings?**

### FAQ

**Why did God warn them if He knew some would disobey?**

Answer: 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?**

Answer: 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?**

Answer: 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](/john/3-18 "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already").

### 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](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")), 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](/john/3-16-18 "For God so loved the world")). 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](/matthew/25-46 "Eternal Punishment and Eternal Life")). 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 7:23

And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he set his heart to this also.

Daniel 10:12

Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.

Ezekiel 40:4

And the man said unto me, Son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee; for to the intent that I might shew [them] unto thee [art] thou brought hither: declare all that thou seest to the house of Israel.

1 Chronicles 22:19

Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.

Job 34:14

If he set his heart upon man, [if] he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;

1 Samuel 4:20

And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto her, Fear not; for thou hast born a son. But she answered not, neither did she regard [it].

Proverbs 24:32

Then I saw, [and] considered [it] well: I looked upon [it, and] received instruction.