Exodus 9:21

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

Exodus 9:21 is situated within the narrative of the seventh plague upon Egypt, the devastating plague of hail, thunder, and fire. Prior to this verse, the LORD, through Moses, had issued a direct and clear warning to Pharaoh and his people: "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). This verse highlights the differing responses to God's divine instruction. While some among Pharaoh's servants feared the word of the LORD and brought their livestock and servants indoors, others, as described in verse 21, chose to disregard it, leading to tragic consequences.

Key Themes

  • Divine Warning and Human Choice: The passage underscores God's mercy in providing clear warnings before judgment, allowing individuals to make a choice. This verse specifically points to the deliberate act of ignoring that warning.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The immediate and severe outcome for those who disregarded God's word serves as a powerful illustration that neglecting divine instruction leads to loss and suffering.
  • Faith and Discernment: Those who acted upon the warning demonstrated a form of faith and discernment, believing that God's word was true and reliable. Conversely, those in verse 21 lacked this vital trust.
  • God's Sovereignty and Justice: Even amidst judgment, God's justice is evident. He provides a way of escape for those who heed His voice, while those who remain stubborn or indifferent face the full force of His righteous judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "regarded not" in the King James Version translates the Hebrew לֹא שָׂם ΧœΦ΄Χ‘ΦΌΧ•ΦΉ (*lo sam libbo*), which literally means "did not set his heart upon" or "did not give his attention to." This is not merely a passive oversight but implies a deliberate choice of indifference, neglect, or even contempt for the word of the LORD. It suggests a hardening of the heart, similar to Pharaoh's own persistent defiance (Exodus 9:12).

Practical Application

Exodus 9:21 serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of taking God's word seriously. In our lives, God continues to provide warnings, guidance, and truth through His Scriptures. This verse challenges us to:

  • Heed God's Warnings: Just as the Egyptians received a physical warning, we receive spiritual warnings concerning sin, its consequences, and the need for repentance. Disregarding these can lead to spiritual loss and hardship (see Hebrews 2:3).
  • Cultivate a Receptive Heart: The phrase "did not set his heart upon" highlights the danger of apathy and indifference towards divine truth. A wise believer actively seeks to understand and obey God's will.
  • Recognize Consequences: While God is merciful, His justice is also real. The narrative reminds us that choices have consequences, and aligning our lives with God's revealed will is the path to wisdom and protection.

Ultimately, this verse encourages us to be among those who "tremble at his word" (Isaiah 66:2), choosing faith and obedience over indifference and disregard.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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