Exodus 9:30

But as for thee and thy servants, I know that ye will not yet fear the LORD God.

But as for thee and thy servants {H5650}, I know {H3045} that ye will not yet fear {H3372}{H6440} the LORD {H3068} God {H430}.

But you and your servants, I know you still won't fear ADONAI, God."

But as for you and your officials, I know that you still do not fear the LORD our God.”

But as for thee and thy servants, I know that ye will not yet fear Jehovah God.

Commentary

Context

Exodus 9:30 is spoken by the LORD God to Pharaoh through Moses, amidst the devastating plague of hail, the seventh of the ten plagues sent upon Egypt. Immediately prior, Pharaoh, humbled by the severity of the plague, had confessed his sin and acknowledged God's righteousness, promising to let the Israelites go (see Exodus 9:27-28). However, God, with perfect foreknowledge, states that Pharaoh and his servants will not yet fear the LORD God. This declaration reveals God's understanding of Pharaoh's superficial repentance and the continued hardening of his heart, setting the stage for the remaining plagues.

Meaning and Key Themes

  • Divine Foreknowledge: This verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute knowledge of human hearts and future actions. Despite Pharaoh's outward confession and apparent humility, God knew his repentance was temporary and motivated by immediate relief from suffering, rather than genuine submission to divine authority. This underscores God's sovereignty and His complete understanding of human nature.
  • Pharaoh's Persistent Stubbornness: Even after witnessing overwhelming displays of God's power through multiple, increasingly severe plagues, Pharaoh's will remained unyielding. His inability to 'fear the LORD' indicated a deep-seated spiritual resistance and defiance, a characteristic often referred to as Pharaoh's hardened heart throughout the Exodus narrative.
  • The Nature of 'Fearing the LORD': The phrase 'fear the LORD God' (Hebrew: yare') signifies much more than mere terror or dread. It encompasses a profound reverence, awe, and obedient submission to God's authority and commands. It implies a recognition of His supreme power, righteousness, and sovereignty, leading to a desire to please Him and walk in His ways. Pharaoh's failure to truly 'fear the LORD' meant he lacked genuine spiritual transformation and continued in rebellion.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word for "fear" here is yare' (יָר֡א). While it can mean dread or terror, in the context of "fearing the LORD God," it primarily conveys a sense of reverential awe, respect, and worship that leads to obedience. It's the kind of fear that acknowledges God's ultimate authority and wisdom, leading to a desire to align oneself with His will. Pharaoh's lack of this kind of fear prevented him from truly submitting.

Practical Application

Exodus 9:30 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Genuine Repentance: It serves as a reminder that true repentance is not merely expressing regret for consequences or making temporary promises under duress, but involves a fundamental change of heart and a commitment to obey God. Like Pharaoh, we can be quick to confess sin when facing difficulties, but genuine change requires a new heart and a right spirit, demonstrated by lasting obedience.
  • God's Knowledge of Our Hearts: This verse reassures us that God sees beyond outward appearances. He knows our true motives, our hidden thoughts, and the depths of our commitment (or lack thereof). This should inspire both comfort in His understanding and conviction to live with integrity before Him, knowing that He sees all.
  • The Call to Truly Fear God: The ultimate call is to 'fear the LORD God' in its full biblical sense – to live in reverential awe, to honor His name, and to obey His commands wholeheartedly. This fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and leads to life and blessing, unlike Pharaoh's path of destruction and judgment.
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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 26:10 (6 votes)

    Let favour be shewed to the wicked, [yet] will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the LORD.

  • Proverbs 16:6 (4 votes)

    ΒΆ By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD [men] depart from evil.

  • Isaiah 63:17 (2 votes)

    O LORD, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, [and] hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants' sake, the tribes of thine inheritance.