“He that feared the word of the Lord among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses.”
Context: The book of Exodus recounts the story of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. In this particular chapter, God sends a series of plagues upon Egypt to demonstrate His power and compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. Exodus 9 describes the fifth and sixth plagues: the plague of livestock disease and the plague of boils.
Fearing the Word of the Lord: This verse highlights an important distinction among the Egyptians. While some of Pharaoh’s servants, who feared the word of the Lord, responded to the warnings and took action to protect their servants and livestock, others did not. This fear of the Lord refers to a recognition and reverence for God’s power and authority.
Faith in Action: The individuals who feared the Lord demonstrated their faith by taking appropriate measures in response to God’s warning. They made a practical decision to safeguard their possessions, including their servants and cattle, by bringing them inside their houses. This response shows a combination of trust in God’s word and responsible action.
Implications for our Faith: This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of heeding God’s warnings and responding in faith. It reveals that true fear of the Lord leads to obedience and action. In our own lives, we are called to trust and obey God’s instructions, even when they may seem unconventional or challenging. This verse also emphasizes the need for discernment and wisdom in recognizing God’s voice amidst the noise of the world.
Lessons for Today: As we reflect on Exodus 9:20, we can draw several practical lessons. Firstly, it reminds us that true faith is not merely a passive belief but prompts us to take action in accordance with God’s will. Secondly, it underscores the significance of discernment and obedience when faced with God’s warnings or instructions. Lastly, it encourages us to fear the Lord, recognizing His authority and power, and respond in faithfulness to His Word.
Remember, studying the Bible in-depth often involves examining the surrounding verses and chapters to gain a comprehensive understanding of the passage’s context and the overarching message of the book.
