Exodus 9:21: “But those who ignored the word of the Lord left their slaves and livestock in the field.”

Extended Explanation

In Exodus 9:21, we see the response of another group of Pharaoh’s officials and the Egyptian people to God’s warning about the coming hailstorm. Unlike those who feared the word of the Lord and took action to protect their lives and possessions, these individuals chose to ignore the warning. Their decision to leave their slaves and livestock in the field, despite being warned, reveals a blatant disregard for God’s word. This verse contrasts the outcomes of obedience and disobedience—those who ignored the warning would face the devastating consequences of the coming plague. It highlights the danger of apathy and the peril of not taking God’s word seriously.

Historical Context

The historical context of Exodus 9:21 is set during the time when God was delivering the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. After enduring six plagues, Egypt was warned of a seventh plague—a hailstorm that would be more destructive than anything they had ever seen. God, in His mercy, gave specific instructions to protect people and livestock from the impending disaster. Despite this clear warning, some Egyptians chose to ignore it. This verse reflects the hardening of hearts that was prevalent among the Egyptians, particularly within the ranks of Pharaoh’s officials. It serves as a continuation of the ongoing struggle between God’s will and Pharaoh’s stubbornness.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Exodus 9:21 underscores the principle of human free will and the consequences of rejecting God’s guidance. The individuals who ignored God’s warning had the same opportunity to protect themselves as those who heeded the warning, yet they chose differently. This verse illustrates that while God provides a way of escape and offers protection, He does not force anyone to follow Him. The consequences of ignoring God’s word are real and often severe. It also speaks to the concept of spiritual blindness—when people repeatedly reject God’s warnings, their hearts can become increasingly hardened, making it easier to ignore Him in the future.

Literary Analysis

From a literary standpoint, Exodus 9:21 serves as a direct contrast to the previous verse, where some of Pharaoh’s officials took God’s warning seriously. The verse is straightforward, highlighting the disobedience of those who chose not to act. The word “ignored” is significant; it implies a willful decision to dismiss the seriousness of God’s warning. The mention of “slaves and livestock” being left in the field emphasizes the negligence and carelessness of these individuals. This verse helps build tension in the narrative, as it sets up the reader to anticipate the disastrous effects of the hailstorm on those who failed to heed the warning.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Proverbs 1:24-26 – “But since you refuse to listen when I call and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand, since you disregard all my advice and do not accept my rebuke, I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when calamity overtakes you.”
• Proverbs 14:16 – “The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.”
• Matthew 7:26-27 – “But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
• James 1:22-24 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christian, Exodus 9:21 serves as a stark warning about the dangers of ignoring God’s word. It challenges believers to examine their own hearts and ask whether they are truly heeding God’s instructions or merely hearing them without action. The verse also calls Christians to be vigilant in their faith, not allowing apathy or doubt to lead them into disobedience. In a world where God’s word is often disregarded or taken lightly, this verse is a reminder of the importance of taking God seriously and living in obedience to His commands.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse, though it highlights disobedience, also reflects God’s love. God’s warnings are expressions of His care and desire to protect people from harm. Even those who ignored the warning had been given the opportunity to save themselves and their possessions. God’s love is evident in the fact that He continually reaches out to people, offering them chances to turn to Him and avoid disaster. This verse demonstrates that God’s love includes both mercy and justice—He lovingly provides guidance, but He also allows people to face the consequences of their choices when they reject His word.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Exodus 9:21 connects to Jesus Christ in that Jesus, like the warnings given to the Egyptians, came to offer salvation and protection from the consequences of sin. Just as the Egyptians had a choice to heed or ignore God’s warning, people today have a choice to accept or reject Jesus. Jesus often warned of the consequences of ignoring God’s word and called people to repentance and obedience. The disregard shown by those who ignored God’s warning in Exodus mirrors the response of those who, even today, turn away from the offer of salvation that Jesus extends. The ultimate consequence of rejecting Christ is spiritual death, just as the consequence of ignoring God’s warning was physical destruction in the time of the Exodus.

Relevant Scriptures:

• Matthew 23:37 – “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.”
• John 3:19-20 – “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.”
• Hebrews 2:3 – “How shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.”

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How do you respond when you sense God giving you a warning or instruction? Are there areas where you might be ignoring His guidance?
2. What are the potential consequences of disregarding God’s word in your life?
3. How does this verse challenge you to take God’s commands more seriously?
4. In what ways does the response of those who ignored God’s warning mirror the attitude of people today towards Jesus’ teachings?
5. How can you encourage others to listen to and act on God’s word, avoiding the pitfalls of neglect and disobedience?