What lessons can we learn about obedience from the Egyptians' experience in Exodus 9:25? Setting the Scene - God had already sent multiple plagues, yet Pharaoh repeatedly hardened his heart (Exodus 7–9). - Before the hail, Moses warned, “Send your livestock and everything you have in the field into shelter” (Exodus 9:19). Some Egyptians heeded; many did not. - Verse 25 records the devastating result of ignoring God’s clear instruction. The Verse Under the Microscope “Throughout the land of Egypt, the hail struck down everything in the fields, both man and beast; it beat down every plant of the field and stripped every tree.” (Exodus 9:25) Key Observations - “Throughout the land” shows the scope: disobedience invites widespread consequence. - “Struck down everything” underscores the totality of loss—people, animals, crops, trees. Nothing is immune when God’s warnings are dismissed. - The contrast: those who “feared the word of the LORD” were spared (Exodus 9:20-21). Immediate obedience protected life and livelihood. Lessons on Obedience • Delayed obedience is disobedience – Pharaoh heard the same warning the obedient officials heard, but procrastinated. – 1 Samuel 15:22: “To obey is better than sacrifice.” • Disobedience carries collateral damage – The hail harmed not only Pharaoh but ordinary Egyptians, livestock, vegetation. – Romans 14:7 reminds us, “None of us lives to himself alone.” • God’s Word is non-negotiable – The command was simple: shelter your possessions; let Israel go. – Matthew 7:24-27: houses on sand crumble when storms come; only the obedient stand. • Partial obedience does not satisfy God – Pharaoh later offered compromises (Exodus 8:25-28; 10:8-11), yet judgment continued until complete obedience occurred. – James 2:10: breaking one point of the law makes a transgressor of all. • Obedience is a refuge – Those who acted immediately enjoyed safety while chaos raged outside. – Psalm 91:1: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” Putting It Into Practice - Evaluate whether any divine instructions in Scripture are being postponed in your life. Immediate action prevents unnecessary fallout (John 14:15). - Recognize how personal choices influence family, community, even national well-being (Deuteronomy 28:1-14, 15-68). - Cultivate a habit of instantaneous obedience: hear, believe, act (James 1:22-25). - Trust that God’s commands are not burdensome but protective, designed for flourishing rather than restriction (1 John 5:3). |
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