Topical Bible: Faith: Pharaoh's Servants, Who Obeyed the Lord

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In the narrative of the Exodus, the account of Pharaoh's servants who obeyed the Lord stands as a testament to the power of faith and obedience amidst a backdrop of widespread disbelief and rebellion. This episode is found in the book of Exodus, specifically during the plagues that God sent upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage.

Context and Background

The account unfolds during the seventh plague, the plague of hail, as recorded in Exodus 9. Prior to this, Egypt had already experienced six devastating plagues, each demonstrating the power and sovereignty of the God of Israel. Despite these signs, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened, and he refused to let the Israelites go.

The Plague of Hail

In Exodus 9:18-19 , God, through Moses, warns Pharaoh of the impending plague: "Behold, at this time tomorrow I will rain down the worst hail that has ever fallen on Egypt, from the day it was founded until now. So give orders now to bring your livestock and everything you have in the field to a safe place. Every person and animal left in the field and not brought inside will die when the hail comes down upon them."

The Response of Pharaoh's Servants

Remarkably, some of Pharaoh's servants heeded this warning. Exodus 9:20-21 states, "Those among Pharaoh’s officials who feared the word of the LORD hurried to bring their servants and livestock to shelter, but those who disregarded the word of the LORD left their servants and livestock in the field."

This response is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights a division among the Egyptians themselves. While Pharaoh remained obstinate, some of his own officials recognized the authority and power of the God of Israel. Their actions demonstrate a measure of faith, as they chose to believe the word of the Lord delivered through Moses, despite the prevailing culture of idolatry and the hard-heartedness of their leader.

Faith and Obedience

The obedience of these servants is a profound example of faith in action. In a society where Pharaoh was considered a god and his word was law, these individuals chose to act contrary to the will of their earthly ruler in favor of divine instruction. Their decision to protect their servants and livestock by bringing them indoors was a tangible expression of their belief in the warnings given by Moses.

Implications for Believers

The account of Pharaoh's servants who obeyed the Lord serves as an encouragement to believers to trust in God's word, even when it goes against societal norms or the directives of earthly authorities. It underscores the importance of fearing the Lord and acting upon His instructions, regardless of the surrounding circumstances or potential repercussions.

In the broader narrative of the Exodus, this episode is a reminder that God's power and truth can penetrate even the most resistant hearts and that faith can be found in unexpected places. The actions of these servants illustrate that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10), and that obedience to God is always the path to safety and blessing.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 9:20
He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxii. 2, Etc. , About the ...
... Therefore was he discovered by the Lord, who escaped the notice of the servants. ...
[3006] Were the magicians of Pharaoh who did ... 9. So then, have faith with love. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xl on the words.htm

Of the Agreement of the Evangelists Matthew and Luke in the ...
... His own person, and in that of His servants also, and ... all nations might bring forth
fruit in faith, and hope ... and was exposed, was adopted by Pharaoh's daughter. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon i of the agreement.htm

The Siege. (xxi, xxxii-xxxiv, xxxvii, xxxviii. )
... sent you to inquire of Me,(577) Behold, Pharaoh's army, which ... Epistle to the Hebrews
as a high example of faith. ... In short, we see how even the servants of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/3 the siege xxi xxxii-xxxiv.htm

Preached Before the Governor, and Council, and the House of ...
... of his sleep." Prophets, and the greatest servants of God ... from his brethren, became
second in Pharaoh's kingdom: he ... author and finisher of our faith, compare it ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/preached before the governor and.htm

Chapter xii
... asses." Then he recognized the need of more "servants" and proceeded ... was in the right
over against Abram, for Pharaoh had acted in good faith, and Abram ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xii.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Operation
... kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ... His people, to deal subtly
with His servants" (Psa.105 ... Egypt when, after the death of the Pharaoh who had ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter six the sovereignty of.htm

Jacob and Doubting Souls --A Parallel
... He was such a Little-faith or Feeble-mind that he hardly dared to ... house, saying,
Joseph's brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants. ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/jacob and doubting soulsa parallel.htm

The Preface to the Commandments
... 63:5. Do not despond; believe in God's power: faith sets God ... Moses tells Pharaoh,
when he was going out of Egypt, We ... and men are said to be the servants of sin ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm

Translated from Latin of Rufinus.
... Return, for Thy servants' sake, for the tribes of Thine ... formerly, when discussing
the case of Pharaoh, that sometimes ... as to maintain the rule of faith in the ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/translated from latin of rufinus.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... Kush thought twice before defying the authority of the Pharaoh.*. ... he was accompanied
by two discreet servants only. ... breadth; the flashing eye of the lord of all ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm