Exodus 9:2 - For if you refuse to let them go, and hold them still,
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Exodus 9:2" mean?
The verse "For if you refuse to let them go, and hold them still," from Exodus 9:2 (NIV) is part of God's message to Pharaoh through Moses. Let's break it down:
"For if you refuse to let them go..." This refers to the Israelites. God is commanding Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery and allow them to go and worship Him in the wilderness. This is the core demand of God in the Exodus story.
"...and hold them still..." This means to keep the Israelites enslaved, to prevent them from leaving, and to maintain the status quo where they are forced to work for the Egyptians. "Hold them still" implies preventing any movement towards freedom or release.
In essence, the verse is a warning. It presents Pharaoh with a choice and outlines the consequences of disobedience. If Pharaoh continues to deny the Israelites their freedom and keep them enslaved, there will be repercussions.
The verses following this one in Exodus 9 describe the plague of livestock, which is the plague that will strike if Pharaoh doesn't heed God's warning. Thus, this verse is part of a larger pattern: God offers Pharaoh a chance to avoid a devastating plague if he simply releases the Israelites. Pharaoh's stubborn refusal to do so leads to increasingly severe plagues as God demonstrates His power and justice.
Exodus 9:2 - For if you refuse to let them go, and hold them still,
What does "Exodus 9:2" mean?
The verse "For if you refuse to let them go, and hold them still," from Exodus 9:2 (NIV) is part of God's message to Pharaoh through Moses. Let's break it down:
"For if you refuse to let them go..." This refers to the Israelites. God is commanding Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery and allow them to go and worship Him in the wilderness. This is the core demand of God in the Exodus story.
"...and hold them still..." This means to keep the Israelites enslaved, to prevent them from leaving, and to maintain the status quo where they are forced to work for the Egyptians. "Hold them still" implies preventing any movement towards freedom or release.
In essence, the verse is a warning. It presents Pharaoh with a choice and outlines the consequences of disobedience. If Pharaoh continues to deny the Israelites their freedom and keep them enslaved, there will be repercussions.
The verses following this one in Exodus 9 describe the plague of livestock, which is the plague that will strike if Pharaoh doesn't heed God's warning. Thus, this verse is part of a larger pattern: God offers Pharaoh a chance to avoid a devastating plague if he simply releases the Israelites. Pharaoh's stubborn refusal to do so leads to increasingly severe plagues as God demonstrates His power and justice.