This verse from Exodus 9:20 describes the reaction of some Egyptians to a warning from God (Yahweh) delivered through Moses. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"Those who feared Yahweh’s word among the servants of Pharaoh": This is the key part. It highlights that not all Egyptians were united in their defiance of God. Some, even among Pharaoh's own servants (officials, advisors, members of the royal household), recognized the power and truth in the message Moses delivered. They had a sense of reverence or fear (awe, respect) towards Yahweh.
"made their servants and their livestock flee into the houses": Because they feared God's word (specifically, the warning about the impending hail plague, Exodus 9:19), they took preventative measures. They protected their servants (who would have been valuable property) and their livestock (essential for agriculture and wealth) by bringing them inside. The houses offered some protection from the devastating hail.
In essence, the verse illustrates:
The impact of God's word: Even in a hostile environment, God's message could penetrate hearts and inspire action.
The wisdom of heeding warnings: Those who listened to the warning and took precautions were spared from some of the devastation of the plague.
The existence of believers even in unexpected places: This verse suggests that there were Egyptians who were open to the possibility of the Hebrew God being real and powerful, despite the prevailing beliefs of their society.
Contrast with Pharaoh's Stubbornness: The verse underscores the contrast between the wisdom of those who feared God's word and the stubbornness of Pharaoh, who refused to heed the warning and suffered the consequences. It subtly criticizes Pharaoh's pride and lack of discernment.
The verse is a small but significant detail that adds nuance to the narrative of the Exodus. It shows that the situation was not a simple "us vs. them" scenario, and that some Egyptians had the wisdom to recognize and respect the power of God.
This verse from Exodus 9:20 describes the reaction of some Egyptians to a warning from God (Yahweh) delivered through Moses. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"Those who feared Yahweh’s word among the servants of Pharaoh": This is the key part. It highlights that not all Egyptians were united in their defiance of God. Some, even among Pharaoh's own servants (officials, advisors, members of the royal household), recognized the power and truth in the message Moses delivered. They had a sense of reverence or fear (awe, respect) towards Yahweh.
"made their servants and their livestock flee into the houses": Because they feared God's word (specifically, the warning about the impending hail plague, Exodus 9:19), they took preventative measures. They protected their servants (who would have been valuable property) and their livestock (essential for agriculture and wealth) by bringing them inside. The houses offered some protection from the devastating hail.
In essence, the verse illustrates:
The impact of God's word: Even in a hostile environment, God's message could penetrate hearts and inspire action.
The wisdom of heeding warnings: Those who listened to the warning and took precautions were spared from some of the devastation of the plague.
The existence of believers even in unexpected places: This verse suggests that there were Egyptians who were open to the possibility of the Hebrew God being real and powerful, despite the prevailing beliefs of their society.
Contrast with Pharaoh's Stubbornness: The verse underscores the contrast between the wisdom of those who feared God's word and the stubbornness of Pharaoh, who refused to heed the warning and suffered the consequences. It subtly criticizes Pharaoh's pride and lack of discernment.
The verse is a small but significant detail that adds nuance to the narrative of the Exodus. It shows that the situation was not a simple "us vs. them" scenario, and that some Egyptians had the wisdom to recognize and respect the power of God.