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Exodus 9:20 - Fearful obey, spared destruction.

Exodus 9:20 - שמות 9:20

Hebrew Text

הַיָּרֵא אֶת־דְּבַר יְהוָה מֵעַבְדֵי פַּרְעֹה הֵנִיס אֶת־עֲבָדָיו וְאֶת־מִקְנֵהוּ אֶל־הַבָּתִּים׃

English Translation

He that feared the word of the Lord among the servants of Par῾o made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses:

Transliteration

Ha-yare et-dvar Adonai me-avdei Par'o henis et-avadav ve-et-miknehu el-ha-batim.

Hebrew Leining Text

הַיָּרֵא֙ אֶת־דְּבַ֣ר יְהֹוָ֔ה מֵֽעַבְדֵ֖י פַּרְעֹ֑ה הֵנִ֛יס אֶת־עֲבָדָ֥יו וְאֶת־מִקְנֵ֖הוּ אֶל־הַבָּתִּֽים׃
הַיָּרֵא֙ אֶת־דְּבַ֣ר יְהֹוָ֔ה מֵֽעַבְדֵ֖י פַּרְעֹ֑ה הֵנִ֛יס אֶת־עֲבָדָ֥יו וְאֶת־מִקְנֵ֖הוּ אֶל־הַבָּתִּֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Plague of Hail

The verse (Shemot 9:20) describes the reaction of some of Pharaoh's servants who heeded Moshe's warning about the impending plague of hail. Unlike those who ignored the divine warning, these individuals took protective measures by bringing their servants and livestock indoors.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that "הירא את דבר ה'" (he that feared the word of Hashem) refers to those among Pharaoh's court who developed reverence for Hashem's word after witnessing the previous plagues. They took Moshe's warning seriously and acted upon it, demonstrating a level of emunah (faith) in Hashem's prophecy.

The Significance of Their Actions

  • Recognition of Divine Authority: The Malbim notes that their fear was not merely of the physical damage but of the divine word itself, showing a higher spiritual awareness.
  • Practical Application of Faith: The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:1) teaches that true belief requires action. These servants demonstrated their faith by actively protecting their households and livestock.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Bo 5) highlights that these individuals were Egyptians, yet they merited being called "ירא את דבר ה'" because they acknowledged Hashem's supremacy. This teaches that sincere reverence for Hashem is possible even among non-Jews when they recognize divine truth.

Contrast with Pharaoh's Stubbornness

The Sforno contrasts these servants with Pharaoh, who repeatedly hardened his heart. The servants' willingness to heed the warning underscores that Pharaoh's obstinacy was a deliberate choice, not an inevitable response.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 9:20 mean?
A: This verse describes how some of Pharaoh's servants who feared Hashem's warning about the upcoming plague of hail took action to protect their servants and livestock by bringing them indoors. This shows that even among Pharaoh's court, there were individuals who recognized Hashem's power.
Q: Why is this verse important?
A: This verse teaches us that fearing Hashem leads to taking proper action. The Midrash explains that these Egyptian officials demonstrated wisdom by heeding Moshe's warning, unlike Pharaoh who hardened his heart. It shows that recognizing Divine truth can come from anyone, even among the enemies of Israel.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 9:20 today?
A: Rashi explains that this verse teaches us the importance of acting upon our beliefs. When we recognize Hashem's truth, we must take practical steps in response. Just as these Egyptians protected what was valuable to them, we too should protect our spiritual values when we see threats approaching.