share torah logo

Exodus 9:21 - Who ignores divine warnings?

Exodus 9:21 - שמות 9:21

Hebrew Text

וַאֲשֶׁר לֹא־שָׂם לִבּוֹ אֶל־דְּבַר יְהוָה וַיַּעֲזֹב אֶת־עֲבָדָיו וְאֶת־מִקְנֵהוּ בַּשָּׂדֶה׃

English Translation

and he that regarded not the word of the Lord left his servants and his cattle in the field.

Transliteration

Va'asher lo-sam libo el-dvar Adonai vaya'azov et-avadav ve'et-miknehu basadeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־שָׂ֛ם לִבּ֖וֹ אֶל־דְּבַ֣ר יְהֹוָ֑ה וַֽיַּעֲזֹ֛ב אֶת־עֲבָדָ֥יו וְאֶת־מִקְנֵ֖הוּ בַּשָּׂדֶֽה׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא־שָׂ֛ם לִבּ֖וֹ אֶל־דְּבַ֣ר יְהֹוָ֑ה וַֽיַּעֲזֹ֛ב אֶת־עֲבָדָ֥יו וְאֶת־מִקְנֵ֖הוּ בַּשָּׂדֶֽה׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Exodus

The verse (Exodus 9:21) appears in the narrative of the plagues in Egypt, specifically during the plague of hail. It contrasts those who feared Hashem's warning—bringing their servants and livestock indoors—with those who disregarded His word, leaving them exposed to destruction.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Exodus 9:21) emphasizes that the phrase "וַאֲשֶׁר לֹא־שָׂם לִבּוֹ" ("he that regarded not") refers to those who were willfully negligent. They heard Moshe's warning but chose not to internalize it ("שָׂם לִבּוֹ" literally means "set his heart"). Rashi notes this reflects a deeper spiritual failing—not merely ignorance, but active disregard for divine instruction.

Rambam on Free Will

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 5:1-4) discusses how this verse illustrates the principle of bechira chofshit (free will). Pharaoh and his court had multiple opportunities to heed Hashem's warnings, yet they hardened their hearts. Their punishment resulted from their own choices, demonstrating that divine justice operates through human accountability.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Va'eira 14) compares the Egyptians who ignored the warning to one who scoffs at impending danger until it overwhelms him. Their dismissal of Moshe's prophecy revealed arrogance, a recurring theme in Egypt's downfall.
  • Sforno (Exodus 9:21) adds that their negligence extended beyond the hail—it symbolized a broader rejection of Hashem's sovereignty, making them unworthy of mercy.

Halachic Implications

The Chofetz Chaim (Shemirat HaLashon) derives a lesson about heeding warnings: just as the Egyptians suffered for ignoring divine instruction, we must take seriously the ethical and spiritual admonitions of our sages. The verse underscores the peril of dismissing wisdom, whether in matters of mitzvot or interpersonal conduct.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 9:21 mean when it says 'he that regarded not the word of the Lord'?
A: This refers to those Egyptians who did not take seriously Moshe's warning about the upcoming plague of hail (Rashi on Exodus 9:21). They ignored Hashem's command to bring their servants and livestock indoors for protection, showing a lack of belief in the divine message.
Q: Why is this verse important in the story of the plagues?
A: This verse demonstrates the principle that those who heed divine warnings will be saved, while those who ignore them suffer consequences (Mechilta on Exodus 9:21). It shows that the plagues weren't random punishments, but came with warnings and opportunities to avoid harm.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 9:21 today?
A: The verse teaches us the importance of listening to divine wisdom and the words of our sages (Rambam, Hilchot De'ot). Just as those who ignored Moshe's warning suffered loss, we must be attentive to Torah teachings that guide us in proper conduct and protection from harm.