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:

He that feared {H3373} the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} among the servants {H5650} of Pharaoh {H6547} made his servants {H5650} and his cattle {H4735} flee {H5127} into the houses {H1004}:

Whoever among Pharaoh's servants feared what ADONAI had said had his slaves and livestock escape into the houses;

Those among Pharaoh’s officials who feared the word of the LORD hurried to bring their servants and livestock to shelter,

He that feared the word of Jehovah among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses:

Commentary

Exodus 9:20 offers a crucial insight into the varying responses to God's divine warnings during the Plagues of Egypt. This verse specifically highlights the actions of those among Pharaoh's own servants who chose to heed the word of the LORD, demonstrating a nascent faith amidst widespread defiance.

Context

This verse is situated immediately before the seventh plague, a devastating hail storm unlike any seen before in Egypt (Exodus 9:18). Moses, empowered by God, had issued a clear and specific warning to Pharaoh and his people: bring in all livestock and people from the fields, or they would be struck down by the hail. The narrative of the Plagues of Egypt systematically reveals God's power and judgment, and this particular warning offered an opportunity for anyone to avoid the impending disaster.

Key Themes

  • Reverence for God's Word: The central theme is the "fear of the word of the LORD." This was not merely terror, but a profound respect and acknowledgment of God's authority and the truthfulness of His pronouncements.
  • Obedience and Disobedience: The verse sharply contrasts those who believed God's warning and acted on it with those who did not (mentioned in the subsequent verse, Exodus 9:21). Obedience to God's commands brings protection.
  • Divine Grace and Warning: Even amidst judgment, God provides a clear warning, offering a path to safety for those willing to listen and respond.
  • Discernment: These servants of Pharaoh demonstrated spiritual discernment, recognizing the source and truth of Moses' message despite being part of a pagan society.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "feared the word of the LORD" uses the Hebrew verb יָרֵא (yare'), which means "to fear, to revere, to stand in awe of." While it can denote terror, in this context, especially when paired with "the word of the LORD," it carries the weight of a respectful and obedient awe. It signifies a profound recognition of God's power and truth, leading to a corresponding action. This 'fear' is akin to the wisdom found in Proverbs 1:7, where "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge."

Significance and Application

Exodus 9:20 offers a timeless lesson about responding to divine warnings. It reminds us that God's warnings are given out of grace, providing an opportunity for repentance and preservation. The actions of these unnamed servants of Pharaoh underscore that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but results in concrete, obedient action. Their decision to bring their servants and cattle indoors saved them from the devastating hail, illustrating the tangible benefits of heeding God's voice.

For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of taking God's Word seriously. Whether it's a warning against sin, an instruction for righteous living, or a promise of future events, our response determines our outcome. Just as some in ancient Egypt chose to believe and act, we are called to trust and obey God's commands, finding refuge and blessing in His wisdom (John 14:23). This verse highlights that even in hostile environments, individuals can choose to align themselves with God's truth.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 13:13

    ¶ Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

  • Proverbs 22:3

    ¶ A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

  • Hebrews 11:7

    By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

  • Jonah 3:5

    ¶ So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.

  • Jonah 3:6

    For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered [him] with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.

  • Mark 13:14

    But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

  • Mark 13:16

    And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.
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