Exodus 9:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 9:20 presents a striking moment during the seventh plague, where certain officials within Pharaoh's court, moved by a profound reverence for the LORD's spoken warning, took decisive action to protect their households and livestock from the impending, devastating hail. This verse highlights a nascent faith emerging amidst widespread defiance, demonstrating the tangible benefits of heeding divine pronouncements and setting a stark contrast between those who believed God's word and those who stubbornly disregarded it, thereby illustrating the immediate consequences of obedience versus rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is strategically placed within the narrative of the [Plagues of Egypt](/exodus/7 "The Beginning of the Plagues"), specifically introducing the seventh plague of hail. It immediately follows God's explicit and severe warning delivered to Pharaoh and his people through Moses in [Exodus 9:18-19](/exodus/9-18-19 "God's Warning of the Hail Plague"), which meticulously details the unprecedented nature of the impending storm and offers a clear instruction for preservation. The verse then sets up a direct and powerful contrast with [Exodus 9:21](/exodus/9-21 "Those Who Did Not Fear the LORD"), which describes the fate of those who chose to ignore the divine warning, thus emphasizing the two distinct responses to God's authoritative word and their respective outcomes. This literary juxtaposition underscores the theme of discernment and choice in the face of divine judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a deeply polytheistic society, where Pharaoh was not merely a king but considered a living deity, the son of Ra, and the embodiment of divine order. For any of Pharaoh's own servants—members of the royal administration—to "fear the word of the LORD" (Yahweh, the God of Israel) was an extraordinary and subversive act. It implied a radical shift in allegiance, recognizing Yahweh's supremacy over the entire Egyptian pantheon and, by extension, over Pharaoh himself. In this agrarian society, livestock represented a primary form of wealth, sustenance, and economic stability, making the act of bringing them indoors a significant and costly measure of obedience, demonstrating a profound belief in the veracity of Moses's warning. The public nature of the warning, given directly to Pharaoh, ensured that all levels of Egyptian society were presented with a clear choice, challenging their worldview and loyalty.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 9:20 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **God's absolute sovereignty** over all creation and all nations, demonstrating His power to execute judgment and offer preservation simultaneously. It also highlights the theme of **divine revelation and human response**, showing that God's word is not merely informative but active and calls for a decisive response, whether in faith or defiance. Furthermore, the verse introduces the theme of **discernment and distinction**, as God's actions begin to separate those who acknowledge His authority from those who remain hardened, a theme that will culminate in the Passover and the ultimate separation at the Red Sea ([Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "The Crossing of the Red Sea")). This distinction is crucial for understanding God's righteous judgment and His gracious provision for those who heed His voice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The verse, "He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses," captures a profound moment of choice and consequence amidst the unfolding plagues. It reveals that God's message was so potent that it pierced even the hardened hearts within Pharaoh's own court, leading some to a life-saving response.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Feared (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** From H3373, this word means "fearing; morally, reverent; afraid, fear(-ful)." In this context, when paired with "the word of the LORD," it signifies more than mere terror. It denotes a profound, reverent awe and respectful acknowledgment of God's authority, power, and the truthfulness of His pronouncements. This "fear" is not paralyzing dread but a recognition of divine reality that compels a wise, obedient action, akin to the "fear of the LORD" being the beginning of knowledge and wisdom ([Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Knowledge")). Here, it is a saving fear, prompting immediate and practical obedience.
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term refers to "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause." It is not just human speech but a divine utterance, carrying the full weight of God's character, power, and absolute authority. The fact that these Egyptian officials "feared" *this specific word* indicates they perceived its divine origin and truthfulness, distinguishing it from all other pronouncements or beliefs prevalent in their polytheistic society. It was God's direct, authoritative communication.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the self-Existent or Eternal One; Jehovah, the Jewish national name of God. This refers to the covenant God of Israel, Yahweh, whose name signifies His eternal, self-existent nature and His active presence in history. The fear of *His* word, specifically, highlights the recognition of His unique sovereignty and power, distinguishing Him from the impotent gods of Egypt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that feared the word of the LORD":** This clause emphasizes the internal disposition and spiritual perception of certain individuals. It was not merely hearing the audible warning, but a reverent acceptance of its divine source and inherent truth. This profound "fear" served as the primary motivator for their subsequent actions, demonstrating a nascent faith in Yahweh's power and veracity.
* **"among the servants of Pharaoh":** This crucial detail highlights the unexpected source of obedience. These were not Israelites, but high-ranking officials within the very court that was actively defying God. Their decision demonstrates that God's message was clear and powerful enough to penetrate even the most hardened and pagan environments, creating a distinction and division even within Pharaoh's immediate household and administration.
* **"made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses":** This describes the concrete, obedient, and protective action taken. It was an immediate, practical response to the divine warning, demonstrating that their fear was not passive terror but active, life-saving obedience. They didn't just believe intellectually; they acted on that belief, taking significant measures to protect what was valuable to them, thereby illustrating the tangible benefits of heeding God's voice. The mention of "servants" alongside "cattle" underscores the comprehensive nature of their protective measures, extending to all under their care.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Contrast** by implicitly setting up a dichotomy between those who heeded God's warning and those who did not, a contrast made explicit in the subsequent verse ([Exodus 9:21](/exodus/9-21 "Those Who Did Not Fear the LORD")). This highlights the two possible responses to divine revelation: obedient reverence leading to preservation, or defiant disregard leading to destruction. Furthermore, the phrase "He that feared the word of the LORD" functions as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a singular individual or type represents a larger group of people who shared that disposition, emphasizing individual responsibility and the emergence of a believing remnant within a hostile environment. The narrative also uses **Foreshadowing**, as this act of seeking refuge from judgment prefigures the greater deliverance offered by God to those who heed His warnings throughout biblical history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 9:20 profoundly illustrates several enduring theological truths. First, it underscores God's **sovereignty** and **omniscience**, demonstrating His intimate knowledge of human hearts and His ability to provide warnings that clearly differentiate between the obedient and the disobedient. Second, it powerfully showcases God's **grace** even amidst judgment; He extends a clear path to safety for all who are willing to listen and respond in faith, regardless of their national or religious background. Third, it highlights the fundamental **human responsibility** to respond to divine revelation. True "fear of the LORD" is not a cowering terror but a reverent awe that compels active obedience and ultimately leads to life and preservation. This theme resonates throughout the biblical narrative, emphasizing that hearing God's word must invariably lead to doing it, making faith tangible through action.

* The principle of discerning and obeying God's voice for protection and blessing is a recurrent theme, as seen in [Deuteronomy 28:1-2](/deuteronomy/28-1-2 "Blessings for Obedience"), where diligent obedience to God's commands is directly linked to abundant blessings.
* The stark contrast between those who hear and obey versus those who hear and disregard is central to Jesus's parable of the wise and foolish builders in [Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "The Wise and Foolish Builders"), where building one's life on Christ's words provides an unshakeable foundation against life's storms.
* Ultimately, this passage foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on genuine faith being demonstrated by works, as articulated in [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "Faith Without Works is Dead"), where faith, if it has no works, is dead by itself.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 9:20 offers a timeless and vital lesson for believers today: God's warnings, whether concerning sin, judgment, or future events, are always given out of His profound grace, providing an opportunity for repentance, preservation, and right living. For us, this means moving beyond mere intellectual assent to God's Word and allowing it to deeply shape our actions, decisions, and priorities. Whether it's a clear instruction for righteous living, a warning against the dangers of sin, or a promise of future divine intervention, our response to God's authoritative voice determines our spiritual and practical outcomes. The actions of these unnamed servants of Pharaoh powerfully underscore that true faith is not a passive belief but an active, obedient response, even when such obedience runs counter to prevailing cultural norms, societal pressures, or personal convenience. Their decision to bring their servants and cattle indoors, an act of faith-filled obedience, directly saved them from the devastating hail, vividly illustrating the tangible benefits of heeding God's voice. We are called to cultivate a discerning ear for God's voice in a world filled with competing narratives and to respond with proactive, courageous obedience, finding refuge, blessing, and life in His wisdom and commands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "warnings" or "instructions" from God's Word might you be currently hearing, and how is your practical response reflecting a true "fear of the LORD"?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to disregard God's clear commands due to cultural pressure, fear of man, or personal convenience, echoing the defiance of Pharaoh's other servants?**
* **How can you intentionally cultivate a deeper, more active "fear of the LORD" that leads to tangible, consistent obedience in your daily life, even in seemingly small matters?**

### FAQ
**Why did only some of Pharaoh's servants heed the warning?**

Answer: The biblical text explicitly indicates a division among Pharaoh's servants, with some believing God's word and others not ([Exodus 9:21](/exodus/9-21 "Those Who Did Not Fear the LORD")). This highlights the reality of human free will and the varying responses to divine revelation. Even when presented with the same clear evidence and warning, individuals make different choices based on their perception of truth, their willingness to humble themselves, and their underlying disposition towards God's authority. It suggests that God's grace extends to all by providing the warning, but only those who respond in faith and obedience receive the benefits of that grace.

**Does "fear" in this context mean terror or respect?**

Answer: While the plagues undoubtedly instilled a measure of terror in the Egyptians, the "fear" in Exodus 9:20 (Hebrew _yârêʼ'_) primarily denotes a profound respect, reverence, and awe for God's authority and the truthfulness of His word. It is a recognition of His supreme power and an acknowledgment of His divine nature that leads to humble submission and obedience, rather than merely cowering in fright. This is a "saving fear," prompting proactive action to align with God's revealed will and secure protection from His judgment.

**Is this an example of salvation by works?**

Answer: No, this is not salvation by works in the theological sense of earning eternal salvation or righteousness through human effort. Rather, it is a clear example of **temporal preservation** and **blessing through obedient faith**. God, in His sovereign grace, provided a clear warning and a means of escape from immediate physical harm. Those who believed His word and acted on that belief were spared the devastating effects of the hail plague. It illustrates the biblical principle that genuine faith is always accompanied by corresponding action, but the action itself is a *response* to grace and divine instruction, not a means of earning or meriting that grace. Their obedience was evidence of their belief, not the cause of their salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 9:20, an Old Testament narrative of judgment and preservation, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound amplification in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "word of the LORD" that these Egyptian officials feared and obeyed foreshadows Jesus Himself, who is the living, incarnate Word of God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "The Word Became Flesh") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us")). Just as God's spoken word through Moses brought a warning of judgment and a clear path to temporal preservation in Egypt, Jesus, through His teachings and His very being, issues warnings about sin and eternal judgment, while simultaneously offering the ultimate path to spiritual salvation and eternal life ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "Whoever Hears My Word and Believes Has Eternal Life")).

The decision of Pharaoh's servants to heed the warning and seek refuge in their homes prefigures the spiritual refuge found exclusively in Christ. The plagues were a demonstration of God's righteous judgment against sin and the false gods of the world, and Christ's sacrificial death and glorious resurrection definitively conquer sin, death, and the power of spiritual darkness, offering deliverance from ultimate divine wrath. Those who "fear the word of the LORD" in the New Covenant are those who, by grace through faith, believe in Jesus Christ and obey His commands, finding spiritual shelter, forgiveness, and eternal life in Him ([John 3:16-18](/john/3-16-18 "God So Loved the World")). Jesus is the ultimate provision, the one whose words we must heed for eternal life, and the one who delivers us from the ultimate "hail" of God's righteous judgment against sin, ushering us into His eternal kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.