Exodus 9:20

Translation
King James Version
He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses:
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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:
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Complete Jewish Bible
Whoever among Pharaoh's servants feared what ADONAI had said had his slaves and livestock escape into the houses;
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Berean Standard Bible
Those among Pharaoh’s officials who feared the word of the LORD hurried to bring their servants and livestock to shelter,
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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:
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World English Bible Messianic
Those who feared the LORD’s word among the servants of Pharaoh made their servants and their livestock flee into the houses.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Such then as feared the word of the Lord among the seruants of Pharaoh, made his seruants and his cattell flee into the houses:
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Young's Literal Translation
He who is fearing the word of Jehovah among the servants of Pharaoh hath caused his servants and his cattle to flee unto the houses;
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See also
Proverbs 13:13Proverbs 22:3Hebrews 11:7Jonah 3:5Jonah 3:6Mark 13:14Mark 13:16
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The Kingdom of Egypt in the Time of Moses
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In the KJVVerse 1,763 of 31,102

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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, 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, 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, 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). 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', 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). Here, it is a saving fear, prompting immediate and practical obedience.
  • Word (Hebrew, dâbâr', 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', 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). 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, 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, 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, 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). 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 and John 1:14). 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).

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). 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.

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Commentary on Exodus 9 verses 13–21

Here is, I. A general declaration of the wrath of God against Pharaoh for his obstinacy. Though God has hardened his heart (Exo 9:12), yet Moses must repeat his applications to him; God suspends his grace and yet demands obedience, to punish him for requiring bricks of the children of Israel when he denied them straw. God would likewise show forth a pattern of long-suffering, and how he waits to be gracious to a rebellious and gainsaying people Six times the demand had been made in vain, yet Moses must make it the seventh time: Let my people go, Exo 9:13. A most dreadful message Moses is here ordered to deliver to him, whether he will hear or whether he will forbear. 1. He must tell him that he is marked for ruin, that he now stands as the butt at which God would shoot all the arrows of his wrath, Exo 9:14, Exo 9:15. "Now I will send all my plagues." Now that no place is found for repentance in Pharaoh, nothing can prevent his utter destruction, for that only would have prevented it. Now that God begins to harden his heart, his case is desperate. "I will send my plagues upon thy heart, not only temporal plagues upon thy body, but spiritual plagues upon thy soul." Note, God can send plagues upon thy soul." Note, God can send plagues upon the heart, either by making it senseless or by making it hopeless - and these are the worst plagues. Pharaoh must now expect no respite, no cessation of arms, but to be followed with plague upon plague, till he is utterly consumed. Note, When God judges he will overcome; none ever hardened his heart against him and prospered. 2. He must tell him that he is to remain in history a standing monument of the justice and power of God's wrath (Exo 9:16): "For this cause have I raised thee up to the throne at this time, and made thee to stand the shock of the plagues hitherto, to show in thee my power." Providence ordered it so that Moses should have a man of such a fierce and stubborn spirit as he was to deal with; and every thing was so managed in this transaction as to make it a most signal and memorable instance of the power God has to humble and bring down the proudest of his enemies. Every thing concurred to signalize this, that God's name (that is, his incontestable sovereignty, his irresistible power, and his inflexible justice) might be declared throughout all the earth, not only to all places, but through all ages while the earth remains. Note, God sometimes raises up very bad men to honour and power, spares them long, and suffers them to grow insufferably insolent, that he may be so much the more glorified in their destruction at last. See how the neighbouring nations, at that time, improved the ruin of Pharaoh to the glory of God. Jethro said upon it, Now know I that the Lord is greater than all gods, Exo 18:11. The apostle illustrates the doctrine of God's sovereignty with this instance, Rom 9:17. To justify God in these resolutions, Moses is directed to ask him (Exo 9:17), As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people? Pharaoh was a great king; God's people were poor shepherds at the best, and now poor slaves; and yet Pharaoh shall be ruined if he exalt himself against them, for it is considered as exalting himself against God. This was not the first time that God reproved kings for their sakes, and let them know that he would not suffer his people to be trampled upon and insulted, no, not by the most powerful of them.

II. A particular prediction of the plague of hail (Exo 9:18), and a gracious advice to Pharaoh and his people to send for their servants and cattle out of the field, that they might be sheltered from the hail, Exo 9:19. Note, When God's justice threatens ruin his mercy, at the same time, shows us a way of escape from it, so unwilling is he that any should perish. See here what care God took, not only to distinguish between Egyptians and Israelites, but between some Egyptians and others. If Pharaoh will not yield, and so prevent the judgment itself, yet an opportunity is given to those that have any dread of God and his word to save themselves from sharing in the judgment. Note, Those that will take warning may take shelter; and those that will not may thank themselves if they fall by the overflowing scourge, and the hail which will sweep away the refuge of lies, Isa 28:17. See the different effect of this warning. 1. Some believed the things that were spoken, and they feared, and housed their servants and cattle (Exo 9:20), like Noah (Heb 11:7), and it was their wisdom. Even among the servants of Pharaoh there were some that trembled at God's word; and shall not the sons of Israel dread it? But, 2. Others believed not: though, whatever plague Moses had hitherto foretold, the event exactly answered to the prediction; and though, if they had had any reason to question this, it would have been no great damage to them to have kept their cattle in the house for one day, and so, supposing it a doubtful case, to have chosen the surer side; yet they were so foolhardy as in defiance to the truth of Moses, and the power of God (of both which they had already had experience enough, to their cost), to leave their cattle in the field, Pharaoh himself, it is probable, giving them an example of the presumption, Exo 9:21. Note, Obstinate infidelity, which is deaf to the fairest warnings and the wisest counsels, leaves the blood of those that perish upon their own heads.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 13–21. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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