Exodus 9:20

ESV Then whoever feared the word of the Lord among the servants of Pharaoh hurried his slaves and his livestock into the houses,

NIV Those officials of Pharaoh who feared the word of the Lord hurried to bring their slaves and their livestock inside.

NASB Everyone among the servants of Pharaoh who feared the word of the Lord hurried to bring his servants and his livestock into the houses;

CSB Those among Pharaoh’s officials who feared the word of the Lord made their servants and livestock flee to shelters,

NLT Some of Pharaoh’s officials were afraid because of what the Lord had said. They quickly brought their servants and livestock in from the fields.

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

NKJV He who feared the word of the Lord among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his livestock flee to the houses.

What does Exodus 9:20 mean?

The most basic expression of "faith" is acting on what is known about the past and present, despite what isn't known about the future. In that sense, some Egyptians express a vague form of "faith" in the God of Israel (Exodus 9:21). When warned about yet another plague (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10), they act on advice to shelter their servants and animals (Exodus 9:18–19). They "fear" the Lord in that they respect His power and obey His instructions (Proverbs 1:7). This will protect those assets from an impending hailstorm (Exodus 9:18). Despite all that's happened, some Egyptians still refuse to listen (Exodus 9:21).

This also hints at a growing rift between Pharaoh and his people. Pharaoh has been given many chances to obey (Exodus 5:1; 7:16; 8:1, 21; 9:1) but has stubbornly refused (Exodus 5:2; 7:13–14, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7), despite Egypt suffering catastrophe after catastrophe. Later, the Old Testament suggests that there were Egyptians who left with Israel (Exodus 12:38, 43, 45; Leviticus 22:25; Deuteronomy 14:21; 15:3). Soon, Pharaoh's advisors will begin pressuring him to negotiate (Exodus 10:7).

Expand

What is the Gospel?

Download the app: