Exodus 9:20, 21 He that feared the word of the Lord among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses: and he that regarded not the word of the Lord left his servants and his cattle in the field.
Moses, as Announcer of God’s Word, warned Pharaoh and his people that the Plague of Hail is coming. It would be a hail and fire like never before, and it would destroy everything left out in the field. Some of the people of Egypt feared the word of the Lord (believed God) and took their people and animals in to safety. Others regarded not the word of the Lord (disbelieved God) and left their property exposed to the destructive judgment of God. Some were saved, and others were destroyed, depending on their response to the Word of God: believing or ignoring God.
This pause in the story pattern of the Ten Plagues reveals the spiritual division of all earth’s people. ”Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned [Mark 16:16].” Viewed from God’s perspective, there are only two kinds of people in the world. Faith or unbelief is the determining factor. Response to the Word is a life or death matter. I cannot by myself believe, but the Spirit calls me by the Gospel and grants repentance and faith. Hallelujah! I am saved!