But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king’s orders. They allowed the boys to live, too.

And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own.

But I know that you and your officials still do not fear the Lord God.”

But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten.

When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the ram’s horn, and when they saw the flashes of lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear.

“Don’t be afraid,” Moses answered them, “for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!”