Exodus 3:19

And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.

And I am sure {H3045} that the king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714} will not let {H5414} you go {H1980}, no, not by a mighty {H2389} hand {H3027}.

I know that the king of Egypt will not let you leave unless he is forced to do so.

But I know that the king of Egypt will not allow you to go unless a mighty hand compels him.

And I know that the king of Egypt will not give you leave to go, no, not by a mighty hand.

Commentary

Context

Exodus 3:19 is part of the pivotal narrative of God's encounter with Moses at the burning bush. In this passage, God reveals Himself to Moses, commissions him to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, and assures him of His presence. Moses has just been told to go before Pharaoh and demand the release of God's people. This specific verse reveals God's foreknowledge of the immense resistance Moses would face from the king of Egypt.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Foreknowledge and Sovereignty: God declares with certainty what Pharaoh's response will be, demonstrating His complete knowledge of future events and human will. This isn't a guess but a divine pronouncement, assuring Moses that God is fully aware of the challenge ahead.
  • Pharaoh's Stubborn Resistance: The verse predicts Pharaoh's refusal to release the Israelites, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation and the series of plagues that follow. It highlights the deeply entrenched nature of the oppression and the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, which God will later use to display His power (Exodus 7:3).
  • The Necessity of a "Mighty Hand": The phrase "not by a mighty hand" means that Pharaoh will not yield willingly or easily; he will only submit under overwhelming, coercive divine power. This foreshadows the miraculous interventions—the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea—through which God will demonstrate His "great work" and "mighty hand" to deliver Israel and establish His glory among the nations.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "mighty hand" is yad chazaqah (יָד חֲזָקָה). This idiom is used frequently throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Exodus and Deuteronomy, to describe God's powerful acts of deliverance. It signifies not just physical strength but authoritative, irresistible power that overcomes all opposition. It represents divine intervention on a grand scale, emphasizing God's omnipotence.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful reassurances for believers today. Just as God knew Pharaoh's stubbornness, He knows the obstacles and resistance we face in life. His foreknowledge doesn't negate our struggles but assures us that He has a plan to overcome them, often requiring His "mighty hand" to intervene. When faced with seemingly impossible situations or deeply entrenched opposition, we can trust that God is aware, sovereign, and capable of delivering us through His overwhelming power. Our challenges may be part of a larger divine purpose to reveal His glory, much like the story of Pharaoh.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 5:2 (6 votes)

    And Pharaoh said, Who [is] the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.

  • Exodus 6:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.

  • Exodus 7:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.

  • Exodus 7:14 (3 votes)

    ¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart [is] hardened, he refuseth to let the people go.

  • Psalms 136:11 (3 votes)

    And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy [endureth] for ever:

  • Psalms 136:12 (3 votes)

    With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

  • Isaiah 63:12 (3 votes)

    That led [them] by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name?