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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 3:16–22.
Moses is here more particularly instructed in his work, and informed beforehand of his success. 1. He must deal with the elders of Israel, and raise their expectation of a speedy removal to Canaan, Exo 3:16, Exo 3:17. He must repeat to them what God had said to him, as a faithful ambassador. Note, That which ministers have received of the Lord they must deliver to his people, and keep back nothing that is profitable. Lay an emphasis on that, Exo 3:17 : "I have said, I will bring you up; that is enough to satisfy them, I have said it:" hath he spoken, and will he not make it good? With us saying and doing are two things, but they are not so with God, for he is in one mind and who can turn him? "I have said it, and all the world cannot gainsay it. My counsel shall stand." His success with the elders of Israel would be good; so he is told (Exo 3:18): They shall hearken to thy voice, and not thrust thee away as they did forty years ago. He who, by his grace, inclines the heart, and opens the ear, could say beforehand, They shall hearken to thy voice, having determined to make them willing in this day of power. 2. He must deal with the king of Egypt (Exo 3:18), he and the elders of Israel, and in this they must not begin with a demand, but with a humble petition; that gentle and submissive method must be first tried, even with one who, it was certain, would not be wrought upon by it: We beseech thee, let us go. Moreover, they must only beg leave of Pharaoh to go as far as Mount Sinai to worship God, and say nothing to him of going quite away to Canaan; the latter would have been immediately rejected, but the former was a very modest and reasonable request, and his denying it was utterly inexcusable and justified them in the total deserting of his kingdom. If he would not give them leave to go and sacrifice at Sinai, justly did they go without leave to settle in Canaan. Note, The calls and commands which God sends to sinners are so highly reasonable in themselves, and delivered to them in such a gentle winning way, that the mouth of the disobedient must needs be for ever stopped. As to his success with Pharaoh, Moses is here told, (1.) That petitions, and persuasions, and humble remonstrances, would not prevail with him, no, nor a mighty hand stretched out in signs and wonders: I am sure he will not let you go, Exo 3:19. Note, God sends his messengers to those whose hardness and obstinacy he certainly knows and foresees, that it may appear he would have them turn and live. (2.) That plagues should compel him to it: I will smite Egypt, and then he will let you go, Exo 3:20. Note, Those will certainly be broken by the power of God's hand that will not bow to the power of his word; we may be sure that when God judges he will overcome. (3.) That his people should be more kind to them, and furnish them at their departure with abundance of plate and jewels, to their great enriching: I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, Exo 3:21, Exo 3:22. Note, [1.] God sometimes makes the enemies of his people, not only to be at peace with them, but to be kind to them. [2.] God has many ways of balancing accounts between the injured and the injurious, of righting the oppressed, and compelling those that have done wrong to make restitution; for he sits in the throne judging right.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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He said to Moses, “Go and speak to Pharaoh, that he may let my people go, but I know that he will not let them go.…” He manifests his divinity by foreseeing what is to happen and also his love for man by offering to the free will of man an opportunity to repent.
The Egyptians put in a claim on the Hebrews for these gold and silver vessels. The Hebrews assert a counterclaim, alleging that by the bond of their respective fathers, attested by the written engagement of both parties, there were due to them the arrears of that laborious slavery of theirs for the bricks they had so painfully made and the cities and palaces which they had built.
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Summary
Exodus 3:20 marks a pivotal moment in God's revelation to Moses at the burning bush, serving as a resolute divine declaration of His unwavering intent to liberate the Israelites from their oppressive Egyptian bondage. This verse unveils God's decisive plan, assuring Moses that despite any anticipated resistance from Pharaoh, His direct and overwhelming intervention through miraculous "wonders" will undeniably compel the ruler to release God's people, thereby setting the immutable stage for their grand exodus.
Context
Literary Context
Exodus 3:20 is strategically placed within the narrative of God's initial encounter with Moses at the burning bush. It immediately follows God's solemn commissioning of Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery. Moses, grappling with the enormity of the task and anticipating Pharaoh's inevitable stubbornness, expresses profound doubt regarding the king's willingness to comply. God directly addresses this apprehension in the preceding verse, Exodus 3:19, where He explicitly states, "I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand." Exodus 3:20 then serves as God's powerful counter-assurance, revealing the divine method by which Pharaoh's resistance will be overcome, thereby setting the immutable foundation for the dramatic sequence of the ten plagues and the subsequent Exodus.
Historical & Cultural Context
The historical backdrop for Exodus 3:20 is the deeply entrenched oppression of the Israelites by the Egyptian empire, a period spanning approximately 400 years as foretold in Genesis 15:13. Egypt was a dominant world power, characterized by its advanced civilization, formidable military, and a complex polytheistic religion where Pharaoh himself was considered a divine being, a living god. The "wonders" God promises to perform were not merely isolated acts of power but direct assaults on the Egyptian pantheon and Pharaoh's supposed divinity. Each plague would systematically challenge and dismantle the authority of specific Egyptian deities, demonstrating Yahweh's absolute supremacy over all other gods and the natural order. This cultural context underscores the immense spiritual and political defiance inherent in Pharaoh's refusal, making God's promised intervention a direct confrontation of cosmic proportions.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Power, unequivocally asserting God's supreme authority over all earthly rulers and nations, including the mighty Pharaoh. It highlights God's active and decisive involvement in human history, demonstrating that no human will can thwart His ultimate purpose. Closely related is the theme of Deliverance and Redemption, as God's promised actions are solely aimed at liberating His oppressed people, a motif that echoes throughout salvation history. The verse also underscores God's Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises, particularly those made to Abraham regarding his descendants' affliction and eventual release with great possessions (Genesis 15:13-14). Finally, the "wonders" serve the theme of Revelation of God's Character and Name, as these acts are designed not only to secure Israel's freedom but also to make His name known to both Israel and Egypt, compelling recognition of Him as the one true God, as further emphasized in Exodus 7:5.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root means "to send away, for, or out," encompassing a great variety of applications including to cast, conduct, give up, or let go. In this context, combined with "hand," it denotes a deliberate and forceful extension of power, indicating an active and direct intervention by God. It signifies the initiation of a powerful action that will lead to a specific outcome.
This word refers to the open hand, distinguishing it from the closed fist. It is used extensively, both literally and figuratively, to denote power, means, direction, and authority. When God "stretches out His hand," it is a powerful anthropomorphism signifying His personal, sovereign, and irresistible power being exerted to accomplish His will, often in acts of judgment or salvation.
This primitive root means to "separate," "distinguish," or by implication, "to be great, difficult, or wonderful." It describes acts that are extraordinary, beyond human capability, and designed to reveal God's unique power and character. In the context of the plagues, these "wonders" are not mere magic tricks but divine, miraculous interventions that demonstrate God's supremacy and serve His redemptive purposes.
Verse Breakdown
"And I will stretch out my hand,"
This opening clause is a potent anthropomorphic idiom, "stretching out the hand," which universally signifies a direct, forceful, and active exertion of power. In the divine context, it communicates God's personal and sovereign intervention, emphasizing that He will not merely observe or command from a distance, but will actively engage His omnipotence to accomplish His will. This phrase underscores the certainty and directness of God's impending actions.
"and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof:"
This segment reveals the nature and location of God's intervention. To "smite Egypt" signifies a decisive act of judgment and righteous retribution against the nation that has oppressed His people. The phrase "with all my wonders" indicates that this smiting will occur through a series of miraculous, supernatural acts, far beyond human capability. These "wonders" (Hebrew: pâlâʼ) are not random displays but purposeful signs designed to demonstrate God's power, validate Moses' message, and reveal His glory to both Israel and Egypt. The declaration that these will be done "in the midst thereof" emphasizes their public, undeniable, and inescapable nature, directly impacting the very heart of Egyptian society and challenging its false gods.
"and after that he will let you go."
This final clause states the inevitable and divinely ordained outcome of God's intervention. Despite Pharaoh's anticipated stubbornness and initial refusal, God's overwhelming power and the impact of His wonders will ultimately compel the Egyptian ruler to release the Israelites. This demonstrates the unwavering certainty of God's promise and His commitment to His covenant people, assuring Moses that divine judgment will directly lead to the liberation of His chosen nation.
Literary Devices
Exodus 3:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is Anthropomorphism, seen in the phrase "I will stretch out my hand." This attributes a human action (stretching out a hand) to God, making His abstract power and direct intervention more relatable and comprehensible to human understanding, emphasizing His active engagement in human affairs. The phrase "all my wonders" functions as a form of Hyperbole, underscoring the comprehensive and overwhelming nature of the miraculous judgments God is about to unleash upon Egypt, implying a totality of divine power that leaves no doubt about His supremacy. Furthermore, the entire verse serves as potent Foreshadowing, setting the stage for the dramatic and miraculous events of the ten plagues that will follow, directly leading to the Exodus narrative. It is also part of a Divine Monologue, where God directly communicates His sovereign will and plan to Moses, establishing His authority and the certainty of His word.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 3:20 is rich with profound theological implications, primarily asserting God's absolute Divine Sovereignty and Power over all earthly rulers and nations. His declaration to act decisively and powerfully demonstrates that no human will, not even that of a mighty Pharaoh, can thwart His ultimate divine purpose. This verse unequivocally highlights God's Unwavering Promise and His unbreakable commitment to His covenant people; despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacle of Pharaoh's oppression, God's word is utterly reliable, and His plan for deliverance will be fulfilled. The "smiting" of Egypt with "wonders" represents God's righteous Judgment and Deliverance, showcasing His dual role as both the just judge of the wicked and the faithful redeemer of His people. These "wonders" are not arbitrary displays of power but serve the Purpose of Miracles as purposeful demonstrations of God's presence and authority, designed to reveal His glory, validate His messengers, and compel both Israel and Egypt to acknowledge Him as the one true God, thereby fulfilling His overarching redemptive plan.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 3:20 offers profound encouragement and a steadfast anchor for faith in the face of life's seemingly insurmountable challenges. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness and His absolute omnipotence, assuring believers that His promises are utterly reliable, even when circumstances appear impossible or human opposition seems overwhelming. This verse teaches us that God possesses the ultimate power to intervene decisively in our personal lives and in the broader sweep of history, overcoming obstacles that are far beyond our control or comprehension. When confronted with situations that feel oppressive, intractable, or hopeless, we are called to trust in God's sovereign ability to "stretch out His hand" and work His wonders to fulfill His righteous purposes. It reinforces the timeless truth articulated in Numbers 23:19, that "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent," affirming that His sovereign plans will ultimately prevail, bringing about His desired outcome for His people and His glory in the world. We are invited to rest in the certainty that the God who delivered Israel from Pharaoh's iron grip is the same God who is active and mighty in our present realities.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does God need to "stretch out His hand" if He is omnipotent?
The phrase "stretch out my hand" is an anthropomorphism, a literary device describing God's actions in human terms to make them comprehensible to us. It does not imply any limitation on His omnipotence, but rather emphasizes His direct, personal, and forceful intervention. It underscores the deliberate, mighty, and undeniable nature of His forthcoming acts against Egypt, signifying that He is not merely observing but actively engaging His power to accomplish His sovereign will and deliver His people.
What are the "wonders" God refers to in this verse?
The "wonders" God refers to are the ten miraculous plagues He inflicts upon Egypt. These divine judgments, detailed from Exodus 7 through Exodus 12, included events such as the turning of the Nile to blood, the frogs, gnats, flies, livestock disease, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and finally the devastating death of the firstborn. Each plague was designed to demonstrate God's power over all creation and the false gods of Egypt, ultimately compelling Pharaoh to release Israel, culminating in Pharaoh finally urging the Israelites to leave.
Does God force Pharaoh's will, or does Pharaoh willingly let Israel go?
This is a complex theological question that highlights the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While Pharaoh initially hardens his own heart in defiance of God's command, God's "smiting" with wonders ultimately breaks his resistance. The text indicates that "after that he will let you go," implying that Pharaoh's release of Israel is a direct, albeit reluctant and compelled, consequence of God's overwhelming judgment. God's actions bring Pharaoh to a point where his stubbornness is overcome, demonstrating God's ultimate sovereignty even over human will, without negating Pharaoh's initial and persistent responsibility for his choices.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 3:20 serves as a profound and powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate and far greater deliverance accomplished through Jesus Christ. Just as God "stretched out His hand" to smite Egypt with overwhelming wonders and deliver Israel from physical bondage, so too did God, in Christ, stretch out His hand in decisive judgment against sin and death, and in glorious deliverance for all humanity. The plagues against Egypt, demonstrating God's sovereign power over earthly oppressors and false gods, find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ's triumphant victory over the spiritual forces of darkness, the dominion of sin, and the sting of the grave. His crucifixion, a seemingly weak act, was in fact the supreme "wonder" where God disarmed the powers and authorities (Colossians 2:15), and His resurrection definitively broke the power of our ultimate oppressor, Satan, who held the power of death (Hebrews 2:14-15). Through Christ, God achieves a spiritual exodus, leading His people not merely to a temporal promised land, but into an eternal kingdom and a new creation, securing eternal freedom and life for all who were once in bondage to sin (Romans 6:22). This ultimate act of divine judgment and redemption culminates in the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), fulfilling the very purpose for which God's hand was stretched out.