Exodus 3:20

And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go.

And I will stretch out {H7971} my hand {H3027}, and smite {H5221} Egypt {H4714} with all my wonders {H6381} which I will do {H6213} in the midst {H7130} thereof: and after {H310} that he will let you go {H7971}.

But I will reach out my hand and strike Egypt with all my wonders that I will do there. After that, he will let you go.

So I will stretch out My hand and strike the Egyptians with all the wonders I will perform among them. And after that, he will release you.

And I will put forth my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go.

Commentary

Exodus 3:20 is a powerful declaration from God to Moses at the burning bush, outlining His definitive plan to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. It assures Moses that despite Pharaoh's stubbornness, divine intervention through mighty acts will compel him to release God's people.

Context

This verse follows God's initial commissioning of Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses has expressed doubts about Pharaoh's willingness to comply, a concern God acknowledges in the preceding verse (Exodus 3:19). Here, God provides the ultimate assurance: His own direct and overwhelming power will be exerted against Egypt, forcing Pharaoh's hand and securing Israel's release. This promise sets the stage for the dramatic events of the plagues that follow.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Power: The verse emphasizes God's supreme authority over all earthly rulers and nations. He declares His intention to act decisively and powerfully, demonstrating that no human will can thwart His divine purpose.
  • God's Unwavering Promise: Despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacle of Pharaoh's oppression, God reiterates His commitment to His covenant people. His word is unbreakable, and His plan for deliverance will be fulfilled.
  • Judgment and Deliverance: The "smiting" of Egypt with "wonders" represents God's righteous judgment against the oppressive regime. Simultaneously, these acts serve as the means by which Israel's deliverance is achieved, highlighting God's dual role as judge and redeemer.
  • The Purpose of Miracles: The "wonders" are not random acts but purposeful demonstrations of God's power and presence, designed to reveal His glory and compel Pharaoh to acknowledge Him as the true God. God states He will multiply His signs and wonders to make His name known.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "stretch out my hand" (Hebrew: shalach yad, ืฉึธืืœึทื— ื™ึธื“) is a common biblical idiom signifying direct, forceful, and active intervention. It denotes God's personal and mighty exertion of power, not merely a passive command. This emphasizes the directness of God's involvement in the impending events.
  • "Wonders" (Hebrew: mopheth, ืžื•ึนืคึตืช) refers to miraculous signs, portents, or tokens. These are not just unusual events but divine acts designed to demonstrate God's power, validate His message, and reveal His glory and purpose to both Israel and Egypt.

Related Scriptures

This verse foreshadows the devastating plagues of Egypt, which are God's chosen method to break Pharaoh's will and secure Israel's freedom. The culmination of these wonders is described in Exodus 12:31, where Pharaoh finally yields and commands the Israelites to depart.

Practical Application

Exodus 3:20 serves as a profound reminder of God's faithfulness and omnipotence. For believers today, it instills confidence that God's promises are reliable, even when circumstances seem impossible or when human opposition is strong. It teaches us that God has the power to intervene in our lives and in the world, overcoming obstacles that are beyond our control. When faced with situations that seem insurmountable, we can trust in God's ability to "stretch out His hand" and work wonders to fulfill His purposes. This verse encourages us to remember that God is not a man, that He should lie, and His plans will ultimately prevail.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 7:36 (6 votes)

    He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.

  • Nehemiah 9:10 (5 votes)

    And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as [it is] this day.

  • Exodus 9:15 (5 votes)

    For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth.

  • Deuteronomy 6:22 (5 votes)

    And the LORD shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes:

  • Exodus 6:6 (4 votes)

    Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I [am] the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:

  • Exodus 12:39 (3 votes)

    And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt, for it was not leavened; because they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither had they prepared for themselves any victual.

  • Psalms 105:27 (3 votes)

    They shewed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.