Exodus 6:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, Now shalt thou see {H7200} what I will do {H6213} to Pharaoh {H6547}: for with a strong {H2389} hand {H3027} shall he let them go {H7971}, and with a strong {H2389} hand {H3027} shall he drive them out {H1644} of his land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Moshe, "Now you will see what I am going to do to Pharaoh. With a mighty hand he will send them off; with force he will drive them from the land!"

Berean Standard Bible

But the LORD said to Moses, “Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh, for because of My mighty hand he will let the people go; because of My strong hand he will drive them out of his land.”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for by a strong hand shall he let them go, and by a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 6:1 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Israel's deliverance, serving as a powerful divine declaration to Moses following his disheartening initial encounter with Pharaoh and the subsequent increase in Israelite oppression. Amidst Moses' own despair and questioning of God's plan, this verse stands as a profound reassurance and reassertion of the LORD's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to fulfill His promises, signaling an imminent and decisive display of divine power against Pharaoh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Moses' lament to the LORD in [Exodus 5:22-23](/exodus/5-22-23 "Moses' Complaint to the LORD"), where he expresses frustration over the intensified suffering of the Israelites and questions why God sent him. Pharaoh's response to Moses' initial request was not only a refusal to release Israel but also a decree to increase their forced labor, leading the Israelite foremen to rebuke Moses in [Exodus 5:19-21](/exodus/5-19-21 "Israelite Foremen Blame Moses"). Exodus 6:1 thus functions as God's direct, authoritative answer to Moses' doubt and the people's despair, shifting the narrative focus from human failure and oppression to divine initiative and omnipotence. It sets the stage for the subsequent revelation of God's name, YHWH, and the detailed recounting of His covenant promises in [Exodus 6:2-8](/exodus/6-2-8 "God Renews His Covenant Promises").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is ancient Egypt, a powerful empire ruled by a pharaoh considered a god-king, whose word was law and whose power was seemingly absolute. The Israelites were enslaved, subjected to harsh labor, and viewed as an expendable, foreign workforce. In this context, for a mere shepherd like Moses to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of a vast slave population was an act of immense audacity, seemingly destined for failure without divine intervention. The concept of a "strong hand" would have been understood by both Egyptians and Israelites as a symbol of overwhelming power and authority, typically associated with kings or deities. God's declaration here directly challenges Pharaoh's perceived omnipotence and asserts the supremacy of the LORD over all earthly powers.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 6:1 powerfully introduces or reinforces several key themes central to the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human resistance, even from the most powerful earthly ruler. Pharaoh's hardened heart, rather than hindering God's purpose, becomes the very instrument through which God's power is magnified, as seen throughout the [plague narratives](/exodus/7-14 "The Plagues on Egypt"). Secondly, it underscores **Covenant Faithfulness**, as God reaffirms His commitment to the ancient promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding their descendants and the land, despite the current state of oppression (see [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Covenant with Abraham")). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Deliverance by Divine Power**, making it clear that Israel's freedom will not be achieved through negotiation or human strength, but solely through God's irresistible "strong hand," thereby ensuring that all glory redounds to Him, as later proclaimed in [Deuteronomy 6:21](/deuteronomy/6-21 "Remembering God's Strong Hand").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "the LORD" (using small caps). Derived from the root "to be," it signifies "the self-Existent" or "Eternal One." In Exodus 6:1, the use of YHWH underscores that the speaker is the God who is eternally faithful to His covenant promises, the one who truly is and will be, in contrast to the transient power of Pharaoh. His declaration is an assertion of His unchanging nature and sovereign authority.
* **strong (Hebrew, _châzâq'_):** This adjective, used twice in the verse, describes the "hand" by which Pharaoh will be compelled to act. While it can sometimes imply a negative sense (hard, bold, violent), here, in conjunction with "hand" (yâd), it denotes overwhelming, irresistible power and might. It signifies a force that is not merely firm but utterly compelling, leaving no room for resistance.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** In this context, "hand" is used figuratively to represent power, means, and direction. It is a powerful anthropomorphism, attributing a human characteristic to God to convey His active involvement and direct application of force. The repetition of "with a strong hand" emphasizes that the power compelling Pharaoh is not his own, but an external, divine force that will break his will and drive Israel out.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh:":** This opening clause immediately establishes divine initiative and direct communication. God addresses Moses' despair directly, promising a visible, undeniable demonstration of His power. The phrase "Now shalt thou see" serves as both a rebuke to Moses' doubt and a powerful assurance of God's imminent, decisive action. It signifies that the time for God's intervention has come, and His actions will be undeniable and effective against Pharaoh.
* **"for with a strong hand shall he let them go,":** This clause reveals the first consequence of God's intervention: Pharaoh will be compelled to release the Israelites. The phrase "with a strong hand" here refers to the divine force exerted *upon* Pharaoh, compelling his action. It highlights that Pharaoh's decision will not be voluntary or a result of negotiation, but a forced concession due to overwhelming divine pressure. The release of Israel is not a gesture of clemency but a result of God's irresistible power.
* **"and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.":** This second clause intensifies the previous one, indicating an even more forceful expulsion. The repetition of "with a strong hand" underscores the certainty and the degree of compulsion. Pharaoh will not merely permit them to leave; he will actively expel them, eager to be rid of them. This foreshadows the devastating final plagues, particularly the death of the firstborn, which will break Pharaoh's will and lead to the Egyptians urging Israel to leave in haste, even providing them with valuables (see [Exodus 12:31-36](/exodus/12-31-36 "Israelites Plunder the Egyptians")).

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 6:1 employs several powerful literary devices. **Repetition** is central, with the phrase "with a strong hand" appearing twice. This repetition serves to emphasize the certainty, intensity, and source of the power that will compel Pharaoh. It underscores that Pharaoh's actions will be entirely a result of divine coercion, not his own volition. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "strong hand," which attributes a human bodily part (hand) to God to symbolize His active, powerful intervention and sovereign control. This vivid imagery makes God's power relatable and emphasizes His direct involvement in the historical events. Furthermore, the verse uses **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the severity of the coming plagues and the ultimate, undeniable nature of Israel's exodus. The phrase "drive them out" anticipates the urgency and desperation of the Egyptians after the final plague, where they literally force Israel to leave.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 6:1 is a foundational declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. It asserts that no human power, however mighty, can thwart the divine will. This verse establishes that the deliverance of Israel will be a display of God's unique power, designed not only to free His people but also to reveal His glory and identity to both Israel and Egypt. It underscores that God's faithfulness is not dependent on human circumstances or even human faith, but on His own character and word. The "strong hand" becomes a recurring motif throughout the Exodus narrative, signifying God's irresistible power in judgment and salvation.

* [Deuteronomy 6:21](/deuteronomy/6-21 "Remembering God's Strong Hand in Deliverance")
* [Psalm 136:12](/psalms/136-12 "God's Strong Hand and Outstretched Arm")
* [Isaiah 43:13](/isaiah/43-13 "God's Unstoppable Purpose")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 6:1 offers profound spiritual nourishment for believers facing trials and uncertainties. When our circumstances seem to contradict God's promises, and our faith falters, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's unyielding sovereignty. It teaches us that God's plan is never derailed by human resistance or apparent setbacks; instead, He often allows difficulties to intensify so that His subsequent intervention is undeniably His work, magnifying His glory. In moments of discouragement, like Moses', we are called to look beyond our immediate struggles and trust in the "strong hand" of God, knowing that He is actively working to fulfill His purposes, even through the most formidable opposition. Our role is not to achieve deliverance by our own strength or cleverness, but to faithfully obey and wait upon the Lord, confident that His power will ultimately prevail, transforming seemingly impossible situations into clear demonstrations of His faithfulness and might.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's declaration in Exodus 6:1 challenge my understanding of His sovereignty when I face seemingly insurmountable obstacles?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to rely on my own strength or negotiations rather than waiting for God's "strong hand" to act?**
* **How can remembering God's past acts of deliverance, like the Exodus, strengthen my faith in His ability to fulfill His promises in my present circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why did God allow Moses and Israel to suffer increased oppression before intervening?**

Answer: God often allows circumstances to worsen before His decisive intervention, not out of indifference, but to magnify His power and glory. In this case, the increased oppression served multiple purposes: it demonstrated that Israel's deliverance was solely by God's "strong hand," not by Moses' negotiation or Pharaoh's change of heart. It deepened Israel's desperation, making God's subsequent salvation all the more evident and memorable, thereby solidifying their faith and revealing His unique identity as YHWH to both Israel and Egypt. This pattern of allowing hardship to precede a greater display of divine power is seen throughout [biblical history](/judges/6 "Gideon's call amidst oppression").

**Does "with a strong hand" imply God negates human free will?**

Answer: The phrase "with a strong hand" emphasizes God's irresistible power and sovereign control over all things, including the actions of human rulers. While it indicates that Pharaoh's will was ultimately broken and compelled by divine force, it does not necessarily negate his initial choices or moral responsibility for his hardness of heart. Instead, it highlights that even human defiance and hardened hearts can be used by God to accomplish His greater purposes, ultimately revealing His might and vindicating His name, as seen in Pharaoh's eventual, forced compliance. God's sovereignty works in conjunction with, and often through, human choices, even when those choices are rebellious, as [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "God's Purpose in Pharaoh") illustrates.

**How does this verse relate to God's patience?**

Answer: While Exodus 6:1 emphasizes God's imminent, powerful action, it follows a period where God seemingly allowed Moses and Israel to experience hardship and Pharaoh's obstinacy. This demonstrates that God's patience is not an absence of power or purpose, but a strategic allowance for human choices to unfold, often to set the stage for a more profound display of His sovereignty and to ensure that His glory is fully revealed in the deliverance He brings. His patience often precedes a powerful demonstration of His justice and faithfulness, as God waited for the "iniquity of the Amorites" to be complete before acting, as mentioned in [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "The Iniquity of the Amorites").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 6:1, with its declaration of God's deliverance by a "strong hand," profoundly foreshadows the ultimate salvation accomplished through Jesus Christ. Just as God's irresistible power compelled Pharaoh to release Israel from physical bondage, so too does Christ, through His death and resurrection, exercise divine power to deliver humanity from the far greater spiritual bondage of sin, death, and the dominion of Satan. The "strong hand" of God is fully revealed in Christ's triumph over all opposing spiritual forces, ensuring that those whom He sets free are truly free (see [John 8:36](/john/8-36 "The Son Sets You Free")). Pharaoh's forced submission points to Christ's ultimate victory over every enemy and His final establishment of His kingdom, where all knees will bow and every tongue confess His Lordship, not by coercion but by the power of His redeeming love and sovereign authority (as proclaimed in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Every Knee Shall Bow")). The promise of rest and inheritance for Israel finds its spiritual fulfillment in the eternal rest and inheritance believers receive in Christ, who delivers us from the domain of darkness and transfers us to the kingdom of His beloved Son (as described in [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Redemption Through Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 12:33

And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We [be] all dead [men].

Exodus 12:31

And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, [and] get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as ye have said.

Exodus 12:39

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 136:12

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

Exodus 3:19

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

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.

Exodus 11:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague [more] upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let [you] go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether.