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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 9:13–21. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. A general declaration of the wrath of God against Pharaoh for his obstinacy. Though God has hardened his heart (Exo 9:12), yet Moses must repeat his applications to him; God suspends his grace and yet demands obedience, to punish him for requiring bricks of the children of Israel when he denied them straw. God would likewise show forth a pattern of long-suffering, and how he waits to be gracious to a rebellious and gainsaying people Six times the demand had been made in vain, yet Moses must make it the seventh time: Let my people go, Exo 9:13. A most dreadful message Moses is here ordered to deliver to him, whether he will hear or whether he will forbear. 1. He must tell him that he is marked for ruin, that he now stands as the butt at which God would shoot all the arrows of his wrath, Exo 9:14, Exo 9:15. "Now I will send all my plagues." Now that no place is found for repentance in Pharaoh, nothing can prevent his utter destruction, for that only would have prevented it. Now that God begins to harden his heart, his case is desperate. "I will send my plagues upon thy heart, not only temporal plagues upon thy body, but spiritual plagues upon thy soul." Note, God can send plagues upon thy soul." Note, God can send plagues upon the heart, either by making it senseless or by making it hopeless - and these are the worst plagues. Pharaoh must now expect no respite, no cessation of arms, but to be followed with plague upon plague, till he is utterly consumed. Note, When God judges he will overcome; none ever hardened his heart against him and prospered. 2. He must tell him that he is to remain in history a standing monument of the justice and power of God's wrath (Exo 9:16): "For this cause have I raised thee up to the throne at this time, and made thee to stand the shock of the plagues hitherto, to show in thee my power." Providence ordered it so that Moses should have a man of such a fierce and stubborn spirit as he was to deal with; and every thing was so managed in this transaction as to make it a most signal and memorable instance of the power God has to humble and bring down the proudest of his enemies. Every thing concurred to signalize this, that God's name (that is, his incontestable sovereignty, his irresistible power, and his inflexible justice) might be declared throughout all the earth, not only to all places, but through all ages while the earth remains. Note, God sometimes raises up very bad men to honour and power, spares them long, and suffers them to grow insufferably insolent, that he may be so much the more glorified in their destruction at last. See how the neighbouring nations, at that time, improved the ruin of Pharaoh to the glory of God. Jethro said upon it, Now know I that the Lord is greater than all gods, Exo 18:11. The apostle illustrates the doctrine of God's sovereignty with this instance, Rom 9:17. To justify God in these resolutions, Moses is directed to ask him (Exo 9:17), As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people? Pharaoh was a great king; God's people were poor shepherds at the best, and now poor slaves; and yet Pharaoh shall be ruined if he exalt himself against them, for it is considered as exalting himself against God. This was not the first time that God reproved kings for their sakes, and let them know that he would not suffer his people to be trampled upon and insulted, no, not by the most powerful of them.
II.A particular prediction of the plague of hail (Exo 9:18), and a gracious advice to Pharaoh and his people to send for their servants and cattle out of the field, that they might be sheltered from the hail, Exo 9:19. Note, When God's justice threatens ruin his mercy, at the same time, shows us a way of escape from it, so unwilling is he that any should perish. See here what care God took, not only to distinguish between Egyptians and Israelites, but between some Egyptians and others. If Pharaoh will not yield, and so prevent the judgment itself, yet an opportunity is given to those that have any dread of God and his word to save themselves from sharing in the judgment. Note, Those that will take warning may take shelter; and those that will not may thank themselves if they fall by the overflowing scourge, and the hail which will sweep away the refuge of lies, Isa 28:17. See the different effect of this warning.
1.Some believed the things that were spoken, and they feared, and housed their servants and cattle (Exo 9:20), like Noah (Heb 11:7), and it was their wisdom. Even among the servants of Pharaoh there were some that trembled at God's word; and shall not the sons of Israel dread it? But,
2.Others believed not: though, whatever plague Moses had hitherto foretold, the event exactly answered to the prediction; and though, if they had had any reason to question this, it would have been no great damage to them to have kept their cattle in the house for one day, and so, supposing it a doubtful case, to have chosen the surer side; yet they were so foolhardy as in defiance to the truth of Moses, and the power of God (of both which they had already had experience enough, to their cost), to leave their cattle in the field, Pharaoh himself, it is probable, giving them an example of the presumption, Exo 9:21. Note, Obstinate infidelity, which is deaf to the fairest warnings and the wisest counsels, leaves the blood of those that perish upon their own heads.
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Summary
Exodus 9:15 unveils God's profound declaration to Pharaoh, asserting His immediate and absolute power to utterly destroy the oppressive ruler and the entire Egyptian nation through a devastating pestilence, thereby cutting them off from existence. This stark pronouncement serves not merely as a threat but as a revelation of divine capability, setting the stage for God's sovereign choice to prolong the plagues for a greater, redemptive purpose: the magnification of His name throughout the earth.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically positioned within the escalating narrative of the plagues, specifically following the fifth plague (on livestock) and preceding the sixth (boils). It marks a pivotal moment where God explicitly states His ultimate power, contrasting it with Pharaoh's continued defiance. The immediate preceding verses detail the devastating murrain on Egyptian livestock, yet Pharaoh's heart remains hardened. Crucially, the very next verse, Exodus 9:16, provides the divine rationale for not immediately executing the judgment threatened here, revealing God's overarching purpose to display His power and make His name known globally. This juxtaposition highlights the tension between God's immediate capability and His long-term, redemptive plan.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Egypt, with its pantheon of gods and its Pharaoh considered a divine intermediary, presented a formidable challenge to the monotheistic claims of Yahweh. The plagues were not random acts but direct assaults on specific Egyptian deities and the very foundations of Pharaoh's power and Egypt's prosperity. "Pestilence" was a familiar and terrifying concept in the ancient world, often attributed to divine wrath or demonic forces. For God to declare His intent to bring such a plague, and to "cut off" Pharaoh and his people, was a direct challenge to the perceived invincibility of Egypt and its gods, demonstrating Yahweh's unparalleled supremacy over all earthly and spiritual powers. The threat of being "cut off from the earth" would have resonated deeply, implying not just death but the obliteration of lineage, memory, and national identity—a fate worse than mere physical demise in many ancient cultures.
Key Themes
Exodus 9:15 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout the book. It underscores God's sovereignty and omnipotence, demonstrating His absolute control over life, death, and the destinies of nations, directly challenging Pharaoh's perceived divine authority. The verse also highlights God's righteous judgment against sin and persistent rebellion, as Pharaoh's hardened heart (as seen from Exodus 7:13) justly invites increasingly severe divine retribution. Furthermore, it introduces the profound theme of God's purposeful delay of judgment, a concept explicitly articulated in Exodus 9:16, revealing that God's actions, even His forbearance, are always directed towards the ultimate goal of magnifying His glory and making His name known throughout the entire world.
Exposition and Analysis
Exodus 9:15 is a potent declaration from God, revealing His immediate capability to bring about total destruction upon Pharaoh and Egypt, thereby emphasizing His absolute sovereignty and the dire consequences of defying His will.
Key Word Analysis
This verb signifies "to send away, for, or out," and in this context, "to stretch forth" or "to reach forth." When combined with "hand," it denotes a deliberate, decisive, and often forceful action. Here, it conveys God's readiness and intent to execute judgment directly and powerfully, indicating His active involvement rather than a passive observation.
In this idiomatic phrase "stretch out my hand," yâd represents God's power, authority, and means of action. It is an anthropomorphic expression that emphasizes God's direct, personal, and irresistible intervention. The "hand" of God is consistently depicted in Scripture as the instrument of His might, whether in creation, deliverance, or judgment.
Derived from a root meaning "to destroy," deber refers to a deadly epidemic, murrain, or plague. It signifies a widespread, often sudden, and fatal disease that God can unleash as a form of judgment. Unlike localized afflictions, deber implies a comprehensive and devastating impact, threatening the very existence of Pharaoh and his people.
This primitive root means "to secrete, by act or word," and intensively, "to destroy." In this context, "cut off from the earth" signifies complete removal, annihilation, or extinction from the land of the living. For Pharaoh, it implies not just loss of power or life, but the complete obliteration of his lineage and the end of Egypt as a dominant force, representing the ultimate divine judgment against persistent rebellion.
Verse Breakdown
"For now I will stretch out my hand,"
This clause emphasizes the immediacy and directness of God's potential action. The phrase "stretch out my hand" is a powerful anthropomorphism, signifying God's active and decisive intervention, demonstrating His readiness and capability to execute judgment without delay. It underscores that God is not merely threatening but is poised to act.
"that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence;"
Here, God specifies the nature of the immediate, devastating judgment. "Smite" (H5221, nâkâh) indicates a forceful, destructive blow, and "pestilence" (H1698, deber) refers to a deadly, widespread epidemic. This highlights the comprehensive scope of the potential judgment, targeting both the defiant ruler and the entire nation, demonstrating that no one would be exempt from God's wrath if He chose to act immediately.
"and thou shalt be cut off from the earth."
This final clause describes the ultimate consequence of the threatened judgment: complete annihilation and removal from existence. "Cut off" (H3582, kâchad) signifies total destruction, implying not just death but the obliteration of legacy, lineage, and national identity. For Pharaoh, it meant the end of his reign, his dynasty, and Egypt's standing as a formidable power, representing the most severe form of divine judgment against unrepentant rebellion.
Literary Devices
Exodus 9:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. Anthropomorphism is evident in the phrase "stretch out my hand," attributing a human physical action to God, thereby making His power and direct involvement more comprehensible and impactful to a human audience. The declaration itself functions as a divine speech act or prophecy, a direct, authoritative pronouncement from God that carries inherent power and certainty. The phrase "cut off from the earth" serves as a form of hyperbole or intensification, emphasizing the absolute and devastating nature of the threatened judgment, implying total annihilation beyond mere physical death. Furthermore, the verse sets up a dramatic contrast with the following verse Exodus 9:16, where God explains why He didn't immediately execute this total destruction, revealing a deeper, more expansive purpose for His actions.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 9:15 serves as a profound theological statement, asserting God's absolute sovereignty and omnipotence over all creation, including the most powerful earthly rulers and nations. It underscores that God possesses the immediate capability to execute total destruction, demonstrating His unrivaled power over life and death. This verse also highlights God's unwavering justice, which demands a response to persistent rebellion and defiance against His commands. While God is capable of instant annihilation, His decision to prolong the plagues, as explicitly explained in Exodus 9:16 and later reiterated by Paul in Romans 9:17, reveals a deliberate, strategic purpose: to display His character, magnify His name, and provide an enduring testimony of His unparalleled authority to both Israel and the nations. This purposeful delay underscores that even God's forbearance is part of His sovereign plan to bring about His ultimate glory.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 9:15 stands as a potent reminder for all humanity of God's absolute sovereignty and the inevitable consequences of persistent defiance against His divine will. It calls us to respond with profound humility and reverence, acknowledging that while God is infinitely patient and merciful, His justice will ultimately prevail against unrepentant rebellion. Understanding His immense power to judge should not lead to a paralyzing fear, but rather to a deep and abiding respect that compels us to align our lives with His righteous commands. This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we stubbornly resisting God's call, or are we yielding to His authority? It invites us to consider the gravity of our choices and to embrace the path of obedience, recognizing that God's patience is an invitation to repentance, not an excuse for continued disobedience. His power, though capable of judgment, is ultimately for our good, drawing us into a right relationship with Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God not immediately destroy Pharaoh as threatened in Exodus 9:15?
Although God declares His immediate power to "smite thee and thy people with pestilence" and to "cut off" Pharaoh from the earth, Exodus 9:16 clarifies His larger, redemptive purpose: "And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth." God's delay was not due to inability or a change of mind, but a deliberate, sovereign choice to prolong the display of His power through a series of escalating judgments. This served to magnify His name and demonstrate His supremacy to both Egypt and Israel, creating a powerful and enduring testimony for future generations about the Lord's unparalleled might, justice, and faithfulness to His covenant people. God's ultimate goal was not merely to punish Pharaoh, but to reveal His glory on a global scale.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 9:15, with its stark declaration of divine judgment and the threat of being "cut off from the earth," finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Pharaoh faced temporal judgment for his defiant rebellion against God, humanity's universal rebellion against a holy God incurs an eternal separation and spiritual death, a far more grievous "cutting off" from the source of all life. Yet, in an act of unparalleled love and substitutionary atonement, Jesus Christ, the spotless Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, willingly allowed Himself to be "cut off" from the Father on the cross. As prophesied in Isaiah 53:8, He was "cut off out of the land of the living" and bore the full weight of God's righteous wrath against sin, enduring the ultimate pestilence of divine judgment. His death, which appeared to be a complete cutting off, was in reality the means by which humanity could be reconciled to God. His glorious resurrection, a display of God's power far exceeding the plagues of Egypt, demonstrates His triumph over sin, death, and the very power of the devil (Hebrews 2:14-15). Thus, through faith in Christ, the ultimate "cutting off" is averted, and eternal life is offered, fulfilling God's purpose to make His name known not through judgment, but through the saving power of His Son.