Exodus 3:20

20 So I'll use my strength and hit Egypt with dramatic displays of my power. After that, he'll let you go.

Exodus 3:20 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 3:20

And I will stretch out my hand
Or "therefore" ^F5 he would stretch out his mighty hand, exert his almighty power; and for this purpose was Pharaoh raised up, and his heart hardened, that God might show his power in him, and on him: and smite Egypt with all my wonders, which I will do in the midst
thereof:
with those wondrous plagues, the amazing effects of his almighty power, which were wrought by him in the midst of Egypt, by which their land, their rivers, their persons, and their cattle, were smitten: and after that he will let you go;
this is said for their encouragement, that their faith and patience might hold out, who otherwise seeing him so obstinate and inflexible, might be ready to despair of ever succeeding.

---

FOOTNOTES:

F5 (w) "ideo", "propterea", Noldius, p. 279.

Exodus 3:20 In-Context

18 They will accept what you say to them. Then you and Israel's elders will go to Egypt's king and say to him, "The LORD, the Hebrews' God, has met with us. So now let us go on a three-day journey into the desert so that we can offer sacrifices to the LORD our God."

19 However, I know that Egypt's king won't let you go unless he's forced to do it.

20 So I'll use my strength and hit Egypt with dramatic displays of my power. After that, he'll let you go.

21 "I'll make it so that when you leave Egypt, the Egyptians will be kind to you and you won't go away empty-handed.

22 Every woman will ask her neighbor along with the immigrant in her household for their silver and their gold jewelry as well as their clothing. Then you will put it on your sons and daughters, and you will rob the Egyptians.'"