Exodus 3:20

20 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.

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.

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FOOTNOTES:

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

Exodus 3:20 In-Context

18 They will heed what you say. Then you will come, you and the leaders of Isra'el, before the king of Egypt; and you will tell him, 'ADONAI, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. Now, please, let us go three days' journey into the desert; so that we can sacrifice to ADONAI our God.'

19 I know that the king of Egypt will not let you leave unless he is forced to do so.

20 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.

21 Moreover, I will make the Egyptians so well-disposed toward this people that when you go, you won't go empty-handed.

22 Rather, all the women will ask their neighbors and house guests for silver and gold jewelry and clothing, with which you will dress your own sons and daughters. In this way you will plunder the Egyptians."