This verse, Exodus 3:19, is part of God's instructions to Moses before Moses goes to Egypt to demand the release of the Israelites. Let's break it down:
"I know that the king of Egypt won’t give you permission to go..." This is God, with his divine foresight, telling Moses that Pharaoh will refuse to let the Israelites leave. It's not a guess; it's a certainty.
"...no, not by a mighty hand." This is the key part. It clarifies how Pharaoh will resist. Even the demonstration of a "mighty hand" (meaning impressive, powerful displays of divine power) will not convince Pharaoh initially.
In essence, the verse means:
God is informing Moses that Pharaoh will stubbornly refuse to let the Israelites go, and even seeing demonstrations of God's power won't immediately change his mind. Pharaoh's resistance will be strong and require more than just a single display of power to break.
Why is this important?
Prepares Moses: It prepares Moses for the inevitable rejection he will face, strengthening his resolve and reminding him that this is part of God's plan.
Highlights God's sovereignty: It emphasizes that God is in control of the situation. He knows what will happen, and he is already planning how to overcome Pharaoh's resistance.
Sets the stage for the plagues: It foreshadows the series of plagues that will be necessary to break Pharaoh's will. It won't be a simple request; it will require repeated demonstrations of God's power and the escalating suffering of Egypt.
In short, the verse is not just about Pharaoh's obstinacy but also about God's foreknowledge and the grander plan for the Israelites' liberation. It prepares Moses and the reader for the upcoming struggle and emphasizes God's ultimate control.
This verse, Exodus 3:19, is part of God's instructions to Moses before Moses goes to Egypt to demand the release of the Israelites. Let's break it down:
"I know that the king of Egypt won’t give you permission to go..." This is God, with his divine foresight, telling Moses that Pharaoh will refuse to let the Israelites leave. It's not a guess; it's a certainty.
"...no, not by a mighty hand." This is the key part. It clarifies how Pharaoh will resist. Even the demonstration of a "mighty hand" (meaning impressive, powerful displays of divine power) will not convince Pharaoh initially.
In essence, the verse means:
God is informing Moses that Pharaoh will stubbornly refuse to let the Israelites go, and even seeing demonstrations of God's power won't immediately change his mind. Pharaoh's resistance will be strong and require more than just a single display of power to break.
Why is this important?
Prepares Moses: It prepares Moses for the inevitable rejection he will face, strengthening his resolve and reminding him that this is part of God's plan.
Highlights God's sovereignty: It emphasizes that God is in control of the situation. He knows what will happen, and he is already planning how to overcome Pharaoh's resistance.
Sets the stage for the plagues: It foreshadows the series of plagues that will be necessary to break Pharaoh's will. It won't be a simple request; it will require repeated demonstrations of God's power and the escalating suffering of Egypt.
In short, the verse is not just about Pharaoh's obstinacy but also about God's foreknowledge and the grander plan for the Israelites' liberation. It prepares Moses and the reader for the upcoming struggle and emphasizes God's ultimate control.