“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.”
Context:The book of Exodus recounts the story of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt under the leadership of Moses. In this particular verse, God is speaking to Pharaoh through Moses, warning him about the upcoming plague of hail.
God’s Purpose:The verse begins with the phrase, “And in very deed for this cause…” This indicates that God had a specific purpose for raising up Pharaoh and allowing him to oppose the Israelites. God’s primary purpose was to demonstrate His power through the miraculous signs and plagues that would ultimately lead to the liberation of the Israelites. God intended to use Pharaoh and the events in Egypt as a means to reveal His glory and make His name known throughout the earth.
Display of God’s Power:God’s intention was to showcase His power to Pharaoh, the Egyptians, and the Israelites. Through the plagues, God would prove His supremacy over the false gods of Egypt and demonstrate His control over the natural elements. The hail plague, which is specifically mentioned in this verse, would serve as a visible demonstration of God’s power and authority over the weather and the forces of nature.
Declaring God’s Name:Another purpose of God’s actions was to declare His name throughout all the earth. By displaying His power and sovereignty in the deliverance of the Israelites, God intended to make Himself known to all nations. The fame of His name would spread, and people would come to recognize the greatness and majesty of the God of Israel.
Application:Exodus 9:16 reminds us that God works according to His purposes, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. Just as God used Pharaoh’s resistance to accomplish His will, He can work through human opposition or difficult situations in our lives for His glory and our ultimate good. We can trust that God is in control, and He has a plan to demonstrate His power and make His name known in our lives and throughout the world.
