Exodus 6:1

Then the Lord said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.

Exodus 6:1 (KJV)

Context

This verse comes right after Moses complained to the Lord in Exodus 5:22-23. Moses had told Pharaoh to let Israel go, but Pharaoh refused and made the people’s work harder. The Israelites blamed Moses, and Moses questioned why God had sent him. Now God answers Moses directly with a promise of action. God does not scold Moses for his doubt. Instead, He gives a clear word of assurance. This shows that God welcomes honest prayer, even when it is full of frustration.

Meaning

God says, “Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh.” The word “now” marks a turning point. Moses had seen only trouble so far, but God is about to show His power in visible ways. The phrase “with a strong hand” appears twice. It can mean God’s strong hand forcing Pharaoh, or Pharaoh’s strong hand driving Israel out. Both are true: God’s power works through Pharaoh’s own actions. The repetition shows that Israel’s release will be complete, not partial. Pharaoh will not just allow them to leave; he will drive them out. This is not a negotiated partial departure. It is a total expulsion. God’s power is the ultimate cause, even when human rulers seem to act on their own.

Biblical connections

This promise connects to God’s earlier word to Abraham in Genesis 15:13-14, that his descendants would be enslaved and then come out with great possessions. God’s timing had seemed slow, but His promise stood. The coming plagues, especially the final one, would demonstrate that no human ruler can stand against the Lord. The verse sets the stage for the plagues that follow. It also shows that God’s methods may differ from human expectations, but His promise remains sure. The exodus itself would be the visible proof that God had not forgotten His people.

Application

God’s deliverance can come suddenly and completely, even when circumstances look hopeless. Moses had to trust God’s timing and methods, which differed from his expectations. Believers today can learn that God is sovereign over human rulers and situations. When opposition seems strong, God’s power is stronger. He may not act when we expect, but He will act. The phrase “now shalt thou see” invites us to watch for God’s hand in our own lives. It encourages us to keep faith during delays, knowing that God’s deliverance is certain. His power is unmatched, and He can turn even the hardest hearts.

Reflection

This verse reassures us that God sees our struggles and is working. Like Moses, we may feel discouraged, but God’s word gives hope. His deliverance is certain, and His power is unmatched. We can trust Him to fulfill every promise He has made. God’s answer to Moses was not just for that moment. It is a lasting reminder that He is faithful. When we are tempted to doubt, we can remember that God is about to act. He will show His power in ways we cannot yet imagine.