Exodus 3:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 3:20
20 And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go.
Chapter Context
Exodus 3 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, wisdom, obedience. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 3:20
20 And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go.
Analysis
And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go (וְשָׁלַחְתִּי אֶת־יָדִי וְהִכֵּיתִי אֶת־מִצְרַיִם בְּכֹל נִפְלְאֹתַי אֲשֶׁר אֶעֱשֶׂה בְּקִרְבּוֹ וְאַחֲרֵי־כֵן יְשַׁלַּח אֶתְכֶם)—God's strategy: overwhelming demonstrations of power. Stretch out my hand (שָׁלַחְתִּי אֶת־יָדִי)—anthropomorphic language for divine intervention. Smite Egypt with all my wonders (הִכֵּיתִי... בְּכֹל נִפְלְאֹתַי)—wonders (נִפְלְאֹת, nifla'ot) are the ten plagues, miraculous demonstrations of YHWH's supremacy over Egyptian gods. In the midst thereof (בְּקִרְבּוֹ)—the plagues will occur in Egypt's heartland, not peripheral regions. After that he will let you go—eventually Pharaoh surrenders, though reluctantly and temporarily (14:5-9). The plagues serve multiple purposes: judgment on Egypt, deliverance for Israel, revelation of YHWH's character.
Historical Context
The ten plagues systematically demonstrated YHWH's supremacy over Egypt's pantheon: Nile (Hapi), frogs (Heqet), sun (Ra), Pharaoh himself (considered divine). Each plague targeted specific Egyptian deities, showing their impotence. The escalation—from nuisance to economic devastation to death—gave Pharaoh repeated opportunities to relent. His hardening after each plague (Exodus 7-11) fulfilled this prophecy exactly.
Reflection
- How do the promised 'wonders' demonstrate that God's judgments serve both punitive and revelatory purposes?
- What does the phrase 'after that he will let you go' teach about God's patience in giving oppressors opportunities to repent before final judgment?
Cross-References
- References Egypt: Exodus 6:6, 12:39, Deuteronomy 6:22, Acts 7:36
- Parallel theme: Exodus 9:15, Nehemiah 9:10, Psalms 105:27