Exodus 9:16

ESV But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.

NIV But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.

NASB But indeed, for this reason I have allowed you to remain, in order to show you My power and in order to proclaim My name throughout the earth.

CSB However, I have let you live for this purpose: to show you my power and to make my name known on the whole earth.

NLT But I have spared you for a purpose — to show you my power and to spread my fame throughout the earth.

KJV 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.

NKJV But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.

What does Exodus 9:16 mean?

This is the primary reason the Lord has not already destroyed Egypt and its stubborn king (Exodus 9:15). God intends to demonstrate His great power to the world. The plagues on Egypt (Exodus 3:20) prove the Lord's power. They debunk the strength of Egypt's imaginary deities. They even prove God's mercy. On two occasions, Pharaoh admitted the Lord was right (Exodus 9:27; 10:16). Following the tenth plague, Pharaoh would even ask Moses and Aaron to bless him (Exodus 12:32). But after many chances (Exodus 5:1; 7:16; 8:1, 21; 9:1) and many refusals (Exodus 5:2; 7:13–14, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7) God permanently consigns Pharaoh to his fate (Exodus 4:21). That comes after the impending plague of hail (Exodus 9:24–25), where Pharaoh once again chooses defiance (Exodus 9:34–35).

Lessons about God's power are not only targeted at the Egyptians, or at Israel. The point is that the entire world could look at these events and learn from them (Exodus 9:14). God frequently mentions this concept (Exodus 19:5; 34:10; Numbers 14:21). God created human beings and gave them power over "all the earth" (Genesis 1:26), yet all people remain under God's authority. The importance of God's name being declared is also developed elsewhere in Exodus. The Lord states that the destruction of Pharaoh's army (Exodus 14:28) would result in God "getting glory" (Exodus 14:17). The song following the crossing of the Red Sea proclaims the strength and greatness of the Lord over Pharaoh and his army (Exodus 15:16).

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