What is the meaning of Exodus 9:16?

But I have raised you up

• God tells Pharaoh that his very position is no accident. The throne, the empire, the moment in history—all are deliberately arranged by the LORD (Proverbs 16:4; Daniel 4:34-35).

• Romans 9:17 later quotes this verse to prove that God actively “raised up” Pharaoh. The New Testament sees no conflict between divine sovereignty and human responsibility; Pharaoh still hardens his heart, yet God remains the ultimate Author of the storyline.

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for this very purpose

• The LORD does nothing at random (Isaiah 46:9-10). Pharaoh exists in that seat of power “for this very purpose.”

• We often imagine purpose in terms of our plans, but Scripture consistently shows that God’s plans override and outlast ours (Ephesians 1:11).

• Pharaoh’s wealth, armies, and stubborn will are temporarily leveraged to spotlight a larger, eternal objective.

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that I might display My power to you

• Each plague escalates the revelation of divine power—turning the Nile to blood, sending hail and darkness, and finally striking the firstborn (Exodus 7-12).

• God is not merely flexing; He is proving that every Egyptian deity is powerless before Him (Exodus 12:12).

• Israel will later remember these mighty acts and trust Him at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:31; Psalm 106:8). Egypt’s court witnesses the contrast between Pharaoh’s impotence and Yahweh’s omnipotence.

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and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth

• News of these events travels fast. Decades later Rahab in Jericho says, “We have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea” (Joshua 2:9-11).

• Nations tremble not at Israel’s military prowess but at the reputation of Israel’s God (1 Samuel 4:8; Psalm 105:1).

• The ultimate trajectory is global: “My name will be great among the nations” (Malachi 1:11). This reaches its climax in Christ, before whom “every knee will bow… and every tongue confess” (Philippians 2:9-11).

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summary

Exodus 9:16 reveals a God who orchestrates history with precision. Pharaoh’s rise, Israel’s deliverance, the plagues, and the worldwide testimony all serve one coordinated aim: to magnify the LORD’s unmatched power and spread His renown across the planet. The verse calls believers to rest in God’s sovereign purposes and join the ongoing proclamation of His great name.