Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 11:3 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 11:3 is a verse that highlights the favor of God upon His people in the midst of His judgment against Egypt. This verse not only illuminates God’s sovereignty and His plans for Israel but also shows how God’s favor works in the lives of His people, even when they are still in the midst of trials. In this article, we will explore the context, meaning, and application of Exodus 11:3, draw comparisons with other Biblical texts, reflect on its modern-day relevance, and provide a thorough commentary on this verse.
The Context on Exodus 11:3 KJV
Exodus 11:3 falls within the broader narrative of the Exodus story, specifically during the final stages of God’s judgment against Egypt. At this point in the story, the Israelites have been in bondage to Egypt for over 400 years, suffering under the harsh rule of Pharaoh. God has sent nine plagues, each one intensifying in severity, but Pharaoh has stubbornly refused to let the Israelites go. The first nine plagues have served as warnings, showing God’s power over nature, the Egyptian gods, and the prideful Pharaoh.
Exodus 11 occurs just before the tenth and final plague—the death of the firstborn—which will finally convince Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. In the midst of these events, God speaks to Moses and gives him instructions concerning the impending judgment and the upcoming deliverance of His people.
In Exodus 11:1, God had already told Moses that He would bring one more plague upon Egypt, and this would result in the Israelites’ release. Exodus 11:3, however, focuses on the favor that the Israelites will experience as they prepare to leave Egypt. It reads:
“And the Lord gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants, and in the sight of the people.”
This verse tells us that, despite the calamities that have befallen Egypt, the Israelites are seen favorably by the Egyptians. The verse also emphasizes Moses’ growing stature and influence, which becomes important as the narrative unfolds.
The Exodus 11:3 Meaning
Exodus 11:3 reveals key themes about God’s favor, leadership, and His plans for His people. Let’s break down the meaning of this verse in several ways:
1. God’s Favor Upon His People
The phrase “the Lord gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians” speaks of God’s providential care and favor for the Israelites. In the midst of God’s judgment upon Egypt, the Israelites were set apart and granted favor from the very people who had enslaved them. This favor was a divine act, showing that God was not only working to bring judgment upon Egypt but was also working to bring about the protection and future prosperity of His chosen people.
God had promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that He would make their descendants a great nation and bring them into a land of their own (Genesis 12:7, 17:8). Exodus 11:3 is a fulfillment of that promise, as God ensures that the Israelites will not leave Egypt empty-handed but will have the wealth and favor of the Egyptians as they depart. This serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness to His promises.
2. Moses’ Growing Influence
The second part of Exodus 11:3 states, “Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants, and in the sight of the people.” This highlights Moses’ elevated status in Egypt. Throughout the narrative, Moses had grown from a fugitive in the wilderness to a revered leader who spoke with God and commanded the authority of the Lord. His leadership was increasingly recognized by the Egyptians, both by Pharaoh’s court and the people at large.
Moses’ greatness is not just a result of his personal abilities but a reflection of God’s work through him. This emphasizes that when God calls a person for a mission, He equips them with the authority and respect needed to accomplish that mission, even in difficult circumstances.
3. Divine Preparation for the Exodus
Exodus 11:3 also indicates that God was preparing both the Israelites and the Egyptians for the exodus. The favor that the Israelites received was not only a sign of God’s protection but also a practical provision for their journey. As the Israelites would soon be leaving Egypt, they would need resources for the journey and for their eventual settlement in the Promised Land. The Egyptians’ willingness to give gifts to the Israelites (as seen in Exodus 12:35-36) served to fulfill God’s promise to provide for His people, even in their departure from slavery.
This favor also signaled that the Israelites were not just being freed from physical bondage, but they were being positioned for future prosperity in the land God had promised them. It was a reminder that God’s deliverance is not just about escaping hardship, but it’s about moving into the fullness of God’s plan for our lives.
Exodus 11:3 Application in Life
Exodus 11:3 holds several practical applications for Christians today. The favor that God showed to the Israelites can be seen as a model for how God works in the lives of believers. Here are some of the ways we can apply this verse to our lives:
1. God’s Favor is Available to His People
Just as God granted favor to the Israelites in the sight of the Egyptians, He continues to show favor to His people today. God’s favor does not depend on our own abilities or worthiness; it is an act of His grace. As believers, we can trust that God will provide for us, protect us, and bless us with His favor, even in difficult or uncertain circumstances. This does not mean that life will be free from hardship, but it means that God will work on our behalf for His glory and our good.
Psalm 5:12 affirms this: “For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.”
2. Divine Favor Prepares Us for What Lies Ahead
In Exodus 11:3, the favor that God grants His people is part of His preparation for their next phase of life—the Exodus. Similarly, God often gives us favor in our lives as a way of preparing us for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Whether it’s favor in the workplace, in relationships, or in other areas, God’s favor equips us for what He has planned. We may not always see the full picture, but we can trust that God is preparing us for something greater.
3. Leadership and Influence Come from God
Just as Moses grew in influence and stature in Egypt, Christians are reminded that any position of influence we have comes from God. Leadership in any form—whether at work, in the church, or in the community—is ultimately a gift from God. This encourages believers to walk humbly, acknowledging that God has placed us in positions of influence for His purposes, not our own.
Proverbs 21:1 says, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” This shows that God can elevate anyone for His purpose, just as He did with Moses.
4. God Works in the Hearts of Others
Another key application from Exodus 11:3 is the reminder that God works in the hearts of others. The Egyptians, who had previously been hostile to the Israelites, were now giving them favor. This teaches us that God can work in the hearts of those around us, even those who do not know Him, to bring about His purposes in our lives. Whether it’s in the form of an unexpected blessing, open doors, or assistance from others, God’s favor can come through those we least expect.
5. God’s Faithfulness to His Promises
Exodus 11:3 also reinforces that God is faithful to His promises. Just as He had promised to deliver the Israelites, He now provided them with favor as part of the fulfillment of that promise. In our lives, we can trust that God will fulfill the promises He has made to us. Whether those promises relate to provision, protection, or His ultimate salvation through Jesus Christ, we can rely on God’s faithfulness.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 11:3 resonates with several other passages in the Bible that emphasize God’s favor, leadership, and divine preparation.
1. Genesis 39:21-23 – Joseph’s Favor in Egypt
Joseph, like Moses, was an Israelite who gained favor in Egypt. In Genesis 39, Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers but found favor with Potiphar and was elevated to a position of authority. Ultimately, Joseph’s story illustrates how God can elevate His people in times of adversity for His purposes:
“But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.” (Genesis 39:21 KJV)
Joseph’s story mirrors Moses’ in that both men were chosen by God to be leaders in foreign lands, and both experienced divine favor that led to their ability to carry out God’s plans.
2. Proverbs 3:4 – Finding Favor with God and Man
Proverbs 3:4 reminds us that, like the Israelites in Exodus 11:3, we can find favor both with God and with people when we walk in wisdom and righteousness:
“So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.”
3. Luke 2:52 – Jesus Growing in Favor
In the New Testament, we see that Jesus also grew in favor with both God and people. Luke 2:52 says:
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”
This highlights how divine favor can be part of God’s work in shaping and preparing His people for their mission.
Modern-Day Relevance
Exodus 11:3 continues to have great relevance today. The theme of God’s favor is timeless, reminding Christians that, even when facing difficulties, God is at work in their lives. Just as the Israelites received favor from the Egyptians, God can cause even unbelievers to support His plans for His people. In the modern world, God’s favor may show up in unexpected ways—through job opportunities, friendships, or open doors for ministry.
Additionally, like Moses, believers today can find themselves in leadership positions, influencing the world for God’s purposes. The favor Moses received from Pharaoh’s servants serves as a reminder that, no matter the situation, God’s plan for His people will always be fulfilled.
Conclusion
Exodus 11:3 is a powerful verse that reveals God’s faithfulness, sovereignty, and favor in the lives of His people. It reminds Christians that God works in our lives in ways that are often beyond our understanding but always for our good. Whether through divine provision, leadership, or favor with others, God is at work preparing us for His purposes. Just as the Israelites received favor in the eyes of the Egyptians, we too can trust that God is preparing us for the challenges and opportunities ahead. May we continue to trust in His timing and His faithfulness as we walk in His favor each day.
Exodus 11:3 Commentary
Exodus 11:3 is a key moment in the Exodus narrative. It marks a moment of divine favor that prepares Israel for the final phase of their journey toward freedom. This favor not only assures the Israelites that God is with them but also serves as a sign of the abundant provision they will receive as they leave Egypt. The verse is a reminder of the sovereignty of God, who works both through His people and in the hearts of others to bring about His will.
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