Romans 9:17, God’s Power Declared Throughout All the Earth

Romans 9:17 (KJV) ¹⁷  For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

Apostle Paul cited Exodus 9:16, how Pharaoh was raised by God as Egypt’s supreme ruler to declare His glory during the time of Israel’s Exodus. Pharaoh was subdued by the Almighty power of God, demonstrating that the LORD (Jehovah); He is God, the Creator of all things. God shows all the earth that He is greater than great Pharaoh, the self-proclaimed representative of Ra, the sun god.

This was the Lord’s conversation with Moses – Exodus 9:13-21 (KJV) ¹³ And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me. ¹⁴ For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth. ¹⁵ For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth. ¹⁶ 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. ¹⁷ As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go? ¹⁸ Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now. ¹⁹ Send therefore now, and gather thy cattle, and all that thou hast in the field; for upon every man and beast which shall be found in the field, and shall not be brought home, the hail shall come down upon them, and they shall die. ²⁰ He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses: ²¹ And he that regarded not the word of the LORD left his servants and his cattle in the field.

We observe God’s hand in raising Pharaoh against His people as a vessel of His judgement. Indeed, the world looked in awe at the humbling of Pharaoh and all Egypt. Thank God that He revealed Himself to us through the written word of Scripture. We behold His sovereign power over the international affairs of nations for His glory. It helps us to see in perspective God’s hand in geopolitical affairs of today. It is His sovereign will to raise up one and put down another for His own glory and purpose. What a God we serve! Surely, He works out all things for our good. We can rest in His care. Amen.