But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power to you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.
16. And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up. The word, העמדתי, hagnemadthi, is variously explained; it properly signifies “to appoint;” some, therefore, refer it to his eminent position, as if God had placed Pharaoh on the throne, for the purpose of better manifesting His glory. העמדתיך. By the Greek interpreter we should generally understand the LXX.
Moses must repeat the demand a seventh time, though Pharaoh's heart is hardened and his case now desperate. God sends plagues on the heart itself, making it senseless or hopeless, which are the worst plagues of all. None who hardens his heart against God will prosper.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 9:13-21
And in very deed, for this cause have I raised thee up,.... Or but truly or verily (c); instead of smiting thee with the pestilence, and cutting thee off out of the land of the living, "I have raised thee up"; made thee to stand (d), to continue in being; I have preserved thine from perishing by the former plagues, and have reserved thee for greater judgments and sorer punishments.