Exodus 11:3 Meaning: Favor from Enemies, Greatness from God

The Hebrew word for favor is chen, the same word often translated as "grace." It means unearned kindness, a gift. The Israelites did nothing to deserve the Egyptians' goodwill; God simply gave it. The verb "gave" (natan) is active and deliberate, God is the subject. As for Moses, the text says he was "very great" (gadol me'od). Gadol carries the sense of weighty, significant, powerful. This greatness did not come from Moses' natural abilities. It flowed from the mighty works God did through him. When we read that Moses was great "in the sight of Pharaoh's servants and in the sight of the people," we are seeing the fruit of God's presence with him. The same God who gives grace also builds faithful servants into people of influence, not for their glory, but for His purposes.

John Calvin highlighted that God turns hearts "this way or that", the same Egyptians who formerly hated Israel were now inclined to give freely. He saw this as a lesson in patience and prayer when others are harsh. Matthew Henry noted that Moses was a "favourite of Heaven" and that his greatness came from God. Gill suggested that Moses was either loved or feared, but in either case his reputation softened the Egyptians' resistance. Across traditions, Christians see here a picture of divine sovereignty over human attitudes. God can soften the hardest heart or elevate the lowliest servant. No tradition denies that God was at work; the emphasis falls on His power to change human hearts for His redemptive plan.

Some read this verse and think that Moses had earned Egypt's respect through his own charisma or leadership skill. In fact, the text makes clear that God gave the favor and God made Moses great. The same Moses who earlier fled Egypt as a fugitive now stood honoured because of the works God performed through him. Our reputations, like our favor with others, are gifts from God, not achievements we manufacture.

You may be in a situation where someone opposes you, whether at work, in your family, or in your community. This verse invites you to ask God to change that person's heart, not just your circumstances. The same God who turned Egyptian hostility into goodwill can soften attitudes today. He may also use your faithful obedience, even in small things, to give you a reputation you never sought. This week, identify one person who is difficult toward you. Pray that God would give you favor in their eyes. Then trust Him to work, knowing that the outcome belongs to Him.