8238. And Israel saw the great hand which Jehovah wrought on the Egyptians. That this signifies the acknowledgment of the omnipotence of the Lord, is evident from the signification of “to see,” as being to understand, to acknowledge, and to have faith (see n. 897, 2150, 2325, 2807, 3796, 3863, 3869, 4403-4421, 5400, 6805); from the signification of “a hand great,” “strong,” “firm,” “high,” when said of Jehovah, that is, of the Lord, as being omnipotence (n. 878, 7188, 7189, 7518, 8050, 8069, 8153); and from the representation of the Egyptians, as being those who are in damnation; now, those who are in hell.

5544. Give him upon my hand. That this signifies so far as was in its power, is evident from the signification of the “hand,” as being power (see n. 878, 3387, 4931-4937, 5327, 5328). “To give him upon his hand” is in the strict sense to intrust him to him; but as faith in the understanding, which is represented by Reuben, has little strength to be trusted to (for the truth which is of faith has its power from the good which is of charity, see n. 3563), therefore by “Give him upon my hand,” is signified so far as was in its power.