Exodus 14:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the people of Israel while the people of Israel were going out defiantly.

NIV: The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, so that he pursued the Israelites, who were marching out boldly.

NASB: So the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he chased after the sons of Israel as the sons of Israel were going out boldly.

CSB: The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the Israelites, who were going out defiantly.

NLT: The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, so he chased after the people of Israel, who had left with fists raised in defiance.

KJV: And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand.

NKJV: And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the children of Israel; and the children of Israel went out with boldness.

While Israel was still enslaved (Exodus 1:11–14), God warned Moses about the stubbornness of Egypt's king, the pharaoh (Exodus 3:19–20). The Lord also noted that, to demonstrate His power, He would make Pharaoh even more obstinate (Exodus 4:21). When this finally happened, it was the result of Pharaoh's own choices. He repeatedly rejected God's commands (Exodus 5:2; 7:12, 14, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7, 34) and broke his word (Exodus 8:15, 31–32; 9:34–35). Now that Israel has been freed (Exodus 12:29–32), God is using Pharaoh as a gruesome example of divine wrath (Proverbs 29:1).

The Israelites are not sneaking away from Egypt in submissiveness. Israel leaves as free and liberated people. Israel's march away from Egyptian enslavement is described with the Hebrew phrase b yād' rāmāh', literally meaning "with a high hand." This expression refers to someone acting with boldness and deliberate intent. The same idea is used to refer to those who sin deliberately (Numbers 15:30).

Exodus 14:1–14 explains how Israel came to the seashore not long after being released from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12:40–41). Pharaoh, Egypt's king, once again changes his mind about releasing his slaves (Exodus 1:11–14). He sends the Egyptian army after the Israelites. The fleeing people are frightened, but Moses reassures them. This will be the last time Egypt troubles their people.

God leads Israel (Exodus 13:21–22) to make camp in front of the "Sea of Reeds." This is different from the modern-day Red Sea; it is more likely the Gulf of Suez or the wide Lake Timsah. As in the past (Exodus 8:15, 31–32; 9:34–35; 10:19–20), Pharaoh changes his mind about Israelite freedom. He gathers soldiers to pursue Israel and catches them at the shore. God blocks the incoming attackers and makes a dry path through the sea for Israel's escape. When the Egyptian forces attempt to follow, God closes the walls of water over them, drowning the entire army.

Egypt's king freed Israel after the devastating death of the firstborn on Passover (Exodus 12:29–32). God led the people southeast, rather than along northern roads (Exodus 13:17–18). This brings them the shore of the Sea of Reeds. Pharaoh sends his military to recapture—or annihilate—the Israelites. Instead, the Egyptian army drowns when God allows the Hebrews to cross between parted waters, only to close them when the soldiers pursue. The next chapter is a song of celebration, thanking God for His incredible, miraculous salvation (Exodus 15).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 4/16/2025 6:58:08 AM