Keraia
Exodus 14

Exodus 14:4

Pharaoh Pursues the Israelites · Exodus 14:1–14
Read Exodus 14

Translations

Modern
And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart so that he will pursue them. But I will gain honor by means of Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD.” So this is what the Israelites did.
Traditional
And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord. And they did so.
Literal
And I will strengthen the heart of Pharaoh, and he will pursue after them. And I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, that Egypt shall know that I am YHWH.” And they did so.
Latin
Et indurabo cor ejus, ac persequetur vos: et glorificabor in Pharaone, et in omni exercitu ejus; scientque Ægyptii quia ego sum Dominus. Feceruntque ita.

Original

Hebrew
English
And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart so that he will pursue them. But I will gain honor by means of Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD.” So this is what the Israelites did.

Notes

Exodus 14:4

  • know that I am the LORD: This event was the climactic (final and most important) demonstration of the Lord’s character and power in the Exodus. Through it, God showed clearly who he is and what he can do.

    Rescue comes through God’s self-revelation. This means that God saves people by making himself known.

    God does this by entering into human life and experience. He makes himself present and active among his people.

  • this is what the Israelites did: In this part of the book, the Israelites were obedient to God’s commands (12:35, 50). Unfortunately, they did not continue this pattern after crossing the Red Sea.

Exodus 13:17–14:4

The Lord’s redemptive power was demonstrated as he brought Israel into a place where they were completely helpless and had to either rely on him for rescue or die.

At the time, it might have seemed foolish. But Israel would thank God throughout its history for guiding them to that situation (see Psalm 106:7–12; compare Isaiah 12:2–6).

Theme notes and profiles

Egypt Moses Pharaoh Hardened Hearts The Cross and Passover

Events

People

Pharaoh: Egyptian Pharaoh during the Exodus

Places

Egypt: Ancient nation; Israelites enslaved there; plagues and Exodus

Glossary

Baal-zephon Book of Exodus Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Deuteronomy, Book of Hardness of Heart Miracle

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities of the Wicked: God is Glorified In God: Knowledge of God: Providence of, Overruling Interpositions of The Miracles: Design of The Afflictions of the Wicked: God is Glorified In