And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt so that he pursued the Israelites, who were marching out defiantly. And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of EgyptThe phrase "hardened the heart" is derived from the Hebrew word "חָזַק" (chazaq), which means to strengthen, make firm, or harden. In the context of Exodus, this hardening is a divine act that serves God's greater purpose. It is important to understand that this hardening is not God forcing Pharaoh to act against his will, but rather God allowing Pharaoh's own stubbornness to reach its full potential. This act demonstrates God's sovereignty and His ability to use even the rebellion of man to fulfill His divine plan. Historically, Pharaohs were seen as divine or semi-divine figures in Egyptian culture, and their hearts were considered the seat of wisdom and decision-making. By hardening Pharaoh's heart, God is showing His supremacy over the so-called divine ruler of Egypt. so that he pursued the Israelites
The pursuit of the Israelites by Pharaoh is a pivotal moment in the Exodus narrative. The Hebrew word for "pursued" is "רָדַף" (radaph), which conveys a sense of relentless chasing or hunting. This pursuit is not just a physical chase but also a spiritual and symbolic one. It represents the ongoing struggle between the forces of oppression and the liberation that God offers. Historically, the Egyptians were known for their powerful chariots and military prowess, making this pursuit a formidable threat to the Israelites. Yet, it is precisely in this moment of danger that God's power and protection are most vividly displayed. who were marching out defiantly
The phrase "marching out defiantly" is translated from the Hebrew "בְּיָד רָמָה" (beyad ramah), which literally means "with a high hand." This expression signifies confidence, boldness, and a sense of triumph. The Israelites, having witnessed the mighty acts of God through the plagues, are leaving Egypt not as fleeing slaves but as a liberated people under the protection of the Almighty. This defiance is not rooted in their own strength but in their trust in God's promises. Scripturally, this moment foreshadows the ultimate victory that believers have in Christ, who leads His people out of the bondage of sin with a high hand. Theologically, it serves as a reminder that true freedom and confidence come from reliance on God's power and faithfulness. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who actively intervenes in the events of history to fulfill His purposes. 2. Pharaoh, King of EgyptThe ruler of Egypt, whose heart was hardened by God, leading him to pursue the Israelites. 3. The IsraelitesThe descendants of Jacob, who were enslaved in Egypt and are now being led out by Moses. 4. EgyptThe land where the Israelites were enslaved, representing a place of bondage and oppression. 5. The ExodusThe event of the Israelites leaving Egypt, symbolizing deliverance and the fulfillment of God's promises. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyGod is in control of all events, including the hearts of rulers. This should give us confidence in His ultimate plan, even when circumstances seem dire. Human ResponsibilityWhile God hardened Pharaoh's heart, Pharaoh was still responsible for his actions. We must be aware of our own hearts and seek to align them with God's will. Faith in DeliveranceThe Israelites marched out defiantly, trusting in God's promise of deliverance. We are called to walk in faith, trusting God to lead us out of our own "Egypts." Spiritual WarfarePharaoh's pursuit of the Israelites can be seen as a spiritual battle. We must be vigilant and rely on God's strength to overcome the enemy's pursuit. Obedience to God's CallThe Israelites' exodus was a response to God's call. We must be willing to step out in obedience, even when the path is uncertain. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God's sovereignty over Pharaoh's heart impact your view of current world leaders and events? 2. In what ways can we ensure our hearts are not hardened against God's will, as Pharaoh's was? 3. How can the Israelites' defiant march out of Egypt inspire us to act in faith in our own lives? 4. What "Egypts" or areas of bondage do you need to trust God to deliver you from today? 5. How can we apply the concept of spiritual warfare from this passage to our daily battles against sin and temptation? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 4:21God tells Moses that He will harden Pharaoh's heart, showing His sovereignty over human decisions. Romans 9:17-18Paul references Pharaoh to illustrate God's sovereign choice and mercy. Hebrews 11:29The faith of the Israelites as they passed through the Red Sea, highlighting their trust in God's deliverance. Proverbs 21:1The heart of a king is in the hand of the LORD, emphasizing God's control over rulers. People Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, Pharaoh, ZephonPlaces Baal-zephon, Egypt, Etham, Migdol, Pi-hahiroth, Red SeaTopics Boldly, Chased, Defiantly, Egypt, Fear, Forth, Hardened, Heart, Israelites, Marching, Pharaoh, Pursued, Pursueth, Sons, StrengthenethDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 14:8 5016 heart, fallen and redeemed
6663 freedom, of will
8202 boldness Exodus 14:5-9 5208 armies Library A Path in the Sea
'And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: 20. And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night. 21. And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureEntangled in the Land
"For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in."--Exodus 14:3. ISRAEL WAS CLEAN escaped from Egypt. Not a hoof of their cattle was left behind; nor foot of child or aged man remained in the house of bondage. But though they were gone, they were not forgotten by the tyrant who had enslaved them. They had been a very useful body of workers; for they had built treasure cities and storehouses for Pharaoh. Compelled to work without wages, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891 Epistle Lxiii. To Brunichild, Queen of the Franks.
To Brunichild, Queen of the Franks. Gregory to Brunichild, &c. What good gifts have been conferred on you from above, and with what piety heavenly grace has filled you, this, among all the other proofs of your merits, intimates evidently to all that you both govern the savage hearts of barbarians with the skill of prudent counsel, and (what is still more to your praise), adorn your royal power with wisdom. And since, as you are above many nations in both these respects, so also you excel them in …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great They who have not Been Promoted to that Office. ...
They who have not been promoted [to that office] by the bishop, ought not to adjure, either in churches or in private houses. Notes. Ancient Epitome of Canon XXVI. No one shall adjure without the bishop's promotion to that office. Balsamon. Some were in the habit of "adjuring," that is catechising the unbelievers, who had never received the imposition of the bishop's hands for that purpose; and when they were accused of doing so, contended that as they did not do it in church but only at home, they …
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils The Personality of Power.
A Personally Conducted Journey. Everyone enjoys the pleasure of travel; but nearly all shrink back from its tiresomeness and drudgery. The transportation companies are constantly scheming to overcome this disagreeable side for both pleasure and business travel. One of the popular ways of pleasure travel of late is by means of personally conducted tours. A party is formed, often by the railroad company, and is accompanied by a special agent to attend to all the business matters of the trip. A variation …
S.D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on Power The Faults Committed in this Degree --Distractions, Temptations --The Course to be Pursued Respecting Them.
As soon as we fall into a fault, or have wandered, we must turn again within ourselves; because this fault having turned us from God, we should as soon as possible turn towards Him, and suffer the penitence which He Himself will give. It is of great importance that we should not be anxious about these faults, because the anxiety only springs from a secret pride and a love of our own excellence. We are troubled at feeling what we are. If we become discouraged, we shall grow weaker yet; and reflection …
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents Answer to Mr. W's Sixth Objection.
6. and lastly, Let us consider the intrinsick absurdities, and incredibilities of the several stories of these three miracles, p. 36.--As to Jairus's daughter, and her resurrection from the dead, St. Hilary [13] hints, that there was no such person as Jairus;--and he gives this reason, and a good reason it is, why he thought so, because it is elsewhere intimated in the gospel that none of the rulers of the synagogues confessedly believ'd on Jesus, John vii. 48. and xii. 42. St. John's words in the …
Nathaniel Lardner—A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture.
"He hath hardened their heart."-- John xii. 40. The Scripture teaches positively that the hardening and "darkening of their foolish heart" is a divine, intentional act. This is plainly evident from God's charge to Moses concerning the king of Egypt: "Thou shalt speak all that I command thee; and I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not harken unto you, and I will lay My hand upon Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit Blessed are they that Mourn
Blessed are they that mourn. Matthew 5:4 Here are eight steps leading to true blessedness. They may be compared to Jacob's Ladder, the top whereof reached to heaven. We have already gone over one step, and now let us proceed to the second: Blessed are they that mourn'. We must go through the valley of tears to paradise. Mourning were a sad and unpleasant subject to treat on, were it not that it has blessedness going before, and comfort coming after. Mourning is put here for repentance. It implies …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Epistle iv. To Cyriacus, Bishop.
To Cyriacus, Bishop. Gregory to Cyriacus, Bishop of Constantinople. We have received with becoming charity our common sons, George the presbyter and Theodore your deacon; and we rejoice that you have passed from the care of ecclesiastical business to the government of souls, since, according to the voice of the Truth, He that is faithful in a little will be faithful also in much (Luke xvi. 10). And to the servant who administers well it is said, Because thou hast been faithful over a few things, …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
"Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God" (Rom. 11:22). In the last chapter when treating of the Sovereignty of God the Father in Salvation, we examined seven passages which represent Him as making a choice from among the children of men, and predestinating certain ones to be conformed to the image of His Son. The thoughtful reader will naturally ask, And what of those who were not "ordained to eternal life?" The answer which is usually returned to this question, even by those who profess …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in the Soul.
Titus iii. 5, 6. Titus iii. 5, 6. Not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. IF my business were to explain and illustrate this scripture at large, it would yield an ample field for accurate criticism and useful discourse, and more especially would lead us into a variety of practical remarks, on which it would be pleasant …
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Exodus 14:8 NIVExodus 14:8 NLTExodus 14:8 ESVExodus 14:8 NASBExodus 14:8 KJV
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