Exodus 14:5

"I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will follow after them; and I will get honor over Pharaoh, and over all his armies; and the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD.” They did so."

Key Reflection

In Exodus 14:5, God declares His intention to harden Pharaoh's heart and lead him to pursue the Israelites, thereby demonstrating His power over Pharaoh and his army. This action would serve as a public spectacle for all Egyptians to witness, confirming that Yahweh is indeed the LORD. The original audience would have understood this as a demonstration of divine sovereignty, where God’s control over Pharaoh's will was clear, and the outcome would be a dramatic display of His power, ultimately leading to the miraculous deliverance of the Israelites at the Red Sea.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

The people fled -This was a natural inference from the change of direction, which indicated a determination to escape from Egypt. Up to the time when that information reached Pharaoh both he and his people understood that the Israelites would return after keeping a festival in the district adjoining Etham. From Etham the intelligence would be forwarded by the commander of the garrison to Rameses in less than a day, and the cavalry, a highly-disciplined force, would be ready for immediate departure.

More from Exodus 14

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