“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.”
This verse is part of the narrative of the Israelites’ escape from Egypt, specifically the account of the crossing of the Red Sea. It provides insight into God’s plan and purpose in the events that unfolded during the Exodus.
Context:Before Exodus 14:4, the Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for many years. Moses, under God’s direction, had confronted Pharaoh multiple times, demanding the release of the Israelites. However, Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened, and he refused to let the people go. The plagues had come upon Egypt, demonstrating God’s power, yet Pharaoh still persisted in his resistance.
Divine Intervention:In Exodus 14, as the Israelites were leaving Egypt, Pharaoh had a change of heart. He regretted letting the Israelites go and decided to pursue them with his army. This verse highlights God’s role in the situation, stating that He would harden Pharaoh’s heart. This hardening of Pharaoh’s heart ultimately led to his decision to chase after the Israelites, setting the stage for the miraculous events that were about to take place.
God’s Honour and Power:The verse continues, stating that God would be honoured upon Pharaoh and his army. The subsequent events, including the parting of the Red Sea and the destruction of the Egyptian army, would demonstrate God’s supreme power and sovereignty. It was through these events that both the Egyptians and the Israelites would come to know that the LORD is God.
Purpose of God’s Actions:The verse concludes by stating that the purpose of God’s plan, which included hardening Pharaoh’s heart, was for the Egyptians to know that He is the LORD. The events of the Exodus were not only about the liberation of the Israelites but also about God revealing Himself to the Egyptians, displaying His authority and making Himself known to all.
Overall, Exodus 14:4 emphasises God’s active involvement in the events leading up to the crossing of the Red Sea. It reveals His sovereignty, power, and purpose in demonstrating His glory to both the Israelites and the Egyptians.
