Exodus 14:3
For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in.
Original Language Analysis
לִבְנֵ֣י
of the children
H1121
לִבְנֵ֣י
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 10
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 10
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Historical Context
Israel's apparent strategic blunder would have emboldened Pharaoh. After releasing them under duress, this seemed an opportunity to recapture his workforce and restore honor.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God sometimes allowing you to appear weak or foolish serve His greater purposes?
- What does God hardening Pharaoh's heart teach about divine sovereignty over enemy actions?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God predicts Pharaoh's interpretation: 'They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in.' The verb 'entangled' (Hebrew 'buk,' בּוּךְ—confused, perplexed) pictures Israel as lost wanderers. God orchestrates circumstances to appear as vulnerable foolishness, baiting the enemy into overconfidence. The phrase 'I will harden Pharaoh's heart' shows God controlling even the enemy's response to accomplish redemptive purposes.