Exodus 14:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 14:17
17 And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.
Chapter Context
Exodus 14 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, grace, creation. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 14:17
17 And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.
Analysis
God's declaration 'I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians' uses emphatic double pronoun (ani hineni, אֲנִי הִנְנִי—I, behold, I), stressing personal divine agency. The purpose: 'they shall follow them' ensures Egypt enters the trap. The outcome: 'I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen' reveals this as divine glory-display through judgment. God receives honor by demonstrating His power over earth's powers.
Historical Context
God's hardening Egyptian hearts to pursue Israel into the sea ensured their destruction. This judicial hardening fulfilled God's purpose to demonstrate His supremacy to all nations.
Reflection
- How does God sometimes using enemy opposition to accomplish His purposes comfort you in persecution?
- What does God being 'honoured' through judgment teach about His glory displayed in both mercy and wrath?
Cross-References
- References Egypt: Exodus 14:4, 14:8
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 32:39, Isaiah 48:15, 51:12, Ezekiel 5:8, 6:3, 34:11