Exodus 14:17 meaning
In a remarkable moment in the narrative of Israel's exodus from Egypt, God reassures Moses about the troubling pursuit of Pharaoh's army. Here, divine purpose intertwines with human action, as God declares His intention to harden the hearts of the Egyptians, compelling them to follow the Israelites into a trap of their own making. This serves not only to manifest God's sovereign power but also to establish His honor among both the Egyptians and the Israelites. God desires that the Egyptians would recognize His supremacy and authority through the forthcoming events.
This verse illustrates a profound biblical truth: God can use even the hard-hearted to fulfill His plans. The themes of divine sovereignty and mercy are critical here. While the Egyptians sought to reclaim their lost slaves, they were unwittingly stepping into a demonstration of God's might, available for those who trust in Him. It highlights the essential act of reliance on God, drastically contrasting the human inclination towards despair amidst danger and the faith-filled anticipation of divine intervention, as expressed in Exodus 14:17.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Exodus 14:15-31 meaning. The last section of this chapter (verses 15 – 31) contain one of the most well-known stories of the Bible – the crossing of the Red Sea. It starts with the LORD giving instructions that prepare the Israelites for the crossing (15 – 18). Then, in verses 19 – 20, the angel of the LORD, appearing as a cloud, moved to a position protecting the Israelites from the Egyptians. Verses 21 – 25 relate the dividing of the Red Sea waters and the crossing of the Israelites on dry land. Once across, the LORD caused the Red Sea to fall upon the pursuing Egyptians, killing the best of Pharaoh's army (26-29). The last part of this section (30 – 31) is a summary of this wonderful deliverance by the LORD and the response of the grateful Israelites.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Acts 7:35-43 meaning. Moses, who was rejected by his people, returned to Egypt as a deliverer. He performed wonders and signs to show God's power in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness. He prophesied that God would send a second prophet like him, which was Jesus. Moses received the Law from God on Mt. Sinai, while the Hebrews made a golden calf to worship down in the camp. This was the pattern of Israel. God sent them a savior, they rejected the savior, and worshipped false gods.
- Exodus 23:14-19 meaning. The LORD establishes three feasts—the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of the Harvest, and the Feast of the Ingathering. Added to the discussion are laws concerning how to worship during the feasts. They were designed to give the people times to share the bounty of the LORD with Him, with one another, and with the poor. There is much more discussion about these feasts in the book of Leviticus.
- Zechariah 8:14-17 meaning. The Suzerain (Ruler) God promises to restore the fortunes of the people of Judah. But He expects them to dispense true justice in the community and refrain from evil and dishonest practices.
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