Exodus 14:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I, behold, I will harden {H2388} the hearts {H3820} of the Egyptians {H4714}, and they shall follow {H935} them {H310}: and I will get me honour {H3513} upon Pharaoh {H6547}, and upon all his host {H2428}, upon his chariots {H7393}, and upon his horsemen {H6571}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As for me, I will make the Egyptians hardhearted; and they will march in after them; thus I will win glory for myself at the expense of Pharaoh and all his army, chariots and cavalry.

Berean Standard Bible

And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. Then I will gain honor by means of Pharaoh and all his army and chariots and horsemen.

American Standard Version

And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall go in after them: and I will get me honor upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 14:17 presents a profound declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and strategic intent, revealing His plan to intentionally harden the hearts of the Egyptians, compelling them to pursue Israel into a divinely orchestrated trap at the Red Sea. This pivotal pronouncement highlights God's ultimate purpose: to magnify His unparalleled power and "get honor" for Himself over Pharaoh, his formidable military, and by extension, the false gods of Egypt, thereby setting the stage for Israel's miraculous deliverance and establishing Yahweh's undeniable supremacy before all nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct divine utterance from Yahweh to Moses, situated at a critical juncture immediately preceding the miraculous [Red Sea crossing](/exodus/14 "The Red Sea Crossing - A Foundational Act of Deliverance"). Following the devastating tenth plague, Pharaoh had finally released the Israelites ([Exodus 12:29-32](/exodus/12-29-32 "The Tenth Plague and Israel's Exodus from Egypt")). However, the recurring theme of Pharaoh's hardened heart, evident from earlier encounters (e.g., [Exodus 7:3](/exodus/7-3 "God's Purpose in Hardening Pharaoh's Heart")), quickly reasserts itself. Pharaoh swiftly mobilizes his elite military, including a vast array of chariots and horsemen, to pursue the recently liberated slaves. The Israelites find themselves in a seemingly impossible situation, trapped between Pharaoh's advancing army and the impassable waters of the Red Sea ([Exodus 14:9-10](/exodus/14-9-10 "Israelites Trapped at the Red Sea")). In this desperate scenario, God assures Moses of His meticulous plan, which encompasses not only Israel's deliverance but also a grand display of His ultimate authority over human rulers and their might. The immediate preceding verses ([Exodus 14:15-16](/exodus/14-15-16 "God's Command to Moses at the Red Sea")) detail God's instructions for Moses to act, while the subsequent verses ([Exodus 14:26-28](/exodus/14-26-28 "The Destruction of the Egyptian Army")) describe the dramatic fulfillment of God's declaration as the waters return and engulf the Egyptian host, validating His divine word.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt stood as the preeminent superpower of its era, renowned for its formidable military capabilities, particularly its chariot forces, which represented the cutting edge of military technology. The Pharaoh was not merely a king but was revered as a divine monarch, a living god, the embodiment of the state and its deities. Therefore, God's declaration, "I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host," constituted a direct and audacious challenge to the perceived invincibility of Egypt and the supposed supremacy of its vast pantheon of gods. This confrontation transcended a mere military skirmish; it was a cosmic battle for ultimate authority, designed to unequivocally demonstrate Yahweh's unparalleled power and unique sovereignty over all earthly powers and spiritual forces, including the very gods of Egypt. The defeat of Egypt's military was a public humiliation of its gods, proving their impotence before the God of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 14:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, where God actively orchestrates events, even the rebellious actions of His adversaries, to achieve His purposes and reveal His glory. This verse underscores God's control over human will and historical outcomes, a concept echoed throughout the biblical narrative, such as in [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's Purpose for Pharaoh's Existence"). Another crucial theme is **God's Glory and Honor** (*kavod*), which is not an egocentric desire but the inherent manifestation of His unique, weighty presence and power, distinguishing Him from all false gods. The Red Sea event, initiated by this declaration, serves as a foundational act of **Divine Deliverance**, establishing God as the Redeemer of His people from bondage, a paradigm for future acts of salvation. This deliverance is often accompanied by **Divine Judgment** upon those who oppose God and His people, showcasing His justice and power over evil. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to liberate Israel and bring them into the land He promised their forefathers, as seen in the broader narrative of [Exodus](/exodus "The Book of Exodus - Israel's Deliverance and Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 14:17 is a powerful declaration of divine intent, revealing God's active and purposeful role in orchestrating events for His ultimate glory and the deliverance of His people.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Harden (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** A primitive root meaning "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate." In this context, when God "hardens" the hearts of the Egyptians, it implies that He is strengthening or confirming their existing stubbornness and defiance. It is not necessarily an imposition of an unwilling choice but rather God withdrawing His restraining grace or reinforcing a disposition that is already rebellious. This divine action ensures that Pharaoh's pursuit will serve God's ultimate purpose of demonstrating His power and achieving His honor through judgment.
* **Honour (Hebrew, _kâbad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to be heavy, i.e. in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable; causatively, to make weighty (in the same two senses)." Here, "honour" refers to God's inherent weight, glory, reputation, and manifest presence. When God declares, "I will get me honour," it signifies His intention to publicly display His intrinsic worth, power, and supremacy. This is a divine imperative to reveal His unique identity as the one true God, in stark contrast to the impotent gods of Egypt and the hubris of Pharaoh. This honor is achieved through the dramatic and decisive overthrow of Egypt's might.
* **Host (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** From חוּל, meaning "probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength." By targeting "all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen," God emphasizes the comprehensive nature of His victory over the very symbols of Egypt's power, security, and military might. It signifies a complete and utter defeat of their entire military apparatus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them":** This opening clause powerfully underscores God's direct and sovereign agency. The emphatic repetition of "I, behold, I" highlights His personal involvement, deliberate intent, and unwavering resolve. The hardening of hearts is not an arbitrary act but a strategic, purposeful move designed to ensure the Egyptians' pursuit of Israel. This pursuit will lead them directly into the trap God has set, demonstrating God's ultimate control even over the wills and actions of His adversaries. It reveals that human rebellion can be woven into God's larger tapestry of divine purpose.
* **"and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen":** This second clause reveals the ultimate, overarching purpose behind God's sovereign action: His own glory and the manifestation of His inherent worth. The specific enumeration of "Pharaoh," "all his host," "his chariots," and "his horsemen" highlights the totality and comprehensiveness of God's triumph. God's honor is magnified by His decisive victory over the most powerful empire of the ancient world and its seemingly invincible military, unequivocally proving His supremacy over all false gods, human rulers, and earthly might. This public display of power serves to vindicate His name and establish His unique identity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Repetition** is evident in the emphatic "And I, behold, I," which serves to underscore God's direct, personal, and active involvement in the unfolding events, leaving no doubt about His sovereign agency. **Merism** (or enumeration) is utilized through the comprehensive listing of "Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen." This specific and exhaustive catalog serves to emphasize that every aspect of Egyptian power, from its divine ruler to its most advanced military components, will be utterly subjected to God's judgment and will contribute to His honor. It signifies a complete and total victory, leaving no element of their might untouched. Furthermore, a strong sense of **Dramatic Irony** pervades the declaration. The Egyptians, in their zealous pursuit, believe they are exercising their formidable power and reclaiming their slaves, yet God has already declared that their very actions will serve as the means for His honor and their inevitable destruction. Their perceived strength becomes the very instrument of their downfall, orchestrated by the God they defy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 14:17 is profoundly rich in theological truth, primarily revealing God's absolute sovereignty, His unyielding justice, and His unwavering commitment to His own glory and the deliverance of His people. This theme of God's sovereignty over human will, and His ability to use even the resistance and evil intentions of adversaries for His divine purposes, resonates powerfully throughout the entire biblical narrative. The Red Sea event, directly initiated by this divine declaration, stands as a foundational act of deliverance, frequently referenced in the Psalms and prophetic books as the quintessential paradigm of God's mighty acts of salvation and His triumph over all opposition. It underscores that God's plans cannot be thwarted, and His glory will ultimately be revealed through His decisive intervention in human history.

* [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's Purpose in Raising Up Pharaoh")
* [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "Paul's Exposition on God's Sovereign Purpose for Pharaoh")
* [Psalm 78:12-16](/psalm/78-12-16 "God's Wonders in Egypt and the Red Sea Deliverance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 14:17 offers profound encouragement and a vital perspective for believers navigating the complexities of life today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is actively sovereign over all circumstances, even over the most formidable resistance and opposition from those who defy Him. When we find ourselves facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles, feeling trapped between an advancing threat and an impassable barrier—whether it be personal struggles, societal injustices, or spiritual warfare—this verse assures us that God's plans will ultimately prevail, and His glory will be magnificently revealed. We can rest in the profound truth that He is meticulously working all things, even the actions of our adversaries, for His ultimate honor and for the good of His people, ultimately leading to our deliverance. This liberating truth frees us from the grip of anxiety and empowers us to trust in His unseen hand, knowing that He orchestrates events with perfect wisdom and power to display His faithfulness and bring about His redemptive purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty in hardening Pharaoh's heart impact your view of difficult circumstances or opposition you are currently facing in your own life?**
* **In what specific ways might God be seeking to "get honor" for Himself through the challenges or seemingly impossible situations that you or your community are currently experiencing?**
* **How does the Red Sea narrative, initiated by God's powerful declaration in this verse, encourage you to trust God's deliverance and provision when you feel "trapped" or without a clear way forward?**

### FAQ
**Does 'hardening hearts' mean God overrides human free will?**

Answer: The concept of God hardening hearts in Exodus is complex and multifaceted, inviting careful theological reflection. It does not necessarily imply that God forces an unwilling person to rebel against their true desires. Rather, it often describes God confirming or strengthening a person's existing rebellious disposition, or withdrawing His restraining grace that might otherwise have led to repentance. Pharaoh had repeatedly hardened his own heart through his own choices before God acted to harden it (e.g., [Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Pharaoh Hardens His Own Heart After a Plague")). God's hardening is always purposeful, serving His ultimate redemptive plan to demonstrate His power, vindicate His name, and deliver His people, not to arbitrarily condemn. It highlights God's ability to work through human choices, even sinful ones, to achieve His sovereign will.

**Why would God want 'honor' for Himself? Isn't that prideful?**

Answer: God's desire for "honor" (*kavod*) is fundamentally different from human pride or ego. It refers to the appropriate and necessary display and recognition of His inherent worth, His weighty glory, and His unique identity as the supreme, all-powerful, and only true God. For God to "get honor" means He is revealing His true nature and demonstrating His rightful supremacy over all creation, including human rulers and false gods. This revelation is not for His own benefit in the way a human seeks validation, but it is essential for humanity's proper understanding of reality, for genuine worship, and for the pathway to salvation. It is for our ultimate good that God's glory is revealed, as it draws us into right relationship with our Creator and Redeemer.

**Is God using people as puppets if He hardens their hearts?**

Answer: No, the biblical narrative consistently presents Pharaoh as a responsible moral agent who makes his own choices. God's hardening of Pharaoh's heart is not about forcing an unwilling puppet to act against his nature, but about God sovereignly working through Pharaoh's existing rebellion and choices to accomplish His greater purposes. Pharaoh's defiance and refusal to let Israel go were his own, but God used this defiance as the grand stage upon which to display His power and faithfulness, ensuring that His name would be declared throughout the earth. This dynamic highlights God's profound ability to orchestrate events, even through human sin and opposition, without negating human responsibility or free will. It is a testament to His ultimate control over history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Red Sea deliverance, initiated by God's sovereign declaration in [Exodus 14:17](/exodus/14-17 "God's Declaration to Harden Egyptian Hearts"), serves as a profound type and foreshadowing of the ultimate salvation wrought by Jesus Christ. Just as God "got honor" upon Pharaoh and his host by delivering Israel from physical slavery and certain death, Jesus Christ, through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, "got honor" for God by delivering humanity from the far greater bondage of sin, spiritual death, and the oppressive power of the devil. The destructive power of Pharaoh's army, representing human might and opposition to God's will, is utterly defeated and engulfed at the Red Sea, a vivid image of divine judgment. Similarly, the cross of Christ represents God's decisive and ultimate victory over the spiritual forces of darkness and the ultimate enemies of humanity—sin and death. The Apostle Paul speaks of Christ "disarming the rulers and authorities and putting them to open shame by triumphing over them in Him" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). The Red Sea event was a powerful demonstration of God's power to save His people through judgment upon their enemies; the cross is the supreme demonstration of God's power to save His people through judgment upon sin itself, fulfilled in Christ's atoning sacrifice. Furthermore, the theme of "hardening hearts" finds a deeper theological echo in the New Testament. While some hearts were hardened against Christ, leading to His crucifixion, this very act became the paradoxical means of God's greatest display of honor and salvation for all humanity. The temporary hardening of Israel's heart, for example, is presented by Paul as part of God's sovereign plan to bring salvation to the Gentiles, ultimately leading to a greater, more encompassing display of God's mercy and glory ([Romans 11:25-32](/romans/11-25-32 "The Hardening of Israel and God's Mercy for All")). Jesus is the ultimate Deliverer, the one through whom God's glory (*kavod*) is most perfectly revealed, as He is the "radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Jesus as the Radiance of God's Glory")). The Red Sea deliverance thus powerfully points forward to the greater, spiritual deliverance accomplished by the Son of God, who alone secures eternal freedom and brings true honor to His Father.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 14:8

And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand.

Exodus 14:4

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.

Ezekiel 34:20

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD unto them; Behold, I, [even] I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle.

Ezekiel 34:11

For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, [even] I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.

Deuteronomy 32:39

¶ See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand.

Isaiah 48:15

I, [even] I, have spoken; yea, I have called him: I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous.

Ezekiel 6:3

And say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD to the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys; Behold, I, [even] I, will bring a sword upon you, and I will destroy your high places.