Exodus 14:18

KJV

And the Egyptians shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the Egyptians {H4714} shall know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}, when I have gotten me honour {H3513} upon Pharaoh {H6547}, upon his chariots {H7393}, and upon his horsemen {H6571}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the Egyptians will realize that I am ADONAI, when I have won myself glory at the expense of Pharaoh, his chariots and his cavalry."

Berean Standard Bible

The Egyptians will know that I am the LORD when I am honored through Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.”

American Standard Version

And the Egyptians shall know that I am Jehovah, when I have gotten me honor upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 14:18 serves as a profound divine declaration, articulating God's explicit purpose for the impending cataclysm at the Red Sea: to compel the Egyptians, through an undeniable display of power and judgment, to recognize His supreme identity as YHWH, the one true God. This act of decisive victory over Pharaoh and his formidable military forces was designed to bring honor and glory to God's name, vindicating His sovereignty and demonstrating His absolute preeminence over all earthly powers and false deities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed just prior to the climactic and miraculous [parting of the Red Sea](/exodus/14-21 "The Parting of the Red Sea") and the subsequent [destruction of Pharaoh's pursuing army](/exodus/14-26 "The Destruction of Pharaoh's Army"). The narrative tension is at its peak: the Israelites are seemingly trapped between the impassable sea and the advancing Egyptian forces. God's preceding instructions to Moses in [Exodus 14:15-17](/exodus/14-15-17 "God's Command to Moses and Promise of Victory") reveal His sovereign plan to harden Pharaoh's heart further, ensuring the Egyptians would follow the Israelites into the sea. This divine declaration in verse 18 thus functions as a theological preface, framing the impending miracle not merely as an escape for Israel, but as a purposeful act of divine self-revelation and the acquisition of glory for God's name, fulfilling earlier promises of His power being made known.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was the dominant superpower of its era, and its Pharaoh was revered as a living deity, the embodiment of the gods on earth. The Egyptian pantheon was extensive, with deities governing every aspect of life, from the Nile's fertility to warfare. The entire Exodus narrative, from the ten plagues to the Red Sea crossing, represents a direct, escalating confrontation between the God of Israel, YHWH, and the gods of Egypt, culminating in the decisive defeat of Pharaoh and his elite military—the most formidable fighting force in the ancient world. In a culture deeply steeped in concepts of honor and shame, God's declaration of "getting honor" (or "glory") signifies His public vindication and the undeniable acknowledgment of His supremacy over all rival claims to divinity and power. This event was far more than a military triumph; it was a profound theological statement, proving unequivocally that YHWH alone is Lord, a purpose God had explicitly stated earlier in [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's Purpose for Pharaoh's Existence").
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 14:18 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores **God's Absolute Sovereignty**, demonstrating His complete control over nations, rulers, and natural forces, even using the obstinacy of human defiance to achieve His divine purposes. Secondly, it is a pivotal expression of **God's Self-Revelation**, a core theme throughout Exodus where God systematically makes Himself known, not only to His covenant people Israel but also to the surrounding nations. The Red Sea event is the ultimate, undeniable proof of His unique identity and power, forcing even His enemies to acknowledge Him. Thirdly, the verse highlights **Divine Justice and Vindication**, portraying God's righteous judgment against oppression and rebellion. By "getting honor" through the defeat of Pharaoh, God demonstrates His holiness and justice, vindicating His character and establishing His name as the sovereign Lord among all peoples, a truth echoed in passages like [Psalm 46:10](/psalms/46-10 "Be Still, and Know That I Am God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 14:18 is a powerful statement of divine purpose, laying bare God's intention behind the impending judgment and deliverance.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ_):** This verb (H3045) signifies more than mere intellectual understanding or factual awareness; it implies a deep, experiential, and often compelled recognition. For the Egyptians, it means a forced acknowledgment of YHWH's unique power and authority through direct, undeniable, and devastating experience, rather than simple mental assent. It's a knowing that comes through demonstration and consequence, leading to a profound, if unwilling, realization of God's identity and supremacy.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh_):** This is God's personal, covenant name (H3068), derived from the verb "to be," emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and unwavering faithfulness to His promises. The declaration "I am the LORD" (or "I am YHWH") is a foundational statement of divine identity throughout the Old Testament, asserting His unique, unchallengeable sovereignty and His active presence in history. It distinguishes Him absolutely from all other gods and powers.
* **honour (Hebrew, _kâbad_):** This primitive root (H3513) literally means "to be heavy" or "to be weighty," and figuratively, "to be glorious," "to be honored," or "to be respected." In this context, it refers to God gaining profound respect, recognition, and vindication. It is not about God needing His ego stroked, but about His inherent character, immense power, and perfect justice being publicly displayed and acknowledged by all, especially after Pharaoh's repeated defiance and blasphemous challenge to His authority. God's "honor" here is His intrinsic glory revealed through His decisive and undeniable action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Egyptians shall know that I [am] the LORD,"**: This opening clause unequivocally states God's primary objective: self-revelation. While the plagues had already demonstrated His power, Pharaoh's hardened heart and the Egyptians' continued idolatry prevented true "knowing" of YHWH's unique identity. The Red Sea event would serve as the ultimate, undeniable, and terrifying proof of YHWH's identity and supremacy, forcing the Egyptians to acknowledge what they had stubbornly denied. This "knowing" is a direct, inescapable consequence of God's mighty and fearful acts.
* **"when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh,"**: God's self-revelation is inextricably linked to His "getting honor" or glory. This is a divine vindication against Pharaoh's arrogant defiance and his claim to divine status. Pharaoh, who had challenged YHWH's authority and oppressed His people, would be utterly humiliated, and God's glory would be magnified precisely in his spectacular defeat. This honor is not something God earns from human effort but is manifested through His sovereign, irresistible intervention, demonstrating His inherent worth and power.
* **"upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen."**: The specific objects of God's judgment are Pharaoh's elite military forces. Chariots and horsemen represented the pinnacle of ancient military might, serving as potent symbols of human power, pride, and national security. By utterly destroying these formidable instruments of oppression, God demonstrates with absolute clarity that no human strength, no matter how advanced or numerous, can stand against His divine will. This targeted destruction dismantles the very source of Egypt's confidence and its capacity for oppression, ensuring a complete, public, and undeniable defeat that magnifies God's power.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **divine monologue**, presenting God's direct and authoritative declaration of His intent, emphasizing His active role and deliberate purpose. There is a strong element of **foreshadowing**, as God explicitly states the outcome of the impending confrontation before the event itself unfolds, thereby highlighting His omniscient control and predetermined plan. The recurring phrase "I am the LORD" functions as a powerful **divine self-attestation**, a foundational motif throughout the Exodus narrative and beyond, affirming God's unique, self-existent identity and supreme authority. Furthermore, the specific focus on "Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen" utilizes **synecdoche**, a literary device where a part (Pharaoh and his elite forces) represents the whole (the entire might and arrogance of the Egyptian empire), signifying a comprehensive and decisive victory over all that Egypt represented.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 14:18 powerfully encapsulates several profound theological truths that resonate throughout the biblical narrative. It unequivocally asserts God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, nations, and human rulers, demonstrating that even the most powerful empire of the ancient world is subject to His will. God uses their defiance and rebellion as a stage to accomplish His ultimate purposes and display His incomparable glory. A core theme of the Exodus narrative is God making Himself known, not just to Israel, but to all the nations. This verse highlights that God's acts of judgment and deliverance are fundamentally acts of self-revelation, meticulously designed to demonstrate His unique identity as the one true, living God. Moreover, the destruction of Pharaoh's army is portrayed as a righteous act of divine justice against persistent oppression and rebellion. God "gets honor" by justly punishing those who defy Him and brutally oppress His chosen people, thereby vindicating His own holy character and establishing His name as supreme among the nations.

This theme of God making Himself known through decisive acts of judgment and deliverance is a recurring motif throughout the biblical narrative:
* [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's Purpose for Pharaoh") explicitly states God's purpose in raising up Pharaoh: "But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth."
* [Psalm 46:10](/psalms/46-10 "Be Still, and Know That I Am God") echoes this divine command for universal recognition: "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
* [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "God's Purpose for Pharaoh in Romans") quotes Exodus 9:16, applying it to God's sovereign election and His unquestionable right to make His power known through both His mercy and His righteous judgment.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 14:18 offers powerful assurance and profound insight for believers today. When we face seemingly insurmountable obstacles—whether personal challenges, societal injustices, or overwhelming opposition from forces beyond our control—this verse serves as a potent reminder that God is utterly sovereign over all circumstances. He is perfectly capable of delivering His people, and He will use even the most challenging and threatening situations to display His glory and vindicate His holy name. Our trust, therefore, should never be placed in human strength, military might, or material resources, but solely in the limitless power of God, who ultimately triumphs over all opposition. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep awareness of God's active and purposeful presence in the world, working out His grand designs even through the resistance and rebellion of those who oppose Him. It calls us to rest in His sovereignty, knowing that His honor and glory are always at stake, and He will not fail to uphold them.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what current "Red Sea" situations in my life or the world do I need to trust God's sovereignty to "get honor" and make His name known?**
* **How does recognizing God's ultimate purpose of self-revelation (making Himself known) transform my perspective on difficult, seemingly impossible circumstances?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "know" the LORD experientially, beyond mere intellectual understanding, in the practical realities of my daily life?**

### FAQ
**Did God truly need to "get honor" or glory, as if He were insecure or lacked something?**

Answer: No, God does not need anything, as He is perfectly self-sufficient, eternally glorious, and complete within Himself. The Hebrew word *kâbad* (honour/glory) in this context speaks to God's vindication and the public, undeniable display of His inherent majesty, power, and righteousness. Pharaoh had repeatedly defied God, oppressed His people, and challenged His supreme authority. God "gets honor" by demonstrating His absolute supremacy over Pharaoh, the gods of Egypt, and all human arrogance, thereby proving His unique identity and perfect justice. It is not about God gaining something He lacked, but about His existing, infinite glory being revealed and acknowledged by those who had previously rejected or ignored it, and by His people who needed to see His saving power.

**Why did God harden Pharaoh's heart if He wanted Pharaoh to "know" Him?**

Answer: The hardening of Pharaoh's heart served God's ultimate, overarching purpose of demonstrating His power and glory to both Israel and the nations, ensuring that His name would be proclaimed throughout the earth. While Pharaoh initially hardened his own heart in defiance, God's subsequent hardening was a judicial act, allowing Pharaoh's rebellion and opposition to reach its full, defiant extent. This deliberate allowance ensured that God's decisive victory and the display of His power would be undeniably clear, magnificent, and comprehensive. This allowed for a greater, more profound "knowing" for the Egyptians and a deeper, more enduring faith for Israel, fulfilling God's stated purpose in [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's Purpose for Pharaoh"). It highlights God's sovereignty even over human will, using it to accomplish His redemptive and revelatory plans.

**Does this event imply God is vengeful?**

Answer: While the destruction of Pharaoh's army was a severe and terrifying judgment, it is more accurately understood as an act of divine justice rather than human vengeance. God is inherently righteous and just; He responds to persistent rebellion, egregious sin, and centuries of brutal oppression. Pharaoh and Egypt had enslaved and cruelly exploited Israel for centuries, and Pharaoh had repeatedly defied God's explicit commands and rejected His warnings. God's action at the Red Sea was a righteous consequence for their unrepentant sin, a powerful demonstration of His holiness, and a faithful fulfillment of His covenant promises to deliver His people. It was a necessary act to secure Israel's freedom, vindicate His own character, and establish His name as the sovereign Lord before all the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 14:18, with its declaration of God "getting honor" through the decisive defeat of a powerful enemy and the miraculous deliverance of His people, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as God gained unparalleled honor over Pharaoh, his chariots, and horsemen at the Red Sea, Jesus Christ, through His sacrificial life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, gained ultimate honor and decisive victory over far greater enemies: sin, death, and the spiritual forces of evil that hold humanity captive. The cross, which appeared to be a humiliating defeat, was in fact God's most decisive and glorious act of "getting honor" by disarming and triumphing over the powers that enslaved humanity ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). The "knowing" of God that the Egyptians experienced at the Red Sea was a terrifying, external, and compelled acknowledgment. In Christ, however, God reveals Himself fully, intimately, and redemptively. Jesus is the "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Jesus, the Radiance of God's Glory")), and through His life, teachings, and especially His atoning death and resurrection, humanity is invited to truly "know" God experientially, not merely as a powerful judge, but as a loving Father who provides salvation. The miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage profoundly foreshadows the infinitely greater spiritual deliverance from the bondage of sin and death accomplished by Christ. His resurrection is the ultimate "parting of the Red Sea" for humanity, providing a way of escape from spiritual slavery into new life and freedom ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Newness of Life in Christ")). Ultimately, God's "getting honor" at the Red Sea was primarily through judgment, but in Christ, God's honor and glory are supremely revealed not only in His perfect justice but, even more profoundly, in His boundless redemptive love and mercy. The cross is the preeminent place where God's justice and love perfectly converge, bringing Him the greatest glory by saving a people for Himself, demonstrating His character in its fullest, most beautiful expression.

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 7:5

And the Egyptians shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.

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.

Exodus 7:17

Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that [is] in mine hand upon the waters which [are] in the river, and they shall be turned to blood.