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Commentary on Exodus 14 verses 1–9
We have here,
I. Instructions given to Moses concerning Israel's motions and encampments, which were so very surprising that if Moses had not express orders about them before they would scarcely have been persuaded to follow the pillar of cloud and fire. That therefore there might be no scruple nor dissatisfaction about it, Moses is told before, 1. Whither they must go, Exo 14:1, Exo 14:2. They had got to the edge of the wilderness (Exo 13:20), and a stage or two more would have brought them to Horeb, the place appointed for their serving God; but, instead of going forward, they are ordered to turn short off, on the right hand from Canaan, and to march towards the Red Sea. Where they were, at Etham, there was no sea in their way to obstruct their passage: but God himself orders them into straits, which might give them an assurance that when his purposes were served he would without fail bring them out of those straits. Note, God sometimes raises difficulties in the way of the salvation of his people, that he may have the glory of subduing them, and helping his people over them. 2. What God designed in these strange orders. Moses would have yielded an implicit obedience, though God had given him no reason; but shall he hide from Moses the thing that he does? No, Moses shall know, (1.) That Pharaoh has a design to ruin Israel, Exo 14:3. (2.) That therefore God has a design to ruin Pharaoh, and he takes this way to effect it, Exo 14:4. Pharaoh's sagacity would conclude that Israel was entangled in the wilderness and so would become an easy prey to him; and, that he might be the more apt to think so, God orders them into yet greater entanglements; also, by turning them so much out of their road, he amazes him yet more, and gives him further occasion to suppose that they were in a state of embarrassment and danger. And thus (says God) I will be honoured upon Pharaoh. Note, [1.] All men being made for the honour of their Maker, those whom he is not honoured by he will be honoured upon. [2.] What seems to tend to the church's ruin is often overruled to the ruin of the church's enemies, whose pride and malice are fed by Providence, that they may be ripened for destruction.
II. Pharaoh's pursuit of Israel, in which, while he gratifies his own malice and revenge, he is furthering the accomplishment of God's counsels concerning him. It was told him that the people fled, Exo 14:5. Such a fright was he in, when he gave them leave to go, that when the fright was a little over he either forgot, or would not own, that they departed with his consent, and therefore was willing that it should be represented to him as a revolt from their allegiance. Thus what may easily be justified is easily condemned, by putting false colours upon it. Now, hereupon,
1.He reflects upon it with regret that he had connived at their departure. He and his servants, though it was with the greatest reason in the world that they had let Israel go, yet were now angry with themselves for it: Why have we done thus? (1.) It vexed them that Israel had their liberty, that they had lost the profit of their labours, and the pleasure of chastising them. It is meat and drink to proud persecutors to trample upon the saints of the Most High, and say to their souls, Bow down, that we may go over; and therefore it vexes them to have their hands tied. Note, The liberty of God's people is a heavy grievance to their enemies, Est 5:12, Est 5:13; Act 5:17, Act 5:33. (2.) It aggravated the vexation that they themselves had consented to it, thinking now that they might have hindered it, and that they needed not to have yielded, though they had stood it out to the last extremity. Thus God makes men's envy and rage against his people a torment to themselves, Psa 112:10. It was well done to let Israel go, and what they would have reflected on with comfort if they had done it from an honest principle; but doing it by constraint, they called themselves a thousand fools for doing it, and passionately wished it undone again. Note, It is very common, but very absurd and criminal, for people to repent of their good deeds; their justice and charity, and even their repentance, are repented of. See an instance somewhat like this, Jer 34:10, Jer 34:11.
2.He resolves, if possible, either to reduce them or to be revenged on them; in order to this, he levies an army, musters all his force of chariots and horsemen, Exo 14:17, Exo 14:18 (for, it should seem, he took no foot with him, because the king's business required haste), and thus he doubts not but he shall re-enslave them, Exo 14:6, Exo 14:7. It is easy to imagine what a rage Pharaoh was now in, roaring like a lion disappointed of his prey, how his proud heart aggravated the affront, swelled with indignation, scorned to be baffled, longed to be revenged: and now all the plagues are as if they had never been. He has quite forgotten the sorrowful funerals of his firstborn, and can think of nothing but making Israel feel his resentments; now he thinks he can be too hard for God himself; for, otherwise, could he have hoped to conquer a people so dear to him? God gave him up to these passions of his own heart, and so hardened it. It is said (Exo 14:8), The children of Israel went out with a high hand, that is, with a great deal of courage and bravery, triumphing in their release, and resolved to break through the difficulties that lay in their way. But the Egyptians (Exo 14:9) pursued after them. Note, Those that in good earnest set their faces heaven-ward, and will live godly in Christ Jesus, must expect to be set upon by Satan's temptations and terrors. He will not tamely part with any out of his service, nor go out without raging, Mar 9:26.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 14:5 marks a pivotal moment in the Israelites' journey from Egypt, revealing Pharaoh's immediate and economically driven change of heart. Upon receiving intelligence that the people had not merely departed for a temporary religious festival but had definitively "fled," Pharaoh and his advisors were consumed by regret over releasing their massive, unpaid workforce. This sudden reversal of disposition set the stage for their ill-fated pursuit of Israel and the climactic, divinely orchestrated confrontation at the Red Sea.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs significant dramatic irony, as Pharaoh and his servants, in their shortsighted pursuit of economic gain and reassertion of power, believe they are making a strategic decision. In reality, they are unwittingly walking directly into the trap God had meticulously set for them, fulfilling His prophetic word to Moses. Their regret and subsequent pursuit are precisely the means by which God will display His ultimate power at the Red Sea. The rhetorical question ("Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?") powerfully conveys their immediate, self-serving regret and highlights the economic rather than spiritual nature of their "repentance," thereby setting the stage for their vengeful and ultimately self-destructive pursuit.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 14:5 vividly illustrates several profound theological truths. Firstly, it exposes the stubbornness and depravity of the unregenerate human heart in its rebellion against God, even after witnessing overwhelming divine power. Despite enduring ten devastating plagues, Pharaoh's "repentance" was superficial, a coerced response to pain rather than genuine conviction. Secondly, the verse powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty over human will and historical events. Pharaoh's change of heart and subsequent pursuit, though seemingly an act of human defiance, was precisely what God had foretold and orchestrated to further His redemptive purposes and magnify His glory. Thirdly, it highlights the stark clash between divine justice and human self-interest. Pharaoh's lament is purely economic, revealing his callous disregard for the Israelites' freedom and God's explicit command. This stands in stark contrast to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His righteous judgment against oppression. This theme of God's sovereign control over the hearts of rulers is a recurring motif throughout Scripture.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 14:5 offers enduring lessons for believers today. It serves as a potent reminder that true repentance involves a fundamental change of heart and mind, a turning to God, rather than merely a temporary cessation of sin driven by external pressure or negative consequences. Pharaoh's swift reversal, motivated purely by economic loss, stands as a stark warning against making decisions based solely on self-interest or convenience, rather than on the revealed will and principles of God. Furthermore, this passage profoundly illustrates God's magnificent ability to orchestrate even the opposition and resistance of His enemies for His greater redemptive purposes. When we encounter setbacks, face seemingly insurmountable obstacles, or experience the determined opposition of others in our lives or ministries, this verse encourages us to place our unwavering trust in God's sovereign plan. He can transform the "turning" of our adversaries into divine opportunities for His glory and our ultimate deliverance. For the Israelites, Pharaoh's terrifying pursuit paradoxically paved the way for the miraculous Red Sea deliverance, a foundational event that cemented their faith and God's eternal reputation.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Pharaoh change his mind so quickly after the devastating plagues?
Answer: Pharaoh's initial decision to let Israel go was not a genuine change of heart or an act of repentance, but rather a coerced response to the immense suffering and national devastation brought by the plagues, particularly the death of the firstborn. Once the immediate, overwhelming threat had passed and the Israelites had truly "fled" (indicating a permanent, defiant departure), his deep-seated pride, economic pragmatism, and stubborn resistance to God's will resurfaced. The immense economic loss of hundreds of thousands of slaves, coupled with the perceived insult to his absolute authority, quickly outweighed the terrifying memory of the plagues, leading him to regret his decision and seek to reclaim his "property."
Does this verse imply Pharaoh had free will, or was his heart hardened by God?
Answer: The Exodus narrative consistently presents a profound and complex interplay between Pharaoh's free will and God's sovereign action. In many instances, Pharaoh is explicitly described as hardening his own heart, making a conscious and defiant choice to resist God's commands (Exodus 8:15). However, God also repeatedly declares that He will harden Pharaoh's heart (Exodus 7:3) in order to demonstrate His power and glory to both Egypt and Israel. This verse (Exodus 14:5) describes Pharaoh's own internal reversal and regret, which is entirely consistent with his character and the choices he made throughout the narrative. Yet, this very act of "turning" his heart is precisely what God had foretold and orchestrated, leading Pharaoh and his army directly to their ultimate judgment at the Red Sea. Thus, Pharaoh acts freely, but his actions perfectly align with God's overarching divine plan to bring about His purposes and display His might.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 14:5, depicting Pharaoh's final, desperate attempt to reclaim Israel, finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Pharaoh's persistent rebellion and his ultimate, decisive defeat at the Red Sea serve as a powerful Old Testament type of the defeat of sin, death, and Satan through Christ. Just as Pharaoh, the embodiment of oppressive, tyrannical power, was decisively overthrown by God's mighty hand, so too has Christ, through His sacrificial life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, decisively triumphed over all the forces of spiritual bondage that enslave humanity. The Israelites' miraculous deliverance from Egyptian slavery through God's mighty hand prefigures the spiritual liberation offered to all who believe in Jesus. We, like ancient Israel, are born into slavery—not to an earthly Pharaoh, but to the dominion of sin and its eternal consequences. Christ's work on the cross is our ultimate "exodus," freeing us from the kingdom of darkness and transferring us into the glorious kingdom of His beloved Son (Colossians 1:13-14). Pharaoh's relentless pursuit of Israel, which ultimately led to his destruction, foreshadows the spiritual battle that Christ has already won, securing our freedom and ensuring that no enemy, no matter how powerful, can ultimately snatch us from His gracious hand (John 10:28). The "turning of the heart" in Pharaoh that leads to his judgment stands in stark contrast to the true repentance (a turning of the heart) that Jesus calls for, which leads to the forgiveness of sins, spiritual refreshing, and new life in Him (Acts 3:19).