Exodus 14:8

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} hardened {H2388} the heart {H3820} of Pharaoh {H6547} king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714}, and he pursued {H7291} after {H310} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}: and the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} went out {H3318} with an high {H7311} hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI made Pharaoh hardhearted, and he pursued the people of Isra'el, as they left boldly.

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt so that he pursued the Israelites, who were marching out defiantly.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 14:8 captures a pivotal moment in Israel's exodus, revealing God's sovereign orchestration of events as He intentionally hardened Pharaoh's heart, prompting the Egyptian king to pursue the newly freed Israelites. In stark contrast to Pharaoh's renewed hostility, the children of Israel marched out boldly and confidently, under the visible protection and power of the LORD, setting the stage for the dramatic and climactic display of divine power at the Red Sea.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the Israelites' long-awaited departure from Egypt, a direct consequence of the tenth and final plague—the death of the firstborn—which finally broke Pharaoh's initial resistance. The narrative in [Exodus 12:29-33](/exodus/12-29-33 "The Tenth Plague and Israel's Departure") depicts Pharaoh urging Israel to leave, seemingly conceding defeat. However, the divine intention to provoke a pursuit was already established earlier in [Exodus 14:4](/exodus/14-4 "God's Plan to Harden Pharaoh's Heart"), where God declares His purpose to harden Pharaoh's heart again. This hardening and subsequent pursuit are integral to the narrative's climax, leading directly to the miraculous deliverance at the Red Sea, detailed in [Exodus 14:21-28](/exodus/14-21-28 "The Crossing of the Red Sea"), which serves as the ultimate demonstration of God's power over Egypt and its gods.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the reigning monarch, like Pharaoh, was often considered a divine or semi-divine figure, whose will was intimately linked to the will of the gods. The departure of the Israelites, a significant source of slave labor, would have been perceived by Pharaoh not only as a massive economic loss but also as a profound affront to his authority and the gods of Egypt. The concept of "hardening" a heart in this context can be understood as both a divine strengthening of an existing disposition (Pharaoh's inherent stubbornness and pride) and a judicial act of divine judgment. God's hardening of Pharaoh's heart was not an arbitrary imposition of evil but the culmination of Pharaoh's persistent rebellion and defiance against God's commands, which had been evident throughout the preceding plague narratives, as seen in [Exodus 7:13](/exodus/7-13 "Pharaoh's Heart Hardened"). This divine action served God's larger redemptive purpose: to demonstrate His unmatched power over the pantheon of Egyptian deities and to secure His people's freedom in a way that left no doubt about His absolute sovereignty.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 14:8 significantly contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, illustrating that God is in complete control of historical events, even over the wills of powerful rulers like Pharaoh. This verse underscores God's ability to use human resistance to accomplish His purposes and display His glory, as foreshadowed in [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's Purpose for Pharaoh"). Another crucial theme is **Divine Deliverance**, as Pharaoh's hardened heart and subsequent pursuit are necessary precursors to the miraculous salvation at the Red Sea, which solidifies Israel's identity as a redeemed people. The contrast between Pharaoh's obstinacy and Israel's confident departure also highlights the theme of **Faith and Obedience**, though Israel's faith would soon be tested at the sea. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **God's Justice**, as Pharaoh's hardened heart is a righteous judgment for his repeated defiance and oppression of God's chosen people, fulfilling the divine declaration made as early as [Exodus 4:21](/exodus/4-21 "God's Warning to Pharaoh").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hardened (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** The verb H2388, _châzaq_, means "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer." In the context of Pharaoh's heart, it signifies that God strengthened or confirmed Pharaoh's pre-existing stubbornness and rebellious resolve. God did not compel Pharaoh to sin against his will; rather, He intensified the wicked inclination already present in Pharaoh's heart, allowing Pharaoh's full resistance to manifest, thereby enabling God to fulfill His redemptive plan and demonstrate His power.
* **Children (Hebrew, _bên'_):** The noun H1121, _bên_, from _bânâh_ (to build), refers to "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc.)." In this verse, "children of Israel" (H1121 + H3478) refers to the entire nation, emphasizing their identity as God's chosen offspring, a collective body being led out of bondage. This term highlights their familial relationship with Jacob (Israel) and their status as the covenant people for whom God acts.
* **High (Hebrew, _rûwm'_):** The verb H7311, _rûwm_, means "to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)." When combined with "hand" (H3027, _yâd_), it forms the idiom "with an high hand," signifying an open, bold, triumphant, and confident departure. It emphasizes that Israel's exodus was not a stealthy escape of fugitives but a visible, powerful act of God's deliverance, executed with authority and without fear, underscoring divine enablement and protection.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** The noun H3027, _yâd_, refers to "a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.),)." As part of the idiom "with an high hand," it symbolizes power, authority, and agency. The "high hand" of Israel is a reflection of the "mighty hand" of God that brought them out of Egypt, indicating their confident movement under His sovereign power and protection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt,"**: This opening clause unequivocally states that Pharaoh's change of mind and subsequent pursuit were a direct result of God's sovereign action. It emphasizes that God is not merely reacting to events but is actively orchestrating them to achieve His divine purposes. This hardening was a judicial act, allowing Pharaoh's inherent rebellion and pride to fully manifest, ultimately for God's greater glory and the demonstration of His power.
* **"and he pursued after the children of Israel:"**: As a direct and immediate consequence of God's hardening of his heart, Pharaoh, despite his earlier concession and the devastating plagues, reversed his decision. His pride, desire for control, and economic loss resurfaced, compelling him to mobilize his elite army for pursuit. This pursuit was divinely intended to set the stage for the dramatic and undeniable confrontation at the Red Sea, where God would achieve a final, decisive victory.
* **"and the children of Israel went out with an high hand."**: In powerful contrast to Pharaoh's renewed hostility and aggressive pursuit, the Israelites' departure is characterized by confidence, boldness, and triumph. They did not flee in fear or sneak away under cover of darkness but marched out openly and defiantly, assured of God's protection and power. This phrase highlights their status as a people delivered by an omnipotent God, not as mere fugitives, demonstrating their trust in His visible leadership and their freedom from Egyptian terror.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 14:8 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, starkly juxtaposing Pharaoh's renewed hostility and aggressive pursuit with Israel's confident and triumphant departure "with an high hand." This contrast highlights the divergent wills and destinies of the oppressor and the oppressed, both under God's sovereign control. The direct statement, "And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh," serves as a clear **Declaration of Divine Sovereignty**, leaving no ambiguity about the ultimate orchestrator of these dramatic events. It underscores that God is actively working behind the scenes, shaping human choices to fulfill His redemptive plan. Furthermore, the phrase "with an high hand" is a vivid **Idiom** and **Metaphor** for strength, authority, and triumph, visually representing Israel's bold exodus not as a fearful flight but as a confident march under divine protection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 14:8 profoundly teaches about God's absolute **sovereignty** over all of creation, including the wills and actions of human rulers and the unfolding of history. It demonstrates that even the resistance and defiance of wicked individuals can be incorporated into God's larger redemptive plan to display His glory and secure the deliverance of His people. This verse also highlights God's **justice**, as Pharaoh's heart was hardened not arbitrarily, but as a judicial consequence of his persistent rebellion and refusal to acknowledge God's authority and release His people. The theme of **divine deliverance** is central, as Pharaoh's divinely orchestrated pursuit sets the stage for the ultimate, undeniable demonstration of God's power at the Red Sea, solidifying Israel's faith and revealing God's unwavering covenant faithfulness to His chosen nation.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.")
* [Romans 9:17-18](/romans/9-17-18 "For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, 'For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.' So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.")
* [Deuteronomy 26:8](/deuteronomy/26-8 "And the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror, with signs and wonders.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound encouragement for believers navigating opposition and challenges in contemporary life. It serves as a powerful reminder that even when obstacles appear insurmountable or when adversaries pursue us, God remains sovereignly at work. Our challenges are not outside of His divine plan; rather, they can be integral to it, often designed to bring about greater displays of His power, faithfulness, and glory. We are called to walk "with an high hand"—not with human arrogance or self-reliance, but with the profound confidence and boldness that stem from knowing our ultimate deliverance and victory are secured by an all-powerful God who actively fights for us. This posture of confident trust allows us to face difficulties not with fear, but with the assurance that God is orchestrating all things for our good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over difficult circumstances (like Pharaoh's pursuit) change your perspective on current challenges or opposition in your life?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to "sneak away" in fear or operate covertly, and how might you instead choose to walk "with an high hand," trusting in God's visible power and provision?**
* **What does this verse teach you about the nature of God's justice, His patience with those who resist Him, and the ultimate certainty of His redemptive plan?**

### FAQ
**Did God force Pharaoh to sin by hardening his heart?**

Answer: No, the biblical understanding of "hardening" in this context does not imply that God compelled a righteous Pharaoh to sin against his will. Instead, God's action was a strengthening or confirming of Pharaoh's pre-existing rebellious and defiant nature. Pharaoh had already demonstrated a stubborn refusal to obey God's commands through multiple plagues, consistently hardening his own heart (e.g., [Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Pharaoh Hardens His Heart")). God's action was a judicial one, allowing Pharaoh's inherent wickedness and pride to fully manifest, thereby serving God's ultimate purpose to display His power and secure Israel's deliverance. It was a divine response to Pharaoh's persistent unrepentance and a means to bring about a greater demonstration of divine glory, as indicated in [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "God's Purpose for Pharaoh").

**What does "with an high hand" mean for us today as believers?**

Answer: "With an high hand" signifies a confident, bold, and triumphant departure or action, rather than a fearful, secretive, or hesitant one. For believers today, it means living with unwavering confidence and assurance in God's power, presence, and provision, even when facing significant opposition or uncertainty. It encourages us to recognize that our spiritual victories, our freedom from sin's bondage, and our daily deliverances come from God's mighty hand, not from our own strength, cunning, or efforts. It calls us to live openly as God's redeemed people, trusting in His manifest protection and provision, and confidently pursuing His will, knowing that He has gone before us and will fight for us.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 14:8, with its profound theme of God's sovereign hardening of an enemy for the ultimate deliverance of His people, finds its most glorious and complete fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as Pharaoh's obstinate resistance served to magnify God's power and secure Israel's physical exodus from bondage in the Old Testament, so too did the opposition, rejection, and ultimate crucifixion of Jesus by the spiritual and political powers of His day lead to the greatest act of deliverance—the New Exodus from the bondage of sin and death. Jesus, the ultimate deliverer and the true Passover Lamb (as seen in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), conquers the spiritual "Pharaoh" (Satan and the dominion of sin) not through military might, but through His obedient sacrifice on the cross. His resurrection is the ultimate "high hand" with which God brings His people out of spiritual slavery, demonstrating His supreme authority over sin, death, and all spiritual enemies ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.")). Through Christ, believers are empowered to live "with an high hand," confident in their spiritual freedom and the decisive victory secured by their Lord, no longer enslaved to fear or sin, but walking in the glorious liberty of the children of God ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.")).

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

Acts 13:17

The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.

Numbers 33:3

And they departed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the morrow after the passover the children of Israel went out with an high hand in the sight of all the Egyptians.

Deuteronomy 26:8

And the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders:

Exodus 6:1

¶ Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.

Exodus 13:16

And it shall be for a token upon thine hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes: for by strength of hand the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt.

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 13:18

But God led the people about, [through] the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.