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Exodus 14:8

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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.

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}.

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

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

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

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."

Context

This verse immediately follows the departure of the Israelites from Egypt after the tenth and final plague. Pharaoh had finally let them go, seemingly defeated. However, God declares that He would harden Pharaoh's heart, prompting Pharaoh to change his mind and pursue the Israelites as they began their journey towards freedom. This sets the stage for the dramatic events at the Red Sea.

Key Themes

  • God's Sovereignty: The verse explicitly states that the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, demonstrating God's ultimate control over even the actions of rulers and nations. This was part of God's plan to display His power.
  • Pharaoh's Stubbornness: Despite witnessing ten devastating plagues, Pharaoh's inherent resistance to God and his desire to maintain control over the Israelite workforce resurface, enabled by God's action.
  • Israel's Confident Departure: The phrase "with an high hand" signifies that the Israelites did not sneak away in fear, but left openly and confidently, under the clear protection and authority of God.
  • Setting the Stage for Deliverance: Pharaoh's pursuit, orchestrated by God, was necessary for the subsequent miracle at the Red Sea, which would serve as a final, undeniable demonstration of God's power and judgment against Egypt.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "hardened" is chazaq (חזק), which can mean to be strong, firm, or courageous, but also to strengthen or make firm in resolve. In this context, God is confirming or strengthening Pharaoh's existing rebellious will, not forcing him against his nature, but making him resolute in his defiance, as God had previously indicated He would do.

The phrase "with an high hand" comes from the Hebrew yad ramah (יד רמה). This idiomatic expression denotes an open, bold, and triumphant departure, not a secret escape. It emphasizes that their leaving was not a result of human stealth but under the visible power and authority of God, demonstrating God's mighty hand at work.

Reflection and Application

Exodus 14:8 reminds us that even after moments of great deliverance and obedience, opposition may arise. God's plan often involves allowing challenges to develop in order to reveal His power in greater ways. Pharaoh's renewed pursuit, while terrifying for Israel, was part of God's sovereign design to lead to the miraculous Red Sea crossing, culminating in their ultimate liberation and God's glory. This verse encourages us to trust God's sovereignty even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, knowing that He is in control and can use resistance to achieve His purposes and display His power on our behalf, enabling us to walk "with a high hand" in confidence.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 13:17 (7 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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.