Old Testament
Exodus 14:17
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I myself will harden the Egyptians' hearts so they follow right in after them. Then I will gain glory through Pharaoh and his entire army — his chariots and his horsemen.
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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.
What Exodus 14:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God declares His intention to influence the hearts of the Egyptians, making them pursue the Israelites. This action is part of a larger plan to demonstrate His power and authority. By hardening their hearts, God ensures that Pharaoh and his army will follow the Israelites into the sea. This moment is crucial for showing the world that God is in control. The Egyptians, with their chariots and horsemen, represent the might of human strength, but they will ultimately be defeated. God’s glory will shine through this event, revealing His sovereignty over all nations. This story illustrates that sometimes, challenges arise to showcase a greater purpose. It reminds us that God can use difficult situations to reveal His greatness and deliverance. Trusting in God means believing that He can turn even the most daunting circumstances into opportunities for His glory to be revealed in our lives. His plans may not always align with our understanding, but they are always for a greater good.
How to apply Exodus 14:17 to your life
When facing challenges, remember that God can use difficult situations for His purpose. Trust that He is in control, even when things seem overwhelming. Look for ways to see His glory revealed in your life, especially during tough times. Your struggles can lead to greater understanding and strength in faith. Stay hopeful and faithful in His plans for you, even when uncertain paths lie ahead. “Trust in the process.” “Believe in the outcome.”
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14:1–31)
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Moses
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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Keep studying Exodus 14:17
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At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
Why did God want to gain glory through Pharaoh?
God's desire to gain glory through Pharaoh and his army highlights His sovereignty over all nations. By allowing the Egyptians to pursue the Israelites, God aimed to demonstrate His unmatched power in delivering His people. This event served as a pivotal moment in biblical history, revealing God's ability to triumph over human pride and strength, ultimately leading to the recognition of His greatness among the nations.
How can this verse apply to my life today?
Exodus 14:17 teaches us that God can use challenging situations to reveal His glory and purpose in our lives. When facing difficulties, remember that God is in control and can turn obstacles into opportunities for growth and faith. Trusting in His plans, even when they seem unclear, can lead to a deeper understanding of His sovereignty and a stronger faith. Look for ways God might be working through your struggles.
What lesson can we learn about faith from this verse?
From Exodus 14:17, we learn that faith involves trusting God even in uncertain and challenging circumstances. The Israelites faced a daunting pursuit by the Egyptians, yet God had a plan for their deliverance. This teaches us to remain hopeful and faithful, believing that God can use our struggles for His glory and our growth. It encourages us to trust in His timing and purpose, even when we cannot see the way forward.
What does Exodus 14:17 mean?
Exodus 14:17 centers on god's sovereignty. In this verse, God declares His intention to influence the hearts of the Egyptians, making them pursue the Israelites.
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