THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Regarding the 'hardening of the heart by God,' refer to Ex. 9:12. And all the Egyptians will recognize that I am the Lord - see Ex. 7:4-5, Ex. 9:16, Ex. 14:18.
Exodus 14:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers
And I shall harden his heart and he will pursue you: and I shall be glorified in Pharao, and in all his army: and the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord. And they did so.
וְחִזַּקְתִּ֣י אֶת־לֵב־פַּרְעֹה֮ וְרָדַ֣ף אַחֲרֵיהֶם֒ וְאִכָּבְדָ֤ה בְּפַרְעֹה֙ וּבְכָל־חֵיל֔וֹ וְיָדְע֥וּ מִצְרַ֖יִם כִּֽי־אֲנִ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וַיּֽ͏ַעֲשׂוּ־כֵֽן׃
The Church Fathers on this verse
2 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Vissarion (Nechaev)
God will strengthen Pharaoh's resolve, and in directing the Hebrews to follow an unusual and perilous route, He intends through this to offer Pharaoh a renewed opportunity to exhibit his obstinacy. This situation will reignite the stubbornness he had previously demonstrated, which had kept the Hebrews enslaved in Egypt despite various judgments. When Pharaoh learns of the supposed wandering of the Hebrews, he might doubt whether the God of the Hebrews has abandoned His followers or if they have lost faith in Moses, choosing not to leave Egypt as instructed. Consequently, he will chase after the Israelites to maintain their bondage.
Read more (135 words)
God declares, "And I will be glorified in Pharaoh, and in all his host." It is assured that through the punishment of Pharaoh and his forces, the Lord will reveal His glory through a powerful display of justice and might, namely by miraculously annihilating them in the sea. Through this extraordinary act, He will once more be acknowledged as the one true God and the ultimate defender of His people. The Egyptians will ultimately recognize this truth, understanding that He is the Lord—not only for the Hebrews who revere Him and follow Moses’ guidance but for all nations, including the Egyptians who will witness His mighty hand against them in the depths of the Red Sea, acknowledging His sovereignty and power. Thus, the Hebrews obeyed the command of the Lord and journeyed southward from Othom.
Cross references
Passages read together with this verse.
- Rom 9:22What if God, willing to shew his wrath and to make his power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath, fitted for destruction,
- Rom 9:23That he might shew the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy which he hath prepared unto glory?
- Rom 9:17For the scripture saith to Pharao: To this purpose have I raised thee, that I may shew my power in thee and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.
- Ex 7:5And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, who have stretched forth my hand upon Egypt, and have brought forth the children of Israel out of the midst of them.
- Ex 7:3But I shall harden his heart, and shall multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt.
- Ezek 28:22And shalt say: Thus saith the Lord God: Behold I come against thee, Sidon, and I will be glorified in the midst of thee: and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall execute judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her.
- Ex 7:17Thus therefore saith the Lord: In this thou shalt know that I am the Lord: behold I will strike with the rod, that is in my hand, the water of the river, and it shall be turned into blood.
- Ex 9:16And therefore have I raised thee, that I may shew my power in thee, and my name may be spoken of throughout all the earth.