Exodus 14:1 - Meaning and Application

Here we have instructions given to Moses about Israel’s travel and camps. These orders were so surprising that, without clear directions, the people might hardly have been willing to keep following the pillar of cloud and fire. So Moses is told ahead of time where they must go, and why.

First, God tells them where to go (Exodus 14:1, Exodus 14:2). They had reached the edge of the wilderness (Exodus 13:20), and one or two more stages would have brought them to Horeb, the place where they were meant to serve God. Instead, they are told to turn sharply away, to the right hand from Canaan, and march toward the Red Sea. At Etham there was no sea blocking their path, but God led them into a place that looked tight and difficult. This showed them that, when his purpose was finished, he would surely bring them out again. God sometimes brings troubles into the way of his people’s rescue, so he may get the glory for overcoming them and helping them through.

Second, God explains his purpose in these strange orders. Moses would have obeyed fully even if God had given no reason, but God does not hide his work from Moses. Moses is told that Pharaoh is planning Israel’s destruction (Exodus 14:3), and that God will use this to destroy Pharaoh instead (Exodus 14:4). Pharaoh would think Israel was trapped in the wilderness and easy to seize, and God makes the situation look even more confused so Pharaoh will be drawn in farther. In this way, God says, “I will gain honor over Pharaoh.”

All people are made to honor their Maker. So those whom he is not honored by, he will be honored over. What seems to threaten the church’s ruin is often used to ruin the church’s enemies instead. Their pride and hatred are allowed to grow under God’s rule, until they are ready for destruction.

Next comes Pharaoh’s pursuit of Israel, which serves his own anger but also carries out God’s plan concerning him. He is told that the people have fled (Exodus 14:5). When he had let them go, he had been terrified; now that the fear has passed a little, he either forgets or refuses to admit that they left with his consent. He is willing to treat their departure as rebellion. In this way, what might easily have been defended is made to look guilty by false reports.

Pharaoh and his servants then look back on what they did with regret. Even though they had very good reason to let Israel go, they are now angry with themselves and ask, “Why have we done this?” First, it angered them that Israel was free, that they had lost their labor, and that they could no longer punish them. Proud persecutors take pleasure in trampling on God’s people, so it hurts them to have their power taken away. The freedom of God’s people is a bitter thing to their enemies (Esther 5:12, Esther 5:13; Acts 5:17, Acts 5:33). Second, it made them even more angry that they themselves had agreed to it. They now imagined they could have stopped it, and that they should never have given in.

In this way God often makes a person’s envy and rage turn into pain for himself (Psalm 112:10). Letting Israel go was the right thing to do, and if Pharaoh had done it from a good heart he might have looked back on it with peace. But because he had done it under pressure, he now called himself a fool and wished to undo it. It is sadly common, though deeply foolish and sinful, for people to regret their good actions. Even justice, kindness, and repentance can later be regretted. A similar case is seen in Jeremiah 34:10, Jeremiah 34:11.

Pharaoh then decides, if he can, either to bring Israel back under control or to take revenge on them. He gathers an army and assembles all his chariots and horsemen (Exodus 14:17, Exodus 14:18), and it seems he took no foot soldiers, because he wanted speed. He does this because he is sure he can force them back into slavery (Exodus 14:6, Exodus 14:7). It is easy to picture his rage. He is like a lion robbed of its prey, full of pride, anger, and scorn at being defeated. He has forgotten the sorrow of the firstborn’s burial and thinks only of revenge. At this point he even acts as if he can stand against God himself, for how else could he hope to conquer a people so dear to God? God gave him over to these desires, and in that way hardened his heart.

It is said that the children of Israel went out with a high hand (Exodus 14:8), meaning they left with courage and confidence, rejoicing in their deliverance and determined to face the hardships ahead. But the Egyptians pursued them (Exodus 14:9). Those who truly set their face toward heaven and mean to live godly lives in Christ Jesus must expect Satan’s attacks, threats, and temptations. He does not willingly let anyone go from his service, and when he is driven out, he goes out raging (Mark 9:26).