Exodus 14:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen."

NIV: The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I gain glory through Pharaoh, his chariots and his horsemen."

NASB: Then the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord, when I am honored through Pharaoh, through his chariots, and through his horsemen.'

CSB: The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I receive glory through Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen."

NLT: When my glory is displayed through them, all Egypt will see my glory and know that I am the Lord!'

KJV: And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

NKJV: Then the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gained honor for Myself over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.”

During this story of the exodus, God has repeatedly demonstrated incredible power. This included devastating plagues on the Egyptians (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10, 24; 10:14, 23; 12:29–32) who had enslaved the nation of Israel (Exodus 1:8–14). Many Egyptians recognized these as signs of divine authority (Exodus 8:19; 10:7). This should have been more than enough to convince them to submit to the Lord. Yet they cooperated with enslaving Israel until the terrible death of Egyptian firstborn (Exodus 12:33). Their king was stubborn and refused to obey God's commands (Exodus 8:15, 31–32; 9:34–35; 10:19–20). Now, Pharaoh has led an army to bring Israel back into slavery (Exodus 14:5–9).

God is planning one final sign to show Egypt that He alone is sovereign (Exodus 7:5). Whether this will convince any of them to acknowledge Him as Lord, it will leave no doubt about His power. Israel will be free and separated from a thoroughly devastated Egypt by an entire sea (Exodus 14:21–27). None of the soldiers who participated in this attack will survive (Exodus 14:28). Israel, as well, will respond to this with increased faith in God (Exodus 14:31).

Exodus 14:15–31 records the monumental crossing of the Red Sea. Egypt's king has changed his mind about releasing Israel from slavery (Exodus 14:5–9). God has led the people to the shore of the "Sea of Reeds." This is not the same location as the modern-day Red Sea, but somewhere further north, probably the Gulf of Suez. The supernatural pillar leading Israel (Exodus 13:21–22) moves to block the oncoming soldiers. At God's command, Moses holds out his staff and the sea splits to open a path of dry land with a wall of water on each side. This allows Israel to cross during the night. Egypt's military attempts to follow. Moses again follows God's command to gesture with his staff, and the waters close over the Egyptian soldiers, eliminating every single one. Israel is now free both from slavery and any threat of being taken back by their former oppressors.

God leads Israel (Exodus 13:21–22) to make camp in front of the "Sea of Reeds." This is different from the modern-day Red Sea; it is more likely the Gulf of Suez or the wide Lake Timsah. As in the past (Exodus 8:15, 31–32; 9:34–35; 10:19–20), Pharaoh changes his mind about Israelite freedom. He gathers soldiers to pursue Israel and catches them at the shore. God blocks the incoming attackers and makes a dry path through the sea for Israel's escape. When the Egyptian forces attempt to follow, God closes the walls of water over them, drowning the entire army.

Egypt's king freed Israel after the devastating death of the firstborn on Passover (Exodus 12:29–32). God led the people southeast, rather than along northern roads (Exodus 13:17–18). This brings them the shore of the Sea of Reeds. Pharaoh sends his military to recapture—or annihilate—the Israelites. Instead, the Egyptian army drowns when God allows the Hebrews to cross between parted waters, only to close them when the soldiers pursue. The next chapter is a song of celebration, thanking God for His incredible, miraculous salvation (Exodus 15).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.