What does Exodus 14:18 reveal about God's purpose in delivering Israel? Setting the Scene • Israel is trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea (Exodus 14:1-17). • God has already declared His intent: “I will gain glory through Pharaoh” (v. 17). • Verse 18 repeats and sharpens that purpose. Key Verse (Exodus 14:18) “Then the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD, when I am honored through Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.” Purpose Unpacked • God’s primary aim is His own glory—“when I am honored.” • Deliverance is not only about rescuing Israel; it is about revealing God’s identity to their enemies. • The defeat of Pharaoh’s elite forces showcases Yahweh’s unmatched power. God’s Glory Displayed to the Nations • Earlier promise: “But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth” (Exodus 9:16; cf. Romans 9:17). • Result in Canaan: Rahab tells the spies, “We have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea for you… and our hearts melted” (Joshua 2:9-11). • Psalmist’s summary: “Yet He saved them for the sake of His name, to make His power known” (Psalm 106:7-8). • God repeats the pattern in later history: “I will show the holiness of My great name… then the nations will know that I am the LORD” (Ezekiel 36:22-23). Implications for Israel • Assurance: If God’s intent is His own glory, their rescue is guaranteed—His reputation is on the line. • Identity: They are chosen as a living testimony of God’s supremacy (Deuteronomy 4:32-35). Encouragement for Today • God’s deliverances still serve His glory and the spread of His fame. • Personal trials can become platforms for God to display His power and goodness to watching eyes. |
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