When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about them and said, "What have we done? We have released Israel from serving us." When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fledThis phrase indicates a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Exodus. The "king of Egypt" refers to Pharaoh, who is a central figure in the story of Israel's liberation. The term "fled" suggests a sudden departure, emphasizing the urgency and divine intervention in Israel's escape. Historically, Egypt was a powerful empire, and the loss of a large labor force would have significant economic implications. This moment reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to deliver His people from bondage, as seen in Exodus 3:7-10. Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about them
The change of heart by Pharaoh and his officials highlights the fickle nature of human leadership compared to God's steadfastness. This reversal is significant, as it sets the stage for the pursuit of the Israelites, leading to the miraculous events at the Red Sea. The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a recurring theme in Exodus, illustrating the spiritual battle between God's will and human resistance. This change of mind also underscores the theme of repentance and the consequences of ignoring divine warnings. and said, “What have we done?
This rhetorical question reveals a moment of regret and realization of the consequences of their actions. It reflects the economic and social impact of losing the Israelite slaves, who were integral to Egypt's labor force. The question also serves as a narrative device to express the internal conflict and turmoil within the Egyptian leadership. This moment of self-reflection can be compared to the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:17, where realization leads to a change in action. We have released Israel from serving us.”
The phrase "released Israel from serving us" underscores the theme of liberation and freedom that is central to the Exodus story. The Israelites' service to Egypt is contrasted with their service to God, as they are called to be a holy nation and a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:6). This release is not just a physical liberation but also a spiritual one, as it marks the beginning of Israel's journey to becoming God's covenant people. The concept of release and redemption is a type of the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ, who frees believers from the bondage of sin (Romans 6:18). Persons / Places / Events 1. PharaohThe king of Egypt, who initially allowed the Israelites to leave but later regretted his decision. 2. EgyptThe land where the Israelites were enslaved and from which they were fleeing. 3. IsraelitesThe people of God, who were enslaved in Egypt and were led by Moses out of bondage. 4. Officials of PharaohAdvisors and leaders in Egypt who influenced Pharaoh's decision-making. 5. The ExodusThe event of the Israelites leaving Egypt, marking a significant moment of deliverance in biblical history. Teaching Points The Danger of Regret and ReversalPharaoh's change of heart serves as a warning against making decisions based on temporary emotions or pressures. It reminds us to seek God's wisdom and guidance in our choices. God's Sovereignty in Human AffairsDespite Pharaoh's change of mind, God's plan for the Israelites' deliverance was not thwarted. This teaches us to trust in God's ultimate control over our circumstances. The Cost of DisobediencePharaoh's pursuit of the Israelites led to disaster for him and his army. This illustrates the consequences of resisting God's will and the importance of obedience. Faith in the Face of FearThe Israelites' journey required faith, even when pursued by their enemies. We are encouraged to trust God, even when our circumstances seem dire. The Role of LeadershipMoses' leadership was crucial during this time. It highlights the importance of godly leadership and the responsibility leaders have to guide others in faith. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Pharaoh's change of heart in Exodus 14:5 reflect the human tendency to regret decisions made under pressure? Can you think of a time when you experienced something similar? 2. In what ways does the account of the Exodus demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact your daily life and decision-making? 3. How does the Israelites' faith journey during the Exodus challenge you to trust God in your current circumstances? 4. What lessons can we learn from Pharaoh's disobedience and its consequences, and how can we apply these lessons to avoid similar pitfalls in our lives? 5. How can Moses' leadership during the Exodus inspire you to lead others in faith, whether in your family, workplace, or community? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 12:31-33This passage describes Pharaoh's initial decision to let the Israelites go after the final plague, showing the contrast in his change of heart in Exodus 14:5. Numbers 14:3-4The Israelites' fear and desire to return to Egypt during their wilderness journey, highlighting the ongoing struggle with faith and trust in God. Romans 9:17-18Paul's reference to Pharaoh's hardened heart, illustrating God's sovereignty and purpose in the events of the Exodus. Hebrews 11:29The faith of the Israelites as they crossed the Red Sea, contrasting with Pharaoh's lack of faith and subsequent pursuit. People Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, Pharaoh, ZephonPlaces Baal-zephon, Egypt, Etham, Migdol, Pi-hahiroth, Red SeaTopics Bondmen, Change, Changed, Declared, Egypt, Feeling, Fled, Flight, Heart, Israelites, Lost, Mind, Minds, Officials, Pharaoh, Servants, Service, Services, Serving, TowardsDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 14:5-9 5208 armies Library A Path in the Sea
'And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: 20. And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night. 21. And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureEntangled in the Land
"For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in."--Exodus 14:3. ISRAEL WAS CLEAN escaped from Egypt. Not a hoof of their cattle was left behind; nor foot of child or aged man remained in the house of bondage. But though they were gone, they were not forgotten by the tyrant who had enslaved them. They had been a very useful body of workers; for they had built treasure cities and storehouses for Pharaoh. Compelled to work without wages, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891 Epistle Lxiii. To Brunichild, Queen of the Franks.
To Brunichild, Queen of the Franks. Gregory to Brunichild, &c. What good gifts have been conferred on you from above, and with what piety heavenly grace has filled you, this, among all the other proofs of your merits, intimates evidently to all that you both govern the savage hearts of barbarians with the skill of prudent counsel, and (what is still more to your praise), adorn your royal power with wisdom. And since, as you are above many nations in both these respects, so also you excel them in …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great They who have not Been Promoted to that Office. ...
They who have not been promoted [to that office] by the bishop, ought not to adjure, either in churches or in private houses. Notes. Ancient Epitome of Canon XXVI. No one shall adjure without the bishop's promotion to that office. Balsamon. Some were in the habit of "adjuring," that is catechising the unbelievers, who had never received the imposition of the bishop's hands for that purpose; and when they were accused of doing so, contended that as they did not do it in church but only at home, they …
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils The Personality of Power.
A Personally Conducted Journey. Everyone enjoys the pleasure of travel; but nearly all shrink back from its tiresomeness and drudgery. The transportation companies are constantly scheming to overcome this disagreeable side for both pleasure and business travel. One of the popular ways of pleasure travel of late is by means of personally conducted tours. A party is formed, often by the railroad company, and is accompanied by a special agent to attend to all the business matters of the trip. A variation …
S.D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on Power The Faults Committed in this Degree --Distractions, Temptations --The Course to be Pursued Respecting Them.
As soon as we fall into a fault, or have wandered, we must turn again within ourselves; because this fault having turned us from God, we should as soon as possible turn towards Him, and suffer the penitence which He Himself will give. It is of great importance that we should not be anxious about these faults, because the anxiety only springs from a secret pride and a love of our own excellence. We are troubled at feeling what we are. If we become discouraged, we shall grow weaker yet; and reflection …
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents Answer to Mr. W's Sixth Objection.
6. and lastly, Let us consider the intrinsick absurdities, and incredibilities of the several stories of these three miracles, p. 36.--As to Jairus's daughter, and her resurrection from the dead, St. Hilary [13] hints, that there was no such person as Jairus;--and he gives this reason, and a good reason it is, why he thought so, because it is elsewhere intimated in the gospel that none of the rulers of the synagogues confessedly believ'd on Jesus, John vii. 48. and xii. 42. St. John's words in the …
Nathaniel Lardner—A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture.
"He hath hardened their heart."-- John xii. 40. The Scripture teaches positively that the hardening and "darkening of their foolish heart" is a divine, intentional act. This is plainly evident from God's charge to Moses concerning the king of Egypt: "Thou shalt speak all that I command thee; and I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not harken unto you, and I will lay My hand upon Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit Blessed are they that Mourn
Blessed are they that mourn. Matthew 5:4 Here are eight steps leading to true blessedness. They may be compared to Jacob's Ladder, the top whereof reached to heaven. We have already gone over one step, and now let us proceed to the second: Blessed are they that mourn'. We must go through the valley of tears to paradise. Mourning were a sad and unpleasant subject to treat on, were it not that it has blessedness going before, and comfort coming after. Mourning is put here for repentance. It implies …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Epistle iv. To Cyriacus, Bishop.
To Cyriacus, Bishop. Gregory to Cyriacus, Bishop of Constantinople. We have received with becoming charity our common sons, George the presbyter and Theodore your deacon; and we rejoice that you have passed from the care of ecclesiastical business to the government of souls, since, according to the voice of the Truth, He that is faithful in a little will be faithful also in much (Luke xvi. 10). And to the servant who administers well it is said, Because thou hast been faithful over a few things, …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
"Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God" (Rom. 11:22). In the last chapter when treating of the Sovereignty of God the Father in Salvation, we examined seven passages which represent Him as making a choice from among the children of men, and predestinating certain ones to be conformed to the image of His Son. The thoughtful reader will naturally ask, And what of those who were not "ordained to eternal life?" The answer which is usually returned to this question, even by those who profess …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in the Soul.
Titus iii. 5, 6. Titus iii. 5, 6. Not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. IF my business were to explain and illustrate this scripture at large, it would yield an ample field for accurate criticism and useful discourse, and more especially would lead us into a variety of practical remarks, on which it would be pleasant …
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Exodus 14:5 NIVExodus 14:5 NLTExodus 14:5 ESVExodus 14:5 NASBExodus 14:5 KJV
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