Exodus 14:1-14 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs!
Today’s passage is Exodus 14:1-14. Let’s go!
Exodus 14:1-4 (NIV)
1 Then the LORD said to Moses,
2 “Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. They are to encamp by the sea, directly opposite Baal Zephon.
3 Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are wandering around the land in confusion, hemmed in by the desert.’
4 And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them. But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD.” So the Israelites did this.
On verses 1-4: At first the fleeing Israelites were heading southeast (according to some historians), and now Moses’ GPS (the LORD) tells Moses to lead the Israelites in a new direction, which is north toward the sea. Knowing that Moses and the Israelites would question this move, God tells Moses the reason why: He was making the Israelites look like they were lost and confused in order to bait Pharaoh to go out and pursue them (v3-4a). God reassures Moses, “I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD.”
If I were Moses hearing this last phrase, which is admittedly vague and unspecific, I might be tempted to think, “What does the LORD mean by ‘gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army’ or that ‘the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD’? Is God now siding with the Egyptians?” But Moses knew the LORD better than that. Though Moses didn’t know the particulars of God’s plan, he knew the commitment of God’s character. He knew the LORD would not forsake His people. So Moses leads the Israelites just as God directs and the Israelites follow.
What can we learn from this? When God leads you one way and then suddenly leads you in a different direction, it’s not because God is confused, or is against you, or is making things up as He goes along. No, God is writing a greater story than you could write by yourself. He is considering factors that you would not consider. In the end He will gain glory for Himself through the confusing situation. But you need to trust Him.
Exodus 14:5-14 (NIV)
5 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 let the Israelites go and have lost their services!”
6 So he had his chariot made ready and took his army with him.
7 He took six hundred of the best chariots, along with all the other chariots of Egypt, with officers over all of them.
8 The LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, so that he pursued the Israelites, who were marching out boldly.
9 The Egyptians–all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, horsemen and troops–pursued the Israelites and overtook them as they camped by the sea near Pi Hahiroth, opposite Baal Zephon.
10 As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the LORD.
11 They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt?
12 Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!”
13 Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.
14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
On verses 5-14: Sometimes people wrongly assume that if you follow God’s call on your life, everything should always go smoothly for you. But the reality is that when you step out in faith to do what God has called you to do, God’s peace and provision will be there, but you will also face challenges, criticism and complaints.
That’s what happened to Moses in Exodus 14:5-14. After Pharaoh had agreed to let the Israelites leave Egypt, Pharaoh changes his mind and sends his entire chariot force to pursue the Israelites (v5-9). The Israelites themselves panic and begin to complain and grumble against Moses (v10-12).
But I love Moses’ response. He says to the Israelites: “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today…The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (v13-14)
It reminds me of Psalm 46:10 where it says:
Psalm 46:10-11 (NIV)
10 “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
11 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
What can we learn from this? When you face challenges, complaints or problems beyond your control, don’t be afraid. Be still and rest in God’s presence and promises. The LORD will fight for you. He will give you strength to stand. He will protect you and defend you.
Jesus fought for you when He died on a cross to cancel our sin debt. Risen again, He will continue to fight for you.
The problems you face today may seem great, but God’s grace and protection are always greater. Just be still and know that God will fight for you and will gain glory for Himself through this situation in the end.
Heavenly Father, I praise You for being the One who fights for me. You are my rock, my fortress, my shield and my defender. I place my trust in You today. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
