Definition: For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They [are] entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in.
Explanation: Okay, letâs break down this verse from Exodus 14:3. Itâs a really important and dramatic passage about Godâs deliverance of his people from slavery. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that Pharaoh, the Egyptian ruler, will tell the Israelites (the Jewish people) that they are trapped and unable to live freely in Egypt. Letâs unpack it a little further: âFor PharaohâŠâ : This refers to the powerful leader of Egypt â the pharaoh. He was the one who controlled everything in Egypt. ââŠwill sayâŠâ : Pharaoh is going to speak this truth aloud. ââŠof the children of Israelâ : This specifically means the Israelites, who were enslaved and forced into a life of hardship under Egyptian rule. âThey [are] entangled in the landâŠâ : âEntangledâ means trapped or stuck. The Israelites were being held captive in Egypt, meaning they werenât free to roam or live as they pleased. They were essentially living in a prison. ââŠthe wilderness hath shut them in.â : This is a really powerful image. "The wilderness" refers to the vast and often harsh desert surrounding Egypt. âHas shut them inâ means that Pharaoh has made it so difficult for them to leave, that theyâre trapped and unable to live freely anywhere else. In essence, the verse describes a period of intense hardship and confinement for the Israelites, and Pharaoh's words are a warning about their continued plight. Why is this important? Itâs a key moment in the story of Israelâs liberation from slavery. It demonstrates that God is willing to intervene and rescue his people even when they seem hopeless. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Provide more context about this event in the Bible?