Definition: And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I [am] the LORD. And they did so.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 14:4 together. It’s a really significant passage about God’s power and a shift in the Israelites’ situation. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is saying, “I’m going to influence Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, so he starts to understand and embrace the Israelites.” Basically, God wants to make Pharaoh see that He's the powerful Lord and deserves respect. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart…” : This is a bit tricky. “Harden” doesn’t mean to make him angry or hostile. It means to change his mind or shift his perspective . It's about making him receptive to the Israelites’ request for help. “…that he shall follow after them;” : This is a key part. Pharaoh was initially resisting the Israelites, refusing to let them pass through Egypt. God is saying he needs to begin to follow their cause. “And I will be honoured upon Pharaoh…” : This isn't just about him being nice; it’s about recognizing His power and authority. It's a recognition that He is the rightful ruler. “…and upon all his host;” : This refers to the Egyptian army, their officials, and everyone involved in Egypt's affairs. God wants them to acknowledge His power and influence. “That the Egyptians may know that I [am] the LORD.” : This is a direct declaration – “I am the LORD.” It’s a powerful statement of identity and divine authority. “And they did so.” : This is the crucial part! The Israelites, under God's guidance, actually started to act in a way that showed respect for Pharaoh. They were willing to go through the difficult journey, even though it was dangerous. They demonstrated that He was powerful enough to overcome obstacles. In short, this verse describes a turning point where God uses His power to influence Pharaoh and establish Him as the rightful ruler of Egypt. It’s a victory for the Israelites and a demonstration of God's sovereignty. Why is it important? This event is hugely significant because it demonstrates: God’s Sovereignty: He controls events, even those that seem impossible. Divine Favor: He chooses to be involved and grant His people success. The Power of Obedience: It shows that obedience to God's commands can lead to positive outcomes. Do you want me to explain any part of this in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of this event in the larger story of the Israelites’ journey? Discuss the symbolism behind the phrase "hardening Pharaoh's heart?"