Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Exodus 14:8
And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with a high hand.
8. and the children of Israel were going: out, &c.] cf. the participle in v. 10.
with an high hand ] i.e. proudly and defiantly; cf. Num 33:3 (P): in Num 15:30 used of sins committed wilfully, in deliberate defiance of God’s will. The ‘high hand’ is properly the hand uplifted to deliver a blow: cf. Job 38:15 (‘the high arm is broken’), Mic 5:9; Deu 32:27 (the same Heb.). The representation of P differs from the of J (so Di.): in J the Israelites ‘flee’ ( v. 5) after obtaining the Pharaoh’s leave for a temporary absence (Exo 12:31 f.): in P they from the first leave Egypt defiantly, regardless of the Pharaoh’s wishes. Cf. on Exo 6:11.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Either,
1. Of God, with a Divine hand or power, by comparing Exo 13:16. Or,
2. Their own, not with hands hanging down, a posture betraying weakness and fainting, fear and shame, Heb 12:12, but with hands lifted up; with courage and confidence, not like fugitives, but like valiant and victorious soldiers, openly, boldly, resolvedly; as men are said to sin with a high hand, Num 15:30, that sin in such a manner.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt,…. As he said he would, Ex 14:4,
and he pursued after the children of Israel; took their rout in pursuit of them:
and the children of Israel went out with an high hand: not once dreaming they should be pursued by Pharaoh as an enemy, when they went out with his full consent, and with such pressing solicitations to be gone, and with so much favour shown them by the Egyptians; wherefore they set out, and went on with great boldness, courage, and intrepidity; “with an uncovered head”, as the Targum of Onkelos, without any fear, and with great alacrity and cheerfulness; they carried both their heads and their hands high, were fearless and thoughtless of any danger when this mighty preparation was making against them.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
8. And the children of Israel went out. (153) Moses indirectly reproves their too great security, which had freed them altogether from care and fear; and whence even the desire of calling on God had grown cold in them, as security always produces drowsiness and an idle spirit. Hence it came to pass, that this great danger, which they had not expected. produced the greater fear. But, on the other hand, Moses exalts God’s grace, because he so opportunely and so critically came to the help of the wretched Israelites exulting in their foolish joy; for otherwise, being suddenly overtaken, they would have fallen at once into confusion at the first shout of the enemy. Thus are we admonished by this example, that, while we are safe under God’s protection, the dangers, which might happen, are to be apprehended, not that we may be anxious and alarmed, but that we may humbly repose under His wings, and not be uplifted with inconsiderate joy. In the next verse Moses briefly relates, how formidable a sight presented itself to the Israelites, when they saw themselves shut in on one part by the sea, ingulfed, as it were, on both sides by the jaws of the defile, and the army of Pharaoh at the same time pressing upon them. He expressly mentions the strength of this army, in order that the glory of the aid divinely afforded them might more fully appear from the opposition.
(153) Exierant. — Dathe.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(8) The children of Israel went out.Rather, were going out.
With an high handi.e., confidently, boldly, perhaps somewhat proudly, as having brought the Egyptians to entreat them to take their departure (Exo. 12:33).
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
8. With a high hand Openly and defiantly; but how their courage failed when they saw Pharaoh’s chariots!
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Exo 14:8. The children of Israel went out with an high hand This may be rendered, agreeably, to the Hebrew, pursued after the children of Israel, even the children of Israel going out with an high hand; that is, in an uncontrouled manner, independent upon, and defying the Egyptians. See 2Sa 20:21. The Chaldee renders it, with uncovered or open head; that is, boldly, cheerfully. 2Sa 15:30. Jer 14:4.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Exo 14:8 And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand.
Ver. 8. With a high hand. ] Bravely; boldly; in battle array, not as runaways; in all comely equipage.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
the Lord: Exo 14:4
with an high hand: Exo 6:1, Exo 13:9, Exo 13:16, Exo 13:18, Num 33:3, Deu 26:8, Deu 32:27, Psa 86:13, Act 13:17
Reciprocal: Exo 4:21 – I will harden Exo 10:27 – General Exo 14:17 – I will Exo 18:11 – in the thing Isa 52:12 – ye shall Jer 31:2 – The people Joh 12:40 – hardened
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Exo 14:8. With a high hand Boldly and resolutely. It seems the latter part of the verse had better be rendered, even the children of Israel, going away with a high hand, or, in other words, in spite of him.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
14:8 And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an {e} high hand.
(e) With great joy and boldness.