Throughout the last several chapters in Exodus, there’s a fierce, spiritual game of tug-of-war going on. God claims authority, Pharaoh resists that authority, and then Pharaoh pays the price. God is never defeated, never outdone, never outclassed—and unfortunately, Pharaoh never gives up.
It’s fascinating to read the story of the Exodus from this perspective, because it becomes less about the Israelites and more about the reverence of God. Despite Pharaoh’s attempts to dethrone Jehovah, God still wins out. Every. Single. Time.
The entire event reaches its climax at the Red Sea, when God famously parts the waters, allows His people to cross on dry land, and then releases the waters to swallow up the Egyptian army. Their destruction can only be attributed to the intervention of God. How else would you explain finding chariots at the bottom of the Red Sea?
The uniqueness of this event is why God tells Moses that He will “honor Himself” through Pharaoh and his army. If Israel had simply defeated the Egyptians, it would have given the Israelites the honor. But if there’s such an event that can only be attributed to God, then God receives the honor Himself.
Later, throughout the book of Joshua, the supernatural victories cause future enemies to shudder at the thought of opposing Jehovah. Rahab makes a deal with the spies because she hears about how God defeated the Egyptians (Joshua 2:10). The Gibeonites trick Joshua because they saw how God defeated Jericho (Joshua 9:3). The northern and southern Canaanite cities form an alliance because of how God defeated everyone (Joshua 10:1-3).
The glory of God is everywhere. It’s one of the things God fights hardest for throughout Scripture. Obedience? Yes. Devotion? Absolutely. Love? No doubt. But reverence for His name is everywhere.
One way or another, all of us will give Him the honor He deserves. Whether we do that willingly now, or do it on the last day is a decision each one of us will have to make for ourselves (Romans 14:11).
