Exodus14

The LORD instructed Israel to encamp by the Red Sea, intending to harden Pharaoh's heart so he would pursue them, allowing God to be glorified. As Pharaoh and his army approached, the terrified Israelites complained to Moses, who assured them that the LORD would fight for them. Moses then stretched out his rod, and the LORD divided the Red Sea, enabling Israel to cross on dry ground while the pursuing Egyptian army was drowned when the waters returned.

God Directs Israel’s Encampment

1
ADONAI said to Moshe,
2
"Tell the people of Isra'el to turn around and set up camp in front of Pi-Hachirot, between Migdol and the sea, in front of Ba'al-Tz'fon; camp opposite it, by the sea. ​
3
Then Pharaoh will say that the people of Isra'el are wandering aimlessly in the countryside, the desert has closed in on them. ​
4
I will make Pharaoh so hardhearted that he will pursue them; thus I will win glory for myself at the expense of Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will realize at last that I am ADONAI."The people did as ordered. ​

Pharaoh Mobilizes His Army

5
When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his servants had a change of heart toward the people. They said, "What have we done, letting Isra'el stop being our slaves?"
6
So he prepared his chariots and took his people with him -
7
he took 600 first-quality chariots, as well as all the other chariots in Egypt, along with their commanders. ​
8
ADONAI made Pharaoh hardhearted, and he pursued the people of Isra'el, as they left boldly. ​
9
The Egyptians went after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, with his cavalry and army, and overtook them as they were encamped by the sea, by Pi-Hachirot, in front of Ba'al-Tz'fon.

Israel’s Fear and Moses’ Assurance

10
As Pharaoh approached, the people of Isra'el looked up and saw the Egyptians right there, coming after them. In great fear the people of Isra'el cried out to ADONAI
11
and said to Moshe, "Was it because there weren't enough graves in Egypt that you brought us out to die in the desert? Why have you done this to us, bringing us out of Egypt? ​
12
Didn't we tell you in Egypt to let us alone, we'll just go on being slaves for the Egyptians? It would be better for us to be the Egyptians' slaves than to die in the desert!"
13
Moshe answered the people, "Stop being so fearful! Remain steady, and you will see how ADONAI is going to save you. He will do it today - today you have seen the Egyptians, but you will never see them again! ​
14
ADONAI will do battle for you. Just calm yourselves down!"

God Commands the Crossing

15
ADONAI asked Moshe, "Why are you crying to me? Tell the people of Isra'el to go forward!
16
Lift your staff, reach out with your hand over the sea, and divide it in two. The people of Isra'el will advance into the sea on dry ground. ​
17
As for me, I will make the Egyptians hardhearted; and they will march in after them; thus I will win glory for myself at the expense of Pharaoh and all his army, chariots and cavalry.
18
Then the Egyptians will realize that I am ADONAI, when I have won myself glory at the expense of Pharaoh, his chariots and his cavalry." ​

The Cloud Separates the Camps

19
Next, the angel of God, who was going ahead of the camp of Isra'el, moved away and went behind them; and the column of cloud moved away from in front of them and stood behind them. ​
20
It stationed itself between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Isra'el - there was cloud and darkness here, but light by night there; so that the one did not come near the other all night long. ​

The Sea Divided and Israel Crosses

21
Moshe reached his hand out over the sea, and ADONAI caused the sea to go back before a strong east wind all night. He made the sea become dry land, and its water was divided in two. ​
22
Then the people of Isra'el went into the sea on the dry ground, with the water walled up for them on their right and on their left. ​
23
The Egyptians continued their pursuit, going after them into the sea - all Pharaoh's horses, chariots and cavalry.
24
Just before dawn, ADONAI looked out on the Egyptian army through the column of fire and cloud and threw them into a panic. ​
25
He caused the wheels of their chariots to break off, so that they could move only with difficulty. The Egyptians said, "ADONAI is fighting for Isra'el against the Egyptians! Let's get away from them!" ​
26
ADONAI said to Moshe, "Reach your hand out over the sea, and the water will return and cover the Egyptians with their chariots and cavalry."

Destruction of the Egyptian Army

27
Moshe reached his hand out over the sea, and by dawn the sea had returned to its former depth. The Egyptians tried to flee, but ADONAI swept them into the sea. ​
28
The water came back and covered all the chariots and cavalry of Pharaoh's army who had followed them into the sea -not even one of them was left. ​
29
But the people of Isra'el walked on dry ground in the sea, with the water walled up for them on their right and on their left.
30
On that day, ADONAI saved Isra'el from the Egyptians; Isra'el saw the Egyptians dead on the shore.

Israel Believes the LORD

31
When Isra'el saw the mighty deed that ADONAI had performed against the Egyptians, the people feared ADONAI, and they believed in ADONAI and in his servant Moshe. ​

Study Notes for Exodus 14

Verse 2

Pihahiroth, Migdol, and Baalzephon mark the location where Israel was strategically positioned to appear trapped. Their exact locations are uncertain, but they define the geographical trap set by God.

Verse 3

God deliberately sets the stage for a final confrontation, using the geography to reinforce Pharaoh's assumption that Israel is lost and vulnerable to recapture.

Verse 4

This hardening of Pharaoh's heart ensures the final, climactic demonstration of Yahweh's power, providing 'honor' (glory/vindication) over Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt.

Verse 7

The 'six hundred chosen chariots' represent the elite fighting force, highlighting the seriousness and scale of the Egyptian counter-attack against the unarmed Israelites.

Verse 8

Going out 'with an high hand' contrasts Israel's confident departure (under divine protection) with the immediate danger they now face due to God’s continued hardening of Pharaoh.

Verse 11

This bitter complaint highlights the extreme panic and lack of faith among the people, who quickly forget the recent plagues and divine deliverance.

Verse 13

Moses’ response is a classic statement of divine warfare theology: Israel is called to 'stand still' and witness God’s salvation, for the battle belongs entirely to the LORD.

Verse 16

The rod, previously used to enact the plagues, now becomes the instrument for dividing the sea, symbolizing Moses' delegated authority to perform God's mighty acts.

Verse 18

The purpose of the impending destruction is explicitly theological: the Egyptians must acknowledge Yahweh’s supremacy over all powers and deities.

Verse 19

The Angel of God (often identified with the LORD himself) and the pillar of cloud shift position, moving from leading Israel to protecting their rear flank.

Verse 20

The pillar acts as both a protective barrier and a judgment instrument, providing light for Israel while plunging the Egyptian camp into darkness and confusion, preventing attack during the night.

Verse 21

The strong east wind is the natural means God uses to execute the supernatural division, demonstrating that divine power can work through powerful, yet sustained, natural phenomena.

Verse 22

The description of the water forming a 'wall' emphasizes the miraculous nature of the event, ensuring both a safe passage and a secure barrier against the pursuing army.

Verse 24

The 'morning watch' (roughly 2:00 AM–6:00 AM) marks the climax of the confrontation. God intervenes directly from the pillar to sow terror and confusion among the pursuing forces.

Verse 25

Crippling the chariot wheels neutralized the primary military advantage of the Egyptians, forcing them, in their panic, to recognize that Yahweh was actively fighting for Israel.

Verse 27

Moses’ final action with the rod reverses the miracle, symbolizing the finality of God's judgment and the permanent end of Egypt's power over Israel.

Verse 28

The complete annihilation of the Egyptian army ensured that there would be no survivors to pursue Israel again, securing their freedom permanently.

Verse 31

Witnessing this great act of deliverance leads to the desired theological result: the people 'feared the LORD' (reverential awe) and 'believed the LORD,' validating Moses’ leadership.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate
Settings

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Reading Width 45 chars

Options