Exodus 14:13

KJV

And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} said {H559} unto the people {H5971}, Fear {H3372} ye not, stand still {H3320}, and see {H7200} the salvation {H3444} of the LORD {H3068}, which he will shew {H6213} to you to day {H3117}: for the Egyptians {H4714} whom ye have seen {H7200} to day {H3117}, ye shall see {H7200} them again {H3254} no more for {H5704} ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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!

Berean Standard Bible

But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again.

American Standard Version

And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of Jehovah, which he will work for you to-day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to-day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 14:13 captures Moses' pivotal declaration to the terrified Israelites, who found themselves trapped between Pharaoh's pursuing army and the impassable Red Sea. In this moment of profound despair and panic, Moses, speaking with divine authority, calls the people to abandon their fear, adopt a posture of unwavering faith, and prepare to witness the Lord's imminent, decisive, and complete deliverance, assuring them that their formidable oppressors would be vanquished forever.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful declaration from Moses serves as a direct, divinely inspired response to the Israelites' profound despair and bitter complaints. Immediately preceding this verse, the people, upon seeing Pharaoh's army approaching, were "sore afraid" and cried out to the Lord, then turned on Moses, lamenting their liberation and expressing a preference for slavery over an apparent death trap ([Exodus 14:10-12](/exodus/14-10-12 "Israel's Fear and Complaints at the Red Sea")). Moses' words in verse 13 aim to redirect their gaze from the overwhelming threat to the omnipotent God. The verses that follow detail God's subsequent instructions to Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea, leading to the miraculous parting of the waters and the subsequent, complete destruction of the Egyptian army, thereby fulfilling Moses' prophetic promise ([Exodus 14:15-31](/exodus/14-15-31 "The Parting of the Red Sea and the Destruction of Pharaoh's Army")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this juncture, the Israelites were a recently emancipated slave population, numbering perhaps two million or more, largely untrained for combat and lacking military organization. They faced the most formidable military power of their era: Pharaoh's elite chariotry and cavalry, renowned for their effectiveness in warfare. The "Red Sea" (Hebrew: *Yam Suph*, often translated as "Sea of Reeds") presented an impassable geographical barrier, effectively trapping them. In the ancient Near East, military might was often perceived as a direct reflection of a nation's deity's power. Thus, Pharaoh's relentless pursuit was not merely a military maneuver but a direct challenge to the supremacy of Yahweh. Moses' counter-intuitive command to "stand still" profoundly defied conventional military wisdom, emphasizing that this was not a battle for human strength or strategy, but a divine intervention orchestrated by God alone.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 14:13 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes central to the book of Exodus and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance**, demonstrating that God is in absolute control, even over seemingly insurmountable circumstances, and is uniquely capable of delivering His people. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Faith vs. Fear**, contrasting the Israelites' human panic with Moses' call to trust in God's power and promises. This moment serves as a foundational lesson in reliance on God's intervention rather than human strength or despair. Finally, it foreshadows the recurring biblical theme of **God Fighting for His People**, where He acts decisively on behalf of the helpless, establishing His glory and vindicating His covenant faithfulness, as seen throughout the narrative of [Israel's wilderness journey](/exodus/15 "The Song of Moses and Israel's Wilderness Journey") and beyond.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârê'_):** From H3372, this root word signifies to be afraid, dread, or to revere. In this context, it is an emphatic negative imperative, "Fear ye not," which is a command to cease and desist from paralyzing terror. It addresses the core emotional and spiritual state of the people, directing them away from a natural human response of panic towards a posture of trust in divine power. The command to "fear not" is not a dismissal of their legitimate danger, but a redirection of their focus from the immediate threat to the omnipotent Deliverer.
* **Stand still (Hebrew, _yâtsab'_):** From H3320, this primitive root means to place (anything so as to stay), or reflexively, to station, offer, or continue. In the context of "stand still," it implies far more than passive waiting. It denotes taking a firm, resolute stand, positioning oneself with unwavering faith and readiness to observe God's action. It is an active cessation of human striving, panicked flight, or self-reliant combat, in favor of a posture of patient expectation and trust in God's impending intervention. It signifies a confident and unmoving reliance on divine power.
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _yᵉshûwʻâh'_):** From H3444, this feminine passive participle signifies something saved, deliverance, aid, victory, or prosperity. This significant Hebrew term encompasses far more than mere physical rescue; it denotes a comprehensive, holistic deliverance, help, and liberation. It speaks of God's powerful, decisive, and complete act of saving His people from their oppressors, bringing about a state of security, welfare, and well-being. It is a term that points to God's ultimate and complete triumph over all opposing forces.

#### Verse Breakdown
Moses' declaration in Exodus 14:13 is a masterful blend of urgent command, divine promise, and prophetic assurance, designed to transform a moment of terror into one of profound faith:
* **"And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not,"**: This opening clause directly confronts the Israelites' pervasive terror and panic. It is an immediate and urgent command, a divine imperative to halt their emotional and spiritual disarray in the face of overwhelming odds. It calls for an internal shift from fear to faith.
* **"stand still,"**: This second command complements the first, instructing the people to cease their frantic activity, complaining, and attempts at self-preservation. It is a call to adopt an active posture of faith—to be resolute, unmoving, and ready to witness God's work, rather than attempting to solve the crisis through their own limited strength or wisdom.
* **"and see the salvation of the LORD,"**: Here, Moses transitions from imperative commands to a profound promise and an invitation to active observation. The people are not simply to wait, but to actively anticipate, perceive, and observe God's mighty act of deliverance. The "salvation" is explicitly attributed to "the LORD" (Yahweh), emphasizing its divine origin, omnipotent power, and covenant faithfulness.
* **"which he will shew to you to day:"**: This clause underscores the immediacy and certainty of God's intervention. The deliverance is presented not as a distant hope but as an imminent, tangible reality, to be witnessed by them on that very day. This provides a concrete timeline for their expectation, reinforcing the certainty of God's action.
* **"for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever."**: This is a powerful, definitive, and absolute promise of permanent victory and liberation. It assures the Israelites that their oppressors will be utterly and irrevocably defeated, removing the threat once and for all. This statement highlights the finality of God's judgment against their enemies and His complete, eternal liberation of His people, providing ultimate comfort and assurance.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 14:13 is rich with rhetorical and literary devices that amplify its impact and theological significance. **Contrast** is immediately evident, setting the Israelites' overwhelming fear and human helplessness against Moses' calm, authoritative commands rooted in divine power. The repeated **Imperative Commands**—"Fear ye not," "stand still," and "see"—convey the urgency, authority, and non-negotiable nature of Moses' message, which originates from God. The use of **Repetition and Emphasis** is clear with the phrase "to day," which appears twice, underscoring the immediacy and certainty of God's impending action. Furthermore, the definitive declaration "no more for ever" functions as a powerful **Hyperbole** or **Emphatic Negation**, providing absolute assurance of the finality of their deliverance and the complete eradication of the threat. Finally, the entire verse functions as a **Prophetic Declaration**, as Moses, speaking on behalf of God, declares what God *will* do, transforming a moment of utter despair into one of profound, hopeful anticipation and a testament to divine omnipotence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 14:13 stands as a foundational theological statement regarding God's character and His unwavering relationship with His covenant people. It profoundly teaches that God is utterly **Sovereign and Omnipotent**, capable of orchestrating deliverance even in seemingly impossible situations, demonstrating His supreme power over all natural forces and human adversaries. He is revealed as **Faithful to His Covenants**, as His miraculous deliverance here is a direct continuation and fulfillment of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, underscoring His unwavering commitment to His chosen people. Crucially, the verse establishes God as the **Ultimate Deliverer**, emphasizing that human strength, military strategy, or wisdom are utterly insufficient; true salvation, comprehensive and decisive, comes from God alone. He actively fights for His people when they are helpless, revealing His glory. Moreover, this passage affirms that God is **A God Who Acts in History**, whose salvation is not an abstract concept but a concrete, visible, and powerfully enacted reality in specific historical moments for His own glory and the vindication of His name. This narrative echoes the broader biblical truth that God often works most powerfully when human resources are exhausted, thereby ensuring that "salvation belongs to the LORD."

* [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace."): This immediately following verse reinforces Moses' message, with God Himself declaring, "The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace," solidifying the divine nature of the promised deliverance.
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God."): This prophetic word to Israel in exile reiterates the same divine comfort and command to trust God's presence and power in times of fear and distress, assuring them of His unwavering support.
* [Psalm 3:8](/psalms/3-8 "Salvation belongs to the LORD; your blessing be on your people!"): This psalm affirms the foundational truth that salvation, in its fullest and most comprehensive sense, originates solely from God, reinforcing the theological bedrock of Exodus 14:13.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 14:13 offers profound and enduring encouragement for believers navigating their own "Red Sea moments"—those overwhelming situations that seem insurmountable, where all human solutions have failed, and fear threatens to paralyze. It serves as a timeless reminder that our initial and primary response to crisis should be faith and confident expectation in God, rather than succumbing to panic or despair. While it is natural to feel fear in the face of overwhelming odds, we are called to actively resist its paralyzing grip and instead lean into God's sovereign promises and character. The command to "stand still" is particularly counter-intuitive in a crisis, yet it is a profound spiritual discipline. It means ceasing our own frantic striving, surrendering control, and trusting in God's perfect timing and His unique method of deliverance. This is not passive resignation, but an active posture of patient expectation, knowing that God is at work even when we cannot perceive it. Finally, we are exhorted to actively "see the salvation of the LORD." This implies cultivating a spiritual alertness and unwavering expectation that God will indeed act, even when circumstances appear bleak. It is a call to look for His mighty hand at work, to anticipate His intervention, and to be ready to give Him all the glory when His deliverance is revealed, often precisely when human efforts prove futile, thereby magnifying His glory for all to see.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is a "Red Sea moment" you are currently facing or have faced in the past, where circumstances seemed utterly impossible? How did you respond to the fear and uncertainty?**
* **What does "standing still" practically look like in your current challenge? How can you actively trust God and cease your own striving without becoming passively disengaged?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper expectation to "see the salvation of the LORD" in your daily life, even when the path forward is unclear or when His deliverance seems delayed?**

### FAQ
**Why did God lead the Israelites to such a seemingly impossible trap at the Red Sea?**

Answer: God deliberately led the Israelites to the Red Sea, instructing them to turn back and encamp by the sea ([Exodus 14:2](/exodus/14-2 "God's instruction to turn back by the sea")), precisely to create this "trap." His purpose was not to ensnare them, but to demonstrate His absolute power and glory to both Israel and Egypt. He intended to draw Pharaoh into a final, decisive confrontation where He would utterly defeat Egypt's military might, proving His supremacy over all other gods and nations. This "trap" was, in fact, a divinely orchestrated stage for a spectacular revelation of God's omnipotence and faithfulness, designed to deepen Israel's faith and humble their oppressors.

**Does "stand still" mean we should do nothing in the face of problems?**

Answer: The Hebrew phrase translated "stand still" (הִתְיַצְּבוּ - *hityatsvu*) does not advocate for passive inaction, apathy, or irresponsible neglect of problems. Instead, it signifies a resolute, firm posture of faith, a cessation of human striving, panicked efforts, or self-reliant solutions. It is about trusting God to act when human solutions are exhausted or inadequate, rather than attempting to solve problems in our own strength or through ungodly means. It means to be ready, expectant, and unmoving in one's faith, anticipating God's intervention, rather than fleeing in fear or fighting on one's own terms. It's a call to spiritual composure and reliance on divine power.

**Is "salvation" in this verse only about physical rescue?**

Answer: While the immediate context of Exodus 14:13 is indeed the physical deliverance of the Israelites from the pursuing Egyptian army, the Hebrew word *yeshua* (salvation) is much broader in its biblical scope. It encompasses comprehensive deliverance, help, victory, and welfare. In the biblical narrative, physical rescues often serve as powerful types or foreshadowings of deeper, spiritual salvation. This event points to God's complete and holistic saving power, which extends beyond just one moment or one type of threat, ultimately culminating in the grand spiritual deliverance offered through Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 14:13 finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as Moses declared God's imminent deliverance to a trapped and terrified Israel, Jesus Christ is the very embodiment of God's *yeshua* (salvation), the ultimate Deliverer for all humanity. He came not merely to rescue from physical armies, but from the far more formidable and eternal enemies of sin, death, and the power of the devil. His life, atoning death on the cross, and glorious resurrection constitute the definitive "salvation of the LORD" for all who believe, as Simeon prophesied, "For mine eyes have seen [thy salvation](/luke/2-30 "Simeon's prophecy of Jesus as God's salvation"), which thou hast prepared before the face of all people." Indeed, there is "salvation in no other" ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Salvation in no one else")). Furthermore, just as the Egyptians were seen "no more for ever" by the Israelites, Christ's victory on the cross definitively defeats sin and death. For those united with Him, the power of these spiritual oppressors is broken, and their final, eternal defeat is assured, as He "destroyed him who has the power of death, that is, the devil" ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Jesus destroyed the one who has the power of death")). In the New Testament, Jesus repeatedly calls His followers to "fear not" in the face of life's storms, anxieties, and persecutions, reminding them of God's sovereign care, even over those who can "kill the body" ([Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Do not fear those who kill the body")). He invites us to "stand still" or "rest" in Him, finding peace and cessation from our striving and anxiety, for He declares, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.")). The miraculous Red Sea deliverance thus serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the greater spiritual Exodus from the bondage of sin, accomplished through Christ, leading His people into true freedom and eternal life in the promised land of God's presence.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 20:17

Ye shall not [need] to fight in this [battle]: set yourselves, stand ye [still], and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD [will be] with you.

2 Chronicles 20:15

And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle [is] not yours, but God's.

Exodus 14:30

Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore.

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 41:14

Fear not, thou worm Jacob, [and] ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

2 Kings 6:16

And he answered, Fear not: for they that [be] with us [are] more than they that [be] with them.

Isaiah 35:4

Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you.