Exodus 14:16

KJV

But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry [ground] through the midst of the sea.

KJV (with Strong's)

But lift thou up {H7311} thy rod {H4294}, and stretch out {H5186} thine hand {H3027} over the sea {H3220}, and divide {H1234} it: and the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} shall go {H935} on dry {H3004} ground through the midst {H8432} of the sea {H3220}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

And as for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.

American Standard Version

And lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thy hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go into the midst of the sea on dry ground.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 14:16 records God's direct command to Moses to supernaturally divide the Red Sea, enabling the terrified Israelites to escape Pharaoh's pursuing army by walking on dry ground. This pivotal instruction highlights God's absolute power over creation, His unwavering commitment to deliver His people, and the necessity of human obedience as a catalyst for divine intervention, transforming an impossible situation into a miraculous path to freedom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of a tense narrative. Immediately prior, the Israelites, trapped between the formidable Egyptian army and the impassable Red Sea, are filled with terror and complain bitterly to Moses ([Exodus 14:10-12](/exodus/14-10 "Exodus 14:10-12 - Israelites trapped and fearful")). Moses, in turn, assures them that the Lord will fight for them and they need only be still ([Exodus 14:13-14](/exodus/14-13 "Exodus 14:13-14 - God will fight for Israel")). God then rebukes Moses for crying out and issues the precise instructions of [Exodus 14:15-16](/exodus/14-15 "Exodus 14:15-16 - God's command to Moses"). Following Moses's obedience to this command, the sea divides ([Exodus 14:21-22](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21-22 - The Red Sea divides")), and the Israelites cross, setting the stage for the destruction of the Egyptian army ([Exodus 14:26-28](/exodus/14-26 "Exodus 14:26-28 - Egyptians drowned in the Red Sea")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites were a newly freed slave population, unequipped for battle, facing the mightiest military power of their day—Pharaoh's chariots and elite forces. In the ancient Near East, a nation's gods were often seen as reflecting the power of their people. Pharaoh's pursuit was not just a military maneuver but a reassertion of his divine authority and Egypt's supremacy. The Red Sea presented an insurmountable natural barrier, symbolizing the utter hopelessness of their situation from a human perspective. God's intervention, therefore, was a spectacular demonstration of His unique power, not only over human armies but over the very forces of nature, thereby humiliating the gods of Egypt and establishing His sovereignty over all creation. The "rod" Moses carries is not merely a shepherd's staff but has become, through the preceding plagues, a symbol of God's delegated authority and power, a visible instrument of divine judgment and deliverance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core theological truths that permeate the book of Exodus. God's **Omnipotence and Sovereignty** are profoundly demonstrated by His ability to command and divide a vast body of water, establishing Him as the supreme ruler, far above any earthly power or false deity. He is not limited by natural laws or human impossibilities, echoing His creative power seen in [the very beginning](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). Furthermore, this miracle reveals God as **Deliverer and Savior**, making a way where there is no humanly conceivable way for His people's salvation from bondage and destruction. Finally, it underscores the **Necessity of Obedience and Faith**, as God requires Moses's active participation, teaching that He often works through human instruments, calling His people to acts of faith even when the outcome seems unfathomable. Moses's action is a visible sign of his trust in God's word, a foundational theme for Israel's journey in the wilderness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rod (Hebrew, _maṭṭeh'_):** This term refers to a staff or rod, which in Moses's hand had already become a powerful instrument of God's miraculous work, transforming into a snake ([Exodus 4:2-4](/exodus/4-2 "Exodus 4:2-4 - Moses's rod becomes a snake")) and bringing about the plagues ([Exodus 7:19](/exodus/7-19 "Exodus 7:19 - Rod turns water to blood"), [Exodus 8:5](/exodus/8-5 "Exodus 8:5 - Rod brings frogs"), etc.). Here, it symbolizes God's delegated authority and the visible means through which His power would be displayed. It emphasizes that while God performs the miracle, He chooses to work through human agency and obedience.
* **Divide (Hebrew, _bâqaʻ'_):** This Hebrew verb means "to cleave, split, or tear open." It implies a forceful, decisive, and complete separation, not merely a receding of shallow waters. It suggests an act of creation or re-creation, where God fundamentally alters the natural order to accomplish His will. This word is also used for splitting rocks ([Psalm 78:15](/psalms/78-15 "Psalm 78:15 - God split rocks in the wilderness")) or tearing open the earth, highlighting a powerful, supernatural intervention.
* **Dry Ground (Hebrew, _yabbâshâh'_):** This word literally means "dry land" or "continent." Its inclusion emphasizes the supernatural nature of the miracle. The path through the sea was not muddy, treacherous, or merely shallow, but truly dry ground, making it feasible for a massive multitude, including their livestock, to cross swiftly and safely. This detail underscores the completeness and perfection of God's intervention, ensuring the comfort and safety of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it:"** This tripartite command to Moses highlights the immediate, active obedience required. Moses is not to passively wait but to perform a specific, visible act. The "rod" and "hand" are tangible symbols of his role as God's chosen intermediary, demonstrating that God works through His appointed servants. The command "divide it" is a direct imperative from God, indicating His sovereign power over the natural world. It's not a request but a declaration of what God *will do* through Moses's action, emphasizing divine initiative and power.
* **"and the children of Israel shall go on dry [ground] through the midst of the sea."** This clause states the miraculous outcome and the ultimate purpose of the divine command: the safe passage and deliverance of the Israelites. The phrase "through the midst of the sea" emphasizes the totality of the division—a path directly through the heart of the seemingly impassable barrier, leaving no doubt about the supernatural nature of the event. The "dry ground" confirms the supernatural nature of the path, ensuring the feasibility of the crossing for a large, diverse group, including children and livestock, without impediment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **direct command**, emphasizing God's authoritative voice and Moses's immediate obedience. It also utilizes **vivid imagery**, painting a picture of a supernatural highway through the formidable Red Sea. The **contrast** between the overwhelming obstacle (the vast sea) and the simple, yet powerful, action (lifting a rod, stretching a hand) underscores the disproportionate power of God at work, highlighting that the miracle is entirely His doing. The promise of "dry ground" further enhances this imagery, creating a powerful visual of a supernatural pathway, an act of divine re-ordering of creation for the salvation of His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates several core theological truths: God's Omnipotence and Sovereignty are demonstrated by His ability to command and divide a vast body of water, establishing Him as the supreme ruler, far above any earthly power or false deity. He is not limited by natural laws or human impossibilities. Furthermore, this miracle reveals God as Deliverer and Savior, making a way where there is no humanly conceivable way for His people's salvation from bondage and destruction. Finally, it underscores the Necessity of Obedience and Faith, as God requires Moses's active participation, teaching that He often works through human instruments, calling His people to acts of faith even when the outcome seems unfathomable. Moses's action is a visible sign of his trust in God's word. This event is a cornerstone of Israel's identity and a prototype for God's redemptive work throughout the biblical narrative.
* [Psalm 77:19](/psalms/77-19 "Psalm 77:19 - God's path through the sea")
* [Isaiah 43:16](/isaiah/43-16 "Isaiah 43:16 - God making a way in the sea")
* [Hebrews 11:29](/hebrews/11-29 "Hebrews 11:29 - By faith they passed through the Red Sea")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 14:16 offers enduring lessons for believers navigating the "seas" of life in the modern world. When confronted with seemingly insurmountable obstacles—whether financial crises, relational breakdowns, health challenges, or spiritual battles—this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's limitless power and His willingness to intervene on behalf of His people. We are encouraged to **Trust in God's Deliverance**: just as God made a way through the impassable Red Sea, He can create paths and solutions in our seemingly impossible situations, prompting us to look beyond our limited human resources and trust in His divine capacity to deliver. We are also called to **Act in Obedience**: while we may not be commanded to stretch out a literal rod, God often calls us to specific acts of faith and obedience, however small or illogical they may seem, as our willingness to take that first step can be the catalyst for His miraculous work. Finally, we should **Remember His Faithfulness**: the Red Sea crossing is a foundational historical example of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, and remembering this and other past acts of God's deliverance—both in Scripture and in our personal lives—strengthens our faith to believe He remains the same faithful God yesterday, today, and forever.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Red Sea" obstacles or seemingly impossible situations are you facing in your life today, and how does this verse encourage you to trust God's power?**
* **In what specific ways might God be calling you to an act of obedience, even if it seems small or counter-intuitive, as Moses was commanded to lift his rod?**
* **How does remembering God's past acts of deliverance (both biblical and personal) strengthen your faith for present and future challenges?**

### FAQ
**Why did Moses need to lift his rod if God was doing the miracle?**

Answer: God, in His sovereignty, often chooses to work through human instruments, not because He needs them, but to involve humanity in His redemptive plan and to demonstrate His power through a visible act of obedience. Moses's rod had already become a symbol of God's delegated authority and power during the plagues. His action of lifting it was a public declaration of faith and obedience, a tangible sign that the ensuing miracle was God's work, performed through His chosen servant. It also served to authenticate Moses's leadership before the Israelites.

**Was the Red Sea crossing a natural event or truly supernatural?**

Answer: The biblical text clearly portrays the Red Sea crossing as a supernatural event, not a mere natural phenomenon. While God often uses natural means, the description of the sea dividing into walls of water on either side, the immediate appearance of "dry ground," and the precise timing of the waters returning to engulf the Egyptians, all point to direct divine intervention. The Hebrew word *baqa* ("divide" or "cleave") suggests a powerful, decisive act that goes beyond what a strong wind or low tide could achieve. The narrative emphasizes God's direct command and the miraculous nature of the event to underscore His unique power and glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Red Sea crossing, commanded in [Exodus 14:16](/exodus/14-16 "Exodus 14:16 - God commands the Red Sea division"), is a profound Old Testament type that finds its ultimate fulfillment and amplification in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the Red Sea delivered Israel from physical bondage and the threat of death under Pharaoh, Jesus Christ delivers humanity from spiritual bondage to sin, death, and the power of the devil. His death on the cross and resurrection are the ultimate "way" made through the seemingly impassable barrier of human sin and divine judgment, leading His people to freedom. This event marked the birth of Israel as a nation, and similarly, Jesus's work is often described as a "new exodus" (as seen in [Luke 9:31](/luke/9-31 "Luke 9:31 - Jesus's exodus in Jerusalem")), where He leads His people through His own death and resurrection to a new life in the Kingdom of God, establishing the New Covenant. He is indeed the ultimate "Way" to the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")) through the impossible. Furthermore, the New Testament explicitly links the Red Sea crossing to Christian baptism, with [1 Corinthians 10:1-2](/1-corinthians/10-1 "1 Corinthians 10:1-2 - Israel's baptism in the sea") stating that the Israelites "were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea." This prefigures Christian baptism, which symbolizes a believer's identification with Christ's death and resurrection—dying to the old life of sin and being raised to new life in Christ ([Romans 6:3-4](/romans/6-3 "Romans 6:3-4 - Baptism into Christ's death and resurrection")). Just as Israel passed through the waters to a new identity and freedom, believers pass through baptism into a new identity as part of God's new covenant people. Finally, while Moses's rod symbolized delegated divine authority, Jesus possesses all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All authority given to Jesus")). He demonstrates His power over creation (such as calming storms, [Matthew 8:26-27](/matthew/8-26 "Matthew 8:26-27 - Jesus calms the storm")) and over sin and death, ultimately making the way for eternal life. The Red Sea miracle thus powerfully foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over the powers that enslave humanity.

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

Exodus 7:19

And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and [that] there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in [vessels of] wood, and in [vessels of] stone.

Exodus 4:17

And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs.

Exodus 4:2

And the LORD said unto him, What [is] that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.

Exodus 14:26

And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.

Exodus 4:20

And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.

Isaiah 10:26

And the LORD of hosts shall stir up a scourge for him according to the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb: and [as] his rod [was] upon the sea, so shall he lift it up after the manner of Egypt.

Exodus 7:9

When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast [it] before Pharaoh, [and] it shall become a serpent.