Exodus 14:20

KJV

And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness [to them], but it gave light by night [to these]: so that the one came not near the other all the night.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came {H935} between the camp {H4264} of the Egyptians {H4714} and the camp {H4264} of Israel {H3478}; and it was a cloud {H6051} and darkness {H2822} to them, but it gave light {H215} by night {H3915} to these: so that the one came not near {H7126} the other {H2088} all the night {H3915}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

so that it came between the camps of Egypt and Israel. The cloud was there in the darkness, but it lit up the night. So all night long neither camp went near the other.

American Standard Version

and it came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud and the darkness, yet gave it light by night: and the one came not near the other all the night.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 14:20 powerfully depicts God's miraculous and strategic intervention at the Red Sea, where the divine pillar of cloud and fire positioned itself as an impenetrable barrier between the pursuing Egyptian army and the fleeing Israelites. This single, supernatural manifestation simultaneously plunged the Egyptians into disorienting darkness and confusion while providing clear, guiding light and divine protection to His people, ensuring their safety and preventing any assault throughout the critical night, thereby setting the stage for their miraculous deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is situated at a moment of extreme tension and desperation for the Israelites. Immediately preceding it, [Exodus 14:19](/exodus/14-19 "The Angel of God and Pillar Move") describes the dramatic repositioning of the "Angel of God" and the pillar of cloud from the front of the Israelite encampment to its rear. This strategic maneuver was a direct divine response to the imminent threat of Pharaoh's formidable army, which had finally caught up with the trapped Israelites, who were encamped by the Red Sea. Verse 20 then details the immediate, dual effect of this repositioned divine presence, serving as a critical buffer that bought time and prevented a night assault, directly leading into the miraculous parting of the Red Sea in [Exodus 14:21-22](/exodus/14-21-22 "The Parting of the Red Sea"). It underscores God's active role as protector and strategist in the unfolding narrative of redemption.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Exodus 14 unfold against the backdrop of ancient Near Eastern military practices, where night attacks were a common and often decisive tactic, particularly against a vulnerable, encamped, and largely unarmed populace like the Israelites. Pharaoh's army, especially its chariotry, represented the pinnacle of military technology and power in the ancient world. The Israelites, trapped between this overwhelming force and the impassable waters, were in an utterly defenseless position. The divine pillar's intervention was not merely symbolic; it was a literal, physical, and supernatural barrier that completely disrupted Egyptian military strategy, preventing a devastating night assault. This act resonated deeply with the ancient understanding of divine patronage, where a deity actively intervened to protect and fight for their chosen people, showcasing Yahweh's unparalleled power over all earthly forces.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 14:20 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Presence and Theophany**, as God manifests Himself visibly to guide and protect His people, a constant feature throughout their wilderness journey (e.g., [Exodus 13:21-22](/exodus/13-21-22 "The Pillar of Cloud and Fire")). Secondly, it underscores God's **Sovereignty and Absolute Power** over both creation and human affairs, demonstrating His ability to manipulate natural phenomena (cloud, light, darkness) and to thwart the plans of the most powerful earthly empire (Pharaoh's army). Thirdly, the verse vividly illustrates God's **Discriminating Justice and Protection**, where the same divine presence brings salvation and guidance to His covenant people, Israel, while simultaneously bringing confusion, judgment, and impediment to His enemies, the Egyptians. This dual effect foreshadows the ultimate separation between those who follow God and those who oppose Him, a theme evident throughout the biblical narrative, from [the flood in Genesis](/genesis/6 "Genesis 6 - The Flood") to the final judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 14:20 provides a concise yet profound description of the dual function of God's presence, manifested as a pillar of cloud and fire: "And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness [to them], but it gave light by night [to these]: so that the one came not near the other all the night."

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cloud (Hebrew, _ʻânân'_):** (H6051) This term refers to a visible manifestation of God's presence, often associated with theophany (divine appearance) and divine guidance, as seen throughout the wilderness wanderings (e.g., [Exodus 13:21](/exodus/13-21 "The Pillar of Cloud and Fire")). Here, its typical nature as a guide is dramatically altered to serve a strategic, defensive purpose, becoming a barrier.
* **darkness (Hebrew, _chôshek'_):** (H2822) This word denotes profound obscurity, often carrying connotations of chaos, judgment, or the absence of God's favor. For the Egyptians, the divine cloud became an instrument of disorientation, incapacitation, and a tangible sign of divine opposition, hindering their vision and movements.
* **light (Hebrew, _ʼôwr'_):** (H215) In stark contrast to _chôshek_, _ʼôwr_ signifies illumination, guidance, and divine favor. For the Israelites, the very same cloud provided clarity, reassurance, and the ability to navigate, enabling them to see and prepare for the next stage of their miraculous deliverance. This highlights God's ability to use the same phenomenon for opposing effects.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel;":** This opening clause emphasizes the immediate, deliberate, and strategic intervention of the divine presence. The pillar, representing God Himself, physically moved to create a literal, impassable buffer zone, placing itself directly in the line of the Egyptian attack. This act of divine interposition was absolutely crucial for the survival of the Israelite multitude, who were otherwise defenseless.
* **"and it was a cloud and darkness [to them],":** To the pursuing Egyptian army, this divine presence manifested as an impenetrable, disorienting darkness. This was not merely the natural absence of light but an active, supernatural obscurity that profoundly hindered their vision, confused their movements, and completely prevented them from launching an effective night assault. It was a direct act of divine judgment and impediment against those who opposed God's will.
* **"but it gave light by night [to these]:":** In profound contrast, to the Israelites, the very same cloud provided clear, guiding light throughout the night. This demonstrates God's discriminating presence and favor: His presence brings judgment and confusion to His enemies, but guidance, comfort, and safety to His chosen people. This illumination allowed the Israelites to perceive their surroundings, maintain order, and prepare for the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea that was to follow.
* **"so that the one came not near the other all the night.":** The ultimate and intended effect of this divine intervention was a complete and absolute standstill in the Egyptian pursuit. The Egyptians were utterly incapacitated by the supernatural darkness, unable to close the gap or engage the Israelites in battle. This critical delay was precisely what God intended, providing the necessary time for Moses to part the Red Sea and for the Israelites to begin their escape.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Exodus 14:20 is **stark contrast** (or **antonymy**), vividly highlighted by the opposing effects of "darkness" (_chôshek_) for the Egyptians and "light" (_ʼôwr_) for the Israelites. This emphasizes God's dual nature as both protector and judge, and His sovereign ability to use the same phenomenon to achieve diametrically opposed outcomes for different groups. Additionally, the phrase "it came between" suggests a degree of **personification** of the cloud, implying a deliberate, active, and intentional agent in the narrative, rather than a passive object. This active interposition underscores God's direct involvement in the unfolding drama.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 14:20 conveys profound theological truths about God's character, His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, and His absolute sovereignty. The verse unequivocally demonstrates God's active and personal involvement in the lives of His chosen, positioning Himself as their ultimate shield and defender. He is not a distant deity but an immanent, intervening God who directly orchestrates events, even manipulating natural phenomena, to accomplish His redemptive purposes and protect those He loves. This divine intervention showcases His perfect timing and strategic wisdom, ensuring that His people are safe and prepared for the next stage of His plan.

* [Psalm 121:7-8](/psalms/121-7-8 "The Lord Will Keep You from All Evil"): "The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore."
* [Isaiah 8:14](/isaiah/8-14 "A Stone of Stumbling"): "And he will be a sanctuary; but for both houses of Israel he will be a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, a trap and a snare for the inhabitants of Jerusalem."
* [Ecclesiastes 3:1](/ecclesiastes/3-1 "A Time for Everything"): "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 14:20 offers a timeless and deeply comforting message of hope and reassurance for believers facing overwhelming challenges today. Just as God strategically positioned Himself as an impenetrable barrier between Israel and their formidable enemies, He continues to be our ultimate shield, defender, and guide in the midst of our own "Red Sea" moments. When we feel trapped, pursued by overwhelming odds, spiritual attacks, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, this verse powerfully reminds us that God's presence is active, strategic, and discriminative. He has the power to turn our darkest moments into opportunities for His light to shine, guiding us through impossible situations and preventing the enemy from closing in. We are called to cultivate a deeper trust in His protective presence, even when we cannot see the way forward, knowing that He is actively working on our behalf, often in ways that are beyond our human comprehension, to ensure our ultimate deliverance and well-being.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel "trapped" or pursued by overwhelming challenges, much like the Israelites at the Red Sea? How does the image of God placing Himself as a barrier between you and your "enemy" bring comfort or challenge your perspective?**
* **How might God's presence manifest as "darkness" to those who oppose Him and "light" to those who follow Him in our modern world, both individually and culturally?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper and more active trust in God's protective presence, especially when circumstances seem dire and the path forward is unclear?**

### FAQ
**How could a single cloud provide both light and darkness simultaneously?**

Answer: This phenomenon is presented in the biblical narrative as a supernatural act of God, not a natural meteorological event. The cloud was a visible manifestation of God's divine presence, often referred to as the Shekinah glory. Its ability to provide illuminating light to one side (Israel) and impenetrable darkness to the other (Egypt) demonstrates God's miraculous power and His absolute sovereign control over creation, bending natural laws to serve His specific, discriminating purposes for His people and His enemies. It is a divine miracle, a tangible sign of God's active intervention, rather than a scientific anomaly explainable by natural means.

**Why did God need to create darkness? Couldn't He just make the Egyptians disappear?**

Answer: While God certainly possesses the omnipotent power to make the Egyptians disappear instantly, His methods often serve multiple profound purposes beyond mere immediate removal. The darkness served as a crucial strategic delay, preventing an immediate night attack by the Egyptians and thereby providing the necessary time for Moses to part the Red Sea and for the Israelites to begin their escape. Furthermore, this act served as a visible and undeniable sign of God's judgment on Egypt and His distinct favor toward Israel, reinforcing the theological themes of divine separation, discriminating presence, and God's active involvement in the battle on behalf of His people. It was a powerful, tangible demonstration of His active involvement in their deliverance and a public display of His justice against Pharaoh's hardened heart and persistent oppression.

**Does this event imply that God plays favorites?**

Answer: This event indeed highlights God's particular favor and covenant faithfulness towards Israel as His chosen people, whom He had delivered from slavery. However, this is not arbitrary favoritism but an act entirely consistent with His covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (e.g., [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Call of Abram")). God's actions here demonstrate His justice and faithfulness to His word. While He shows particular favor to His chosen, His ultimate plan of salvation, which began with Israel, is for all humanity. The "darkness" for Egypt was a direct consequence of their persistent oppression of God's people and Pharaoh's repeated defiance of God's explicit command to "Let my people go!" (e.g., [Exodus 5:1](/exodus/5-1 "Moses and Aaron Confront Pharaoh")). Thus, it's an act of righteous judgment and covenant keeping, not capricious partiality.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 14:20, with its imagery of a divine presence acting as both a guiding light and an impenetrable darkness, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the ultimate manifestation of God's presence among humanity, the Word made flesh who "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). Just as the pillar of cloud and fire protected Israel from their physical enemies, Jesus is the ultimate protector and Good Shepherd of His people, shielding them from spiritual enemies, the power of sin, and the ultimate consequences of death ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "No One Can Snatch Them")). He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Furthermore, Jesus Himself declared, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "Jesus the Light of the World")). He brings illumination, truth, and salvation to all who believe in Him, guiding them through the moral and spiritual darkness of this world. Yet, to those who reject Him, He becomes a "stone of stumbling and a rock of offense" ([1 Peter 2:7-8](/1_peter/2-7-8 "Christ the Cornerstone and Stumbling Block")), a source of judgment and spiritual blindness, much like the cloud brought darkness and confusion to the Egyptians. The cross, in particular, embodies this dual reality: it is the ultimate act of salvation and divine light for believers, providing forgiveness and eternal life, but it simultaneously exposes the profound darkness and sin of humanity for those who refuse to embrace its saving power. Thus, the discriminating presence of God, so vividly seen in the pillar at the Red Sea, is fully realized and perfected in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who divides humanity by their response to Him, bringing life to some and judgment to others.

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 Corinthians 2:15

For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:

2 Corinthians 2:16

To the one [we are] the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who [is] sufficient for these things?

Isaiah 8:14

And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Proverbs 4:18

But the path of the just [is] as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Proverbs 4:19

The way of the wicked [is] as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

Psalms 18:11

He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him [were] dark waters [and] thick clouds of the skies.