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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 14:21–31. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here the history of that work of wonder which is so often mentioned both in the Old and New Testament, the dividing of the Red Sea before the children of Israel. It was the terror of the Canaanites (Jos 2:9, Jos 2:10), the praise and triumph of the Israelites, Psa 114:3; Psa 106:9; Psa 136:13, Psa 136:14. It was a type of baptism, Co1 10:1, Co1 10:2. Israel's passage through it was typical of the conversion of souls (Isa 11:15), and the Egyptians' perdition in it was typical of the final ruin of all impenitent sinners, Rev 20:14. Here we have,
I.An instance of God's almighty power in the kingdom of nature, in dividing the sea, and opening a passage through the waters.
It was a bay, or gulf, or arm of the sea, two or three leagues over, which was divided, Exo 14:21. The instituted sign made use of was Moses's stretching out his hand over it, to signify that it was done in answer to his prayer, for the confirmation of his mission, and in favour to the people whom he led. The natural sign was a strong east wind, signifying that it was done by the power of God, whom the winds and the seas obey. If there be any passage in the book of Job which has reference to the miracles wrought for Israel's deliverance out of Egypt, it is that in Job 26:12, He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smileth through Rahab (so the word is), that is, Egypt. Note, God can bring his people through the greatest difficulties, and force a way where he does not find it. The God of nature has not tied himself to its laws, but, when he pleases, dispenses with them, and then the fire does not burn, nor the water flow.
II.An instance of his wonderful favour to his Israel.
They went through the sea to the opposite shore, for I cannot suppose, with some, that they fetched a compass, and came out again on the same side, Exo 14:22. They walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea, Exo 14:29. And the pillar of cloud, that glory of the Lord, being their rearward (Isa 58:8), that the Egyptians might not charge them in the flank, the waters were a wall to them (it is twice mentioned) on their right hand and on their left. Moses and Aaron, it is probable, ventured first into this untrodden path, and then all Israel after them; and this march through the paths of the great waters would make their march afterwards, through the wilderness, less formidable. Those who had followed God through the sea needed not to fear following him whithersoever he led them. This march through the sea was in the night, and not a moon-shiny night, for it was seven days after the full moon, so that they had no light but what they had from the pillar of cloud and fire. This made it the more awful; but where God leads us he will light us; while we follow his conduct, we shall not want his comforts.
This was done, and recorded, in order to encourage God's people in all ages to trust in him in the greatest straits. What cannot he do who did this? What will not he do for those hat fear and love him who did this for these murmuring unbelieving Israelis, who yet were beloved for their fathers' sake, and for the sake of a remnant among them? We find the saints, long afterwards, making themselves sharers in the triumphs of this march (Psa 66:6): They went through the flood on foot; there did we rejoice in him: and see how this work of wonder is improved, Psa 77:11, Psa 77:16, Psa 77:19.
III.An instance of his just and righteous wrath upon his and his people's enemies, the Egyptians. Observe here,
1.How they were infatuated. In the heat of their pursuit, they went after the Israelites into the midst of the sea, Exo 14:23. "Why," thought they, "may not we venture where Israel did?" Once or twice the magicians of Egypt had done what Moses did, with their enchantments; Pharaoh remembered this, but forgot how they were nonplussed at last. They were more advantageously provided with chariots and horses, while the Israelites were on foot. Pharaoh had said, I know not the Lord; and by this it appeared he did not, else he would not have ventured thus. None so bold as those that are blind. Rage against Israel made them thus daring and inconsiderate: they had long hardened their own hearts; and now God hardened them to their ruin, and hid from their eyes the things that belonged to their peace and safety. Surely in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird (Pro 1:17); yet so blind where the Egyptians that they hastened to the snare, Pro 7:23. Note, The ruin of sinners is brought on by their own presumption, which hurries them headlong into the pit. They are self-destroyers.
2.How they were troubled and perplexed, Exo 14:24, Exo 14:25. For some hours they marched through the divided waters as safely and triumphantly as Israel did, not doubting but, that, in a little time, they should gain their point. But, in the morning watch, the Lord looked upon the host of the Egyptians, and troubled them. Something or other they saw or heard from the pillar of cloud and fire which put them into great consternation, and gave them an apprehension of their ruin before it was brought upon them. Now it appeared that the triumphing of the wicked is short, and that God has ways to frighten sinners into despair, before he plunges them into destruction. He cuts off the spirit of princes, and is terrible to the kings of the earth.
(1.)They had hectored and boasted as if the day were their own; but now they were troubled and dismayed, struck with a panic-fear.
(2.)They had driven furiously; but now they drove heavily, and found themselves plugged and embarrassed at every step; the way grew deep, their hearts grew sad, their wheels dropped off, and the axle-trees failed. Thus can God check the violence of those that are in pursuit of his people.
(3.)They had been flying upon the back of Israel, as the hawk upon the trembling dove; but now they cried, Let us flee from the face of Israel, which had become to them like a torch of fire in a sheaf, Zac 12:6. Israel has now, all of a sudden, become as much a terror to them as they had been to Israel. They might have let Israel alone and would not; now they would flee from the face of Israel and cannot. Men will not be convinced, till it is too late, that those who meddle with God's people meddle to their own hurt; when the Lord shall come with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment, the mighty men will in vain seek to shelter themselves under rocks and mountains from the face of Israel and Israel's King, Rev 6:15. Compare with this story, Job 27:20, etc.
3.How they were all drowned. As soon as ever the children of Israel had got safely to the shore, Moses was ordered to stretch out his hand over the sea, and thereby give a signal to the waters to close again, as before, upon he word of command, they had opened to the right and the left, Exo 14:29. He did so, and immediately the waters returned to their place, and overwhelmed all the host of the Egyptians, Exo 14:27, Exo 14:28. Pharaoh and his servants, who had hardened one another in sin, now fell together, and not one escaped. An ancient tradition says that Pharaoh's magicians, Jannes and Jambres, perished with the rest, as Balaam with the Midianites whom he had seduced, Num 31:8. And now,
(1.)God avenged upon the Egyptians the blood of the firstborn whom they had drowned: and the principal is repaid with interest, it is recompensed double, full-grown Egyptians for newborn Israelites; thus the Lord is righteous, and precious is his people's blood in his sight, Psa 72:14.
(2.)God reckoned with Pharaoh for all his proud and insolent conduct towards Moses his ambassador. Mocking the messengers of the Lord, and playing the fool with them, bring ruin without remedy. Now God got him honour upon Pharaoh, looking upon that proud man, and abasing him, Job 40:12. Come and see the desolations he made, and write it, not in water, but with an iron pen in the rock for ever. Here lies that bloody tyrant who bade defiance to his Maker, to his demands, threatenings, and judgments; a rebel to God, and a slave to his own barbarous passions; perfectly lost to humanity, virtue, and all true honour; here he lies, buried in the deep, a perpetual monument of divine justice. Here he went down to the pit, though he was the terror of the mighty in the land of the living. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, Eze 31:18.
IV.Here is the notice which the Israelites took of this wonderful work which God wrought for them, and the good impressions which it made upon them for the present.
1.They saw the Egyptians dead upon the sands, Exo 14:30. Providence so ordered it that the next tide threw up the dead bodies,
(1.)For the greater disgrace of the Egyptians. Now the beasts and birds of prey were called to eat the flesh of the captains and mighty men, Rev 19:17, Rev 19:18. The Egyptians were very nice and curious in embalming and preserving the bodies of their great men, but here the utmost contempt is poured upon all the grandees of Egypt; see how they lie, heaps upon heaps, as dung upon the face of the earth.
(2.)For the greater triumph of the Israelites, and to affect them the more with their deliverance; for the eye affects the heart. See Isa 66:24, They shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me. Probably they stripped the slain and, having borrowed jewels of their neighbours before, which (the Egyptians having by this hostile pursuit of them broken their faith with them) henceforward they were not under any obligation to restore, they now got arms from them, which, some think, they were not before provided with. Thus, when God broke the heads of Leviathan in pieces, he gave him to be meat to the people inhabiting the wilderness, Psa 74:14.
2.The sight of this great work greatly affected them, and now they feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses, Exo 14:31. Now they were ashamed of their distrusts and murmurings, and, in the good mind they were in, they would never again despair of help from Heaven, no, not in the greatest straits; they would never again quarrel with Moses, nor talk of returning to Egypt. They were now baptized unto Moses in the sea, Co1 10:2. This great work which God wrought for them by the ministry of Moses bound them effectually to follow his directions, under God. This confirmed their faith in the promises that were yet to be fulfilled; and, being brought thus triumphantly out of Egypt, they did not doubt that they should be in Canaan shortly, having such a God to trust to, and such a mediator between them and him. O that there had been such a heart in them as now there seemed to be! Sensible mercies, when they are fresh, make sensible impressions; but with many these impressions soon wear off: while they see God's works, and feel the benefit of them, they fear him and trust in him; but they soon forget his works, and then they slight him. How well were it for us if we were always in as good a frame as we are in sometimes!
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Now the Jews also had crossed the Red Sea, under the leadership of Moses, but there is a great difference here. Moses accomplished everything by praying and in the manner of a servant, whereas Christ acted altogether by his own power. And in the episode of the Red Sea the water gave way by means of the wind which then was blowing, so as to make a passage on dry land, while in this episode a greater wonder took place. Though the sea kept its own nature, even so it carried the Lord on its surface, to bear out that scriptural testimony to one “who walks upon the seas as on a pavement.”
We find that arms have always needed faith, but faith has never needed arms. The rod of faith parted the sea which submerged the army bereft of faith together with its wicked leader.
Note how the teachers of the Old and New Testaments differ in their deeds but are paired in glory, for the one Wisdom issued twin laws in the two Testaments, so equal distinction gives the same weight to differing powers. Peter did not divide the sea with a rod, but then Moses did not walk on the waters. However, both have the same bright glory, for the one Creator inspired both the cleavage of the waters with a rod and the treading of the waves underfoot.
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Summary
Exodus 14:21 powerfully narrates the climactic moment of Israel's deliverance from Egypt, where Moses, in an act of obedient faith, stretched his hand over the Red Sea. In response, the LORD, by a sustained and mighty east wind throughout the entire night, supernaturally caused the vast waters to recede and divide, transforming the seabed into dry ground. This unprecedented miracle forged an escape path for the terrified Israelites, unequivocally demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His unwavering, covenantal commitment to redeem and protect His people from bondage.
Context
Literary Context
This verse serves as the pivotal turning point in the dramatic escape narrative of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. Immediately preceding this, the Israelites found themselves in an utterly desperate and humanly impossible situation, trapped between Pharaoh's formidable pursuing army and the impassable Red Sea. Their initial elation at leaving Egypt quickly turned to panic and despair, leading them to bitterly question Moses' leadership and even express a desire to return to their former bondage in Egypt (see Exodus 14:10-12). Moses, however, stood firm in faith, boldly declaring that the LORD Himself would fight for them, instructing them to "stand still and see the salvation of the LORD" (Exodus 14:13-14). Just before Moses stretched out his hand, God had strategically intervened by positioning the pillar of cloud and fire between the Israelite and Egyptian camps. This divine presence provided guiding light for Israel's journey while simultaneously plunging the Egyptians into darkness and confusion, thus preventing their immediate attack and setting the stage for the miraculous intervention described in Exodus 14:21, where God begins to forge a path through the seemingly insurmountable watery barrier.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, large bodies of water like the sea often symbolized chaos, primordial forces, and insurmountable barriers. For the Egyptians, the Nile and the Red Sea were powerful natural entities, and Pharaoh was considered a divine ruler whose authority extended over all aspects of his domain, including nature. His army was perceived as an unstoppable force. God's act of dividing the sea was, therefore, not merely a practical solution for Israel's escape but a profound theological statement and a direct challenge to the perceived might of both nature and Pharaoh. It dramatically demonstrated that Yahweh, the God of Israel, held ultimate and absolute dominion over all creation, including the chaotic waters, and over all earthly powers, including the might of Egypt. This event would have been understood as a cosmic battle, where Yahweh unequivocally proved His supremacy by conquering the very elements that symbolized the limits of human and even pagan divine power, uniquely attributing this ultimate control to the one true God.
Key Themes
Exodus 14:21 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Exodus and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost among these is the theme of Divine Deliverance and Salvation. This act is the quintessential example of God's active intervention in history to save His people from oppression and bondage, establishing Him as the ultimate Rescuer. It powerfully underscores God's Sovereignty and Omnipotence over all creation, demonstrating His ability to manipulate natural elements—even a "strong east wind" (Exodus 14:21)—to achieve His divine purposes. The event also highlights God's Covenant Faithfulness, as He delivers on His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to bring their descendants out of Egypt into the promised land (Genesis 15:13-16). Furthermore, the passage subtly emphasizes the importance of Human Obedience as a Catalyst for Divine Action; Moses' stretching out his hand, though a simple physical act, was the direct fulfillment of God's command (Exodus 14:16), unleashing God's mighty power. This miracle also foreshadows future acts of God's power and serves as a foundational narrative for Israel's identity as a people redeemed by Yahweh, a theme echoed throughout the Psalms and prophetic books (e.g., Psalm 77:16-20).
Exposition and Analysis
Exodus 14:21 describes a foundational miracle in Israel's history, profoundly highlighting God's power, faithfulness, and the role of human obedience.
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root means "to stretch or spread out" and, by implication, "to bend away." It is used in a great variety of applications, including to extend, incline, or turn. In this context, Moses' action of stretching out his hand signifies an obedient response to God's command (Exodus 14:16). It is not an act of inherent power on Moses' part, but rather a symbolic gesture that serves as the human catalyst for God's divine intervention, demonstrating Moses' role as God's chosen instrument.
This feminine noun refers to "a desert" or "dry ground/land." Its use here is crucial, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the path created through the sea. It was not merely shallow or muddy, but completely dry, making it fully passable for a vast multitude, including livestock and children, "all that night." This detail underscores the completeness and supernatural efficacy of God's work, transforming an impassable watery barrier into a solid, traversable land.
This primitive root means "to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open." It conveys a powerful, decisive, and often violent separation. This verb is used elsewhere for breaking open the ground (Numbers 16:31), splitting wood, or even a woman giving birth (breaking forth from the womb). Here, it vividly portrays the dramatic, forceful, and complete separation of the water, indicating that the waters were not merely pushed aside but actively and miraculously "split" apart, forming walls on either side. This term highlights the supernatural, extraordinary nature of the event, emphasizing that the waters were not simply receding but were forcefully and decisively cleaved.
Verse Breakdown
"And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea;"
This initial clause describes the human action that initiates the divine miracle. Moses' act is one of direct obedience to God's prior command (Exodus 14:16). It highlights Moses' role as God's chosen mediator and instrument, through whom God's mighty power is channeled. The focus is not on Moses' power, but on his faithful compliance, which unlocks God's intervention.
"and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land,"
This is the core of the divine action. The phrase "the LORD caused" directly attributes the power and agency to Yahweh (H3068), the personal, covenantal God of Israel. The "strong east wind" is identified as the means God employed, not the ultimate cause of the miracle itself. The duration, "all that night," emphasizes the sustained, deliberate, and powerful nature of God's work, far beyond any natural phenomenon. The result, "dry land," is crucial, indicating that the path was not muddy or treacherous, but miraculously prepared for the passage of a vast multitude, ensuring their safe transit.
"and the waters were divided."
This final, succinct phrase describes the miraculous outcome and climax of the divine intervention. The waters, previously an impassable and terrifying barrier, are now supernaturally "split" apart (H1234), forming walls of water on either side. This is the impossible made possible, a clear demonstration of God's absolute dominion over creation and His unparalleled power to deliver His people.
Literary Devices
The narrative of Exodus 14:21 masterfully employs several literary devices to enhance its impact and convey its theological significance. A clear cause-and-effect structure is evident, where Moses' obedient act of stretching out his hand (the cause) directly precipitates God's miraculous intervention (the effect). The detail of the "strong east wind all that night" utilizes descriptive imagery to convey the sustained, overwhelming power and effort involved in God's work, even as it highlights the supernatural outcome that transcends natural capabilities. The profound contrast between the "sea" (representing an impassable, life-threatening barrier) and the transformed "dry land" (representing a safe, life-giving path) dramatically underscores the magnitude of the miracle and God's awe-inspiring ability to transform impossible situations into avenues of salvation. Furthermore, the use of the Hebrew verb bâqaʻ (translated as "divided") is a powerful example of vivid verb choice, painting a dynamic and forceful picture of the waters being dramatically cleaved rather than merely receding, emphasizing the decisive and supernatural nature of God's action.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 14:21 is a foundational text revealing several profound theological truths about God and His relationship with humanity. Primarily, it showcases God's absolute sovereignty and omnipotence over all creation, demonstrating His unparalleled ability to manipulate natural elements—even a "strong east wind"—to achieve His divine purposes. This event definitively establishes Him as the ultimate Deliverer and Rescuer, actively intervening in human history to save His people from oppression and bondage. It underscores His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, as He delivers on His word to bring Israel out of Egypt into the promised land. Furthermore, the passage highlights the importance of human obedience as a catalyst for divine action; Moses' stretching out his hand, though seemingly simple, was the obedient act that God commanded to unleash His power. This event is a central theme throughout the biblical narrative, often referenced as the quintessential act of God's salvation, serving as the prototype of divine deliverance and a powerful reminder that God can make a way where there seems to be no way.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 14:21 offers profound and enduring encouragement for believers facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles in their lives today. Just as God cleared an impossible path through the formidable Red Sea for Israel, He remains capable of making a way through our personal "Red Seas"—whether they manifest as overwhelming financial crises, deeply fractured relationship breakdowns, debilitating health challenges, or intense spiritual battles. This verse calls us to transcend despair and to place our unwavering trust in God's immense power and His steadfast commitment to His people. It serves as a powerful reminder that our role, much like Moses', is often one of simple, faithful obedience, even when the full outcome or the precise path ahead is not yet visible. God often works through both dramatic, supernatural intervention and sustained, "wind-like" processes that unfold over time, teaching us patience, perseverance, and absolute reliance on His perfect timing and methods. Ultimately, this foundational narrative reassures us that God is not a distant deity but is actively and intimately involved in our lives, always faithful to deliver us from bondage and lead us to true freedom and flourishing.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Did God use a natural phenomenon or a pure miracle to part the Red Sea?
The text states that the LORD "caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night." This indicates that God utilized a natural phenomenon (a powerful wind) as His instrument. However, the effect of this wind—creating two walls of water and transforming the seabed into completely dry land for an entire nation to cross—goes far beyond what any natural wind, no matter how strong, could achieve. It was a supernatural miracle accomplished through natural means, demonstrating God's complete sovereignty over creation. He is able to command, sustain, and direct natural forces to perform His will in ways that defy natural explanation. It was not merely a convenient coincidence of nature, but a deliberate act of divine power.
Why did God wait until the Israelites were trapped between the sea and the Egyptians?
God often orchestrates circumstances to allow His people to reach a point of apparent impossibility or utter helplessness. By allowing the Israelites to be utterly trapped between Pharaoh's army and the Red Sea, God ensured that His deliverance would be undeniably miraculous and that there would be no doubt that it was His hand, not human strategy, strength, or luck, that saved them. This heightened the impact of the miracle, solidified Israel's trust in Him as their sole deliverer, and served as a powerful judgment against Pharaoh and the false gods of Egypt. It was a strategic display of divine power designed to instill awe, faith, and a lasting testimony of His redemptive might, not only for Israel but for all future generations.
Is the story of the Red Sea crossing meant to be taken literally?
Yes, within the biblical narrative, the Red Sea crossing is presented as a literal, historical event. It is foundational to Israel's identity as a nation supernaturally delivered by God and is frequently referenced throughout the Old and New Testaments as a real, tangible act of God's salvation. For instance, the psalmist recounts it as a historical event (Psalm 106:9-11), and the prophet Isaiah looks back to it as a precedent for future deliverance (Isaiah 66:11-13). Most notably, the New Testament book of Hebrews explicitly affirms it as an act accomplished "by faith" (Hebrews 11:29). While the precise geographical location of the crossing is a subject of ongoing scholarly debate, the biblical text consistently treats the event itself as a historical reality where God supernaturally intervened in the physical world.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The Red Sea crossing, as described in Exodus 14:21, stands as a profound theological type and a glorious foreshadowing of the greater, ultimate deliverance found in Jesus Christ. Just as God made an impossible way through the impassable waters to deliver Israel from physical slavery, judgment, and death, Jesus Christ, through His perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and victorious resurrection, provides the ultimate "way" through the impassable barrier of sin, spiritual death, and eternal judgment, leading humanity to true and eternal freedom. The Apostle Paul explicitly connects the Red Sea crossing to Christian baptism, calling it a "baptism into Moses in the cloud and in the sea" (1 Corinthians 10:1-2). This powerful typology highlights that just as Israel passed through the waters from a life of bondage to a new life of freedom and covenant relationship with God, believers pass through the waters of baptism, symbolizing their death to an old life dominated by sin and their resurrection to a new life in union with Christ (Romans 6:3-4). Furthermore, Jesus demonstrates an even greater, inherent authority over nature than Moses. While Moses acted as God's instrument, commanding a wind for an entire night, Jesus, as God incarnate, displays His own divine power by simply calming a violent storm with a single word (Mark 4:39). This showcases His intrinsic deity and supreme dominion over creation. The miraculous "dry land" path through the sea prefigures Christ as the Way (John 14:6), the exclusive means by which humanity can cross from the domain of spiritual darkness and death into the glorious kingdom of light and eternal life. The Exodus, culminating in the Red Sea deliverance, is the Old Testament's grand narrative of salvation, and it finds its ultimate fulfillment, amplification, and eternal significance in the new exodus accomplished by Jesus Christ, who delivers us not merely from an earthly Pharaoh, but from the eternal power of sin, death, and the grave itself.