Exodus 14:24

And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,

And it came to pass, that in the morning {H1242} watch {H821} the LORD {H3068} looked {H8259} unto the host {H4264} of the Egyptians {H4714} through the pillar {H5982} of fire {H784} and of the cloud {H6051}, and troubled {H2000} the host {H4264} of the Egyptians {H4714},

Just before dawn, ADONAI looked out on the Egyptian army through the column of fire and cloud and threw them into a panic.

At morning watch, however, the LORD looked down on the army of the Egyptians from the pillar of fire and cloud, and He threw their camp into confusion.

And it came to pass in the morning watch, that Jehovah looked forth upon the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of cloud, and discomfited the host of the Egyptians.

Commentary

Exodus 14:24 describes a pivotal moment during the Israelites' miraculous escape through the Red Sea, highlighting God's active intervention against the pursuing Egyptian army.

Context

This verse occurs during the dramatic climax of the Red Sea crossing. After God had parted the waters (see Exodus 14:21), the Israelites had passed through on dry ground. The Egyptians, led by Pharaoh, recklessly pursued them into the seabed. The "morning watch" refers to the period just before dawn, typically from 2 AM to 6 AM, a time when the Egyptians might have expected to gain ground on the fleeing Israelites. However, God, who had been guiding Israel by the pillar of fire by night and cloud by day, now turned His attention to their enemies.

Key Themes

  • Divine Intervention and Protection: The verse powerfully illustrates God's direct involvement in protecting His people. He didn't just part the sea; He actively engaged the enemy. This shows His unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel.
  • God's Judgment on Oppressors: The "troubling" of the Egyptian host foreshadows their ultimate defeat. God's intervention here is a clear act of judgment against Pharaoh and his army for their stubbornness and cruelty towards His chosen people. This divine justice is a recurring theme in Scripture.
  • God's Presence and Power: The pillar of fire and cloud, which had previously served as a guide and a barrier (Exodus 14:20), now becomes an instrument of active warfare. Through it, the LORD "looked" and "troubled" the Egyptians, demonstrating His omniscient gaze and irresistible power.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "troubled" in this verse translates the Hebrew verb hamam (Χ”ΦΈΧžΦ·Χ). This word signifies to throw into confusion, to discomfit, to rout, or to panic. It suggests more than just causing inconvenience; it implies a deep disarray and terror inflicted supernaturally upon the Egyptian army. This divine confusion would have made their chariots difficult to maneuver and their pursuit ineffective, setting the stage for their impending destruction described in Exodus 14:27.

Practical Application

Exodus 14:24 offers timeless lessons for believers today. Just as God actively intervened for Israel against a formidable enemy, He remains faithful to those who trust in Him. When facing overwhelming challenges or spiritual opposition, this verse reminds us that God is not a passive observer. He "looks" upon our circumstances and can "trouble" the forces that stand against us. It encourages us to have faith in His divine protection and to remember that the battle ultimately belongs to the LORD, who fights for His people (compare 2 Chronicles 20:15).

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 13:21

    And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

  • Exodus 14:25

    And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians.

  • Psalms 77:16

    The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled.

  • Psalms 77:19

    Thy way [is] in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.

  • Job 23:15

    Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.

  • Job 23:16

    For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me:

  • Job 34:20

    In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand.