Exodus 14:25

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And took off {H5493} their chariot {H4818} wheels {H212}, that they drave {H5090} them heavily {H3517}: so that the Egyptians {H4714} said {H559}, Let us flee {H5127} from the face {H6440} of Israel {H3478}; for the LORD {H3068} fighteth {H3898} for them against the Egyptians {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He caused the wheels of their chariots to break off, so that they could move only with difficulty. The Egyptians said, "ADONAI is fighting for Isra'el against the Egyptians! Let's get away from them!"

Berean Standard Bible

He caused their chariot wheels to wobble, so that they had difficulty driving. “Let us flee from the Israelites,” said the Egyptians, “for the LORD is fighting for them against Egypt!”

American Standard Version

And he took off their chariot wheels, and they drove them heavily; so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for Jehovah fighteth for them against the Egyptians.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 14:25 vividly depicts God's direct, supernatural intervention against the pursuing Egyptian army, supernaturally hindering their elite chariots and causing them to drive with extreme difficulty. This divine action forces the terrified Egyptians to acknowledge that the LORD Himself was actively fighting on behalf of Israel, marking the pivotal and undeniable moment of their miraculous deliverance from bondage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the climax of the Red Sea narrative, immediately following Israel's miraculous crossing on dry ground and the Egyptian army's ill-fated pursuit onto the seabed. It serves as the decisive moment of divine sabotage, crippling Pharaoh's military might just before the complete [overthrow of Pharaoh's army](/exodus/14-28 "Exodus 14:28 - The Destruction of Pharaoh's Army") as the waters return. The verse underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Moses that He would [fight for Israel](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The LORD will fight for you"), setting the stage for the final, overwhelming defeat of Egypt.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, chariots represented the pinnacle of military technology and power. The Egyptian army, renowned for its formidable chariot corps, was considered virtually invincible on open terrain. For God to supernaturally disable these chariots—the very symbol of Pharaoh's might and the instrument of Israel's oppression—was not merely a tactical maneuver but a profound demonstration of divine power. This act directly challenged Pharaoh's perceived divinity and the strength of his gods, proving beyond doubt that the [God of Israel](/exodus/14-4 "Exodus 14:4 - Pharaoh will know I am the LORD") was supreme over all earthly forces and deities.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights God's **active sovereignty and deliverance**, demonstrating His absolute control over creation and history as He intervenes directly to save His people. It reinforces the theme of **God as the Divine Warrior**, who personally fights for Israel against their enemies, fulfilling His covenant promises. Furthermore, it showcases **God's judgment on oppressors** and His purpose to reveal His glory, even compelling His enemies to acknowledge His supreme power, a theme echoed in God's declaration that [Pharaoh would know He is the LORD](/exodus/14-4 "Exodus 14:4 - Pharaoh will know I am the LORD") through these mighty acts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 14:25 vividly depicts the divine disruption of the Egyptian pursuit, leading to their terrified realization of God's active opposition.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Took off (Hebrew, _çûyr'_):** This verb (H5493) means "to turn off (literal or figurative); to remove; to withdraw." While the KJV translates it as "took off," the broader semantic range suggests a divine action that caused the wheels to cease functioning effectively or to be hindered. It implies a supernatural removal of their efficacy, making them difficult to drive, rather than a literal physical detachment. This divine intervention rendered Egypt's primary military asset useless, transforming their advantage into a fatal snare.
* **Heavily (Hebrew, _kᵉbêduth'_):** This noun (H3517) derives from a root meaning "heavy" or "difficult." It describes the state of the chariots after God's intervention—they were cumbersome, slow, and nearly impossible to maneuver. This "heaviness" was a direct result of the divine action on their wheels, emphasizing the supernatural hindrance that crippled the Egyptian pursuit.
* **Fighteth (Hebrew, _lâcham'_):** This primitive root (H3898) means "to battle (as destruction); to make war." It signifies active, engaged warfare. The Egyptians' confession, "the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians," is a powerful testament to God's direct and undeniable engagement in combat on behalf of Israel. It's not merely God allowing things to happen, but Him actively warring against their oppressors.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily:"** This opening clause describes God's direct, supernatural intervention. The precise mechanism is not detailed, but the effect is clear: the chariots became incredibly difficult to maneuver, likely sinking into the muddy seabed or becoming hopelessly stuck and burdened. This was a targeted attack on the very instrument of Egyptian power and pursuit, rendering their technological advantage null and void.
* **"so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel;"** The immediate consequence of God's action was panic and a complete reversal of morale among the Egyptians. Their confidence and aggressive pursuit transformed into a desperate attempt to escape. This dramatic shift from arrogance to terror underscores the overwhelming nature of God's power.
* **"for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians."** This is the climactic confession. The Egyptians, who had previously dismissed or defied Yahweh, are now compelled to acknowledge His active, hostile presence. This recognition is not born of faith but of overwhelming, undeniable power, fulfilling God's earlier declaration that He would act so that [Pharaoh would know He is the LORD](/exodus/14-4 "Pharaoh will know I am the LORD").

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs powerful **irony** as the mighty Egyptian army, accustomed to dominating their enemies, is now forced to flee from a seemingly defenseless group of former slaves. This reversal of roles is entirely due to the intervention of the God of Israel, whose power far surpasses that of Pharaoh and his gods. The phrase "drave them heavily" also uses **alliteration** in the KJV, which emphasizes the extreme difficulty and futility of the Egyptians' movement, highlighting their sudden helplessness. Furthermore, the Egyptians' confession serves as a form of **divine vindication**, where even the enemies of God are forced to acknowledge His supremacy and active involvement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates several core theological truths: God's absolute control over all creation and human affairs, His commitment to His covenant promises, and His ability to achieve His purposes against all odds. He is not a distant deity but one who actively intervenes in history, directly disabling the most powerful military force to deliver His people.

* [Deuteronomy 3:22](/deuteronomy/3-22 "Deuteronomy 3:22 - The LORD your God fights for you")
* [Psalm 46:10](/psalm/46-10 "Psalm 46:10 - Be still, and know that I am God")
* [Isaiah 30:15](/isaiah/30-15 "Isaiah 30:15 - In quietness and trust shall be your strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 14:25 offers profound encouragement and a powerful challenge for believers today. It reminds us that when we face overwhelming challenges, seemingly trapped between insurmountable obstacles and pursuing "enemies" (whether spiritual, relational, or circumstantial), this verse assures us that God is not passive. He is able and willing to intervene on our behalf, even in ways we cannot imagine, turning the tide against what seems impossible. Our deliverance comes from His hand, and we are called to trust in His power, not our own strength or strategies. Just as the Israelites were helpless before God's intervention, we too must rely on Him to fight our battles, knowing that "the battle is not yours but God's" ([2 Chronicles 20:15](/2_chronicles/20-15 "2 Chronicles 20:15 - The battle is not yours, but God's")). Ultimately, God's mighty acts bring glory to His name, often even through the reluctant acknowledgment of those who oppose Him. Our trials, when navigated with faith, can become platforms for God to display His power and faithfulness to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "chariots" or overwhelming forces are you facing in your life today that feel insurmountable?**
* **How does the Egyptians' forced acknowledgment of God's power encourage you to trust God in your own impossible situations?**
* **In what ways can you actively "stand still and see the salvation of the LORD" ([Exodus 14:13](/exodus/14-13 "Exodus 14:13 - Stand still and see the salvation of the LORD")) while trusting Him to "fight for you"?**

### FAQ
**How exactly did God "take off" the chariot wheels?**

Answer: The text doesn't specify the precise mechanism, leaving it open to interpretation. The Hebrew verb *çûyr* (H5493), translated as "took off," suggests a divine hindrance or removal of efficacy rather than a literal physical detachment. It could imply a supernatural force causing the wheels to bind, clog, or sink into the muddy ground of the seabed, making them incredibly difficult to turn and rendering the chariots ineffective. The focus is on the divine agency and the resulting effect—that they "drave them heavily"—not the engineering specifics. This ambiguity highlights the miraculous nature of the event, emphasizing God's direct and unexplainable intervention.

**Why did God need to intervene in such a dramatic way? Couldn't He have just teleported Israel?**

Answer: God's actions throughout the Exodus narrative are not merely about rescue but about profound revelation. The dramatic nature of the plagues and the Red Sea crossing served multiple, interconnected purposes: to demonstrate His absolute power over all creation and all other gods, to humble Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt ([Exodus 12:12](/exodus/12-12 "Exodus 12:12 - Judgment on the gods of Egypt")), to build Israel's faith and solidify their identity as His chosen people, and to establish His reputation among the nations. The public, undeniable nature of this miracle ensured that both Israel and Egypt (and by extension, future generations) would know that [Yahweh alone is God](/exodus/14-4 "Exodus 14:4 - Pharaoh will know I am the LORD"). It was a theological statement and a foundational act of covenant history as much as a physical deliverance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 14:25, with its depiction of God fighting for His people and delivering them from a powerful oppressor, finds profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God delivered Israel from the physical bondage of Egypt, Jesus Christ delivers humanity from the spiritual bondage of sin, death, and the power of Satan. The "chariots" of our spiritual enemies—temptation, guilt, fear, and death—are rendered ineffective by Christ's victory on the cross. His death and resurrection are the ultimate divine intervention, disabling the power of our spiritual oppressors, as He "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The Old Testament theme of God fighting for His people culminates in Christ, who is God incarnate, fighting and winning the decisive battle against sin and evil. His atoning sacrifice and resurrection are the ultimate demonstration that "the LORD fighteth for them." Through Christ, believers are freed from the dominion of darkness and transferred into His kingdom ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from the domain of darkness")). The Egyptians were forced to acknowledge God's power in a moment of terror. In Christ, God's sovereignty and glory are fully revealed, inviting not just fear but worship, for "every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every knee will bow to Jesus")). The deliverance at the Red Sea prefigures the greater salvation wrought by Christ, leading to true freedom and eternal life.

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 14:14

The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

1 Samuel 4:7

And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore.

1 Samuel 4:8

Woe unto us! who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty Gods? these [are] the Gods that smote the Egyptians with all the plagues in the wilderness.

Job 20:24

He shall flee from the iron weapon, [and] the bow of steel shall strike him through.

Jeremiah 51:21

And with thee will I break in pieces the horse and his rider; and with thee will I break in pieces the chariot and his rider;

Deuteronomy 3:22

Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you.

Job 27:22

For [God] shall cast upon him, and not spare: he would fain flee out of his hand.