Exodus 14:26

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, Stretch out {H5186} thine hand {H3027} over the sea {H3220}, that the waters {H4325} may come again {H7725} upon the Egyptians {H4714}, upon their chariots {H7393}, and upon their horsemen {H6571}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Moshe, "Reach your hand out over the sea, and the water will return and cover the Egyptians with their chariots and cavalry."

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 14:26 records the climactic divine command to Moses, instructing him to extend his hand over the Red Sea, thereby causing the miraculously parted waters to return and engulf the pursuing Egyptian army, including their formidable chariots and horsemen. This pivotal instruction orchestrates the decisive act of divine judgment against Pharaoh's forces, ensuring Israel's complete and irreversible deliverance from the oppressive bondage of Egypt and profoundly demonstrating Yahweh's absolute sovereignty and power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the dramatic culmination of the Red Sea crossing narrative, immediately following the miraculous division of the waters in [Exodus 14:21-22](/exodus/14-21-22 "The Parting of the Red Sea") which allowed the Israelites to pass through on dry ground. The preceding verses vividly describe the chaos and confusion among the Egyptian army as their chariot wheels became bogged down, signaling God's active intervention against them (cf. [Exodus 14:24-25](/exodus/14-24-25 "God Throws the Egyptian Army into Confusion")). The command in [Exodus 14:26](/exodus/14-26 "God's Command to Moses to Close the Sea") is the divine decree that seals the fate of Pharaoh's forces, fulfilling God's earlier promise to gain glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen (cf. [Exodus 14:4](/exodus/14-4 "God Hardens Pharaoh's Heart for His Glory")). This act completes the deliverance, ensuring that Israel's escape is not merely a temporary reprieve but a definitive separation from their oppressors.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Exodus narrative unfolds against the backdrop of ancient Egypt, a dominant superpower renowned for its military might and its pharaoh, who was revered as a divine king. The Egyptian army, particularly its chariotry, represented the pinnacle of ancient warfare technology and power, making their defeat by an unarmed, newly freed slave population utterly unprecedented and humanly impossible. God's act of judgment at the Red Sea was a direct challenge to the perceived invincibility of Egypt and its pantheon of gods. It was a public, undeniable demonstration of Yahweh's absolute supremacy over all earthly authorities and deities, especially those worshipped by the Egyptians. This event cemented Israel's identity as a nation delivered by a mighty hand and outstretched arm, profoundly shaping their understanding of God's power and faithfulness.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 14:26 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, showcasing God's absolute control over creation and human affairs, using natural elements as instruments of His will. It underscores **Divine Judgment** against those who oppose God's purposes and oppress His chosen people, fulfilling His righteous indignation against Pharaoh's hardened heart (cf. [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "Pharaoh Raised Up for God's Glory")). Simultaneously, it highlights the theme of **Divine Deliverance and Redemption**, solidifying Israel's liberation from bondage and establishing Yahweh as their ultimate Rescuer and Protector. This event also reinforces the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (cf. [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Promise of Deliverance from Slavery")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** (H3068) This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, emphasizing His self-existent, eternal nature and His personal, relational engagement with His people. In this context, it highlights that the command to Moses is not merely a suggestion but a divine decree from the sovereign God who actively intervenes in history to fulfill His redemptive purposes and demonstrate His absolute power.
* **Stretch out (Hebrew, _nâṭâh'_):** (H5186) This primitive root signifies to extend, spread out, or incline. Throughout the Exodus narrative, this action, performed by Moses at God's command, consistently precedes a miraculous display of divine power, whether for judgment or deliverance. Here, it denotes Moses acting as God's obedient instrument, a conduit through whom the Almighty's will is manifested, reversing the previous miracle and bringing about destruction.
* **Waters (Hebrew, _mayim'_):** (H4325) This term, used in a dual sense, refers to the liquid element that had previously been supernaturally divided. In this verse, the "waters" are depicted as an obedient agent of God's will, returning to their natural state with devastating, divinely orchestrated force. This emphasizes God's absolute control over creation, turning what was a path of salvation into an instrument of judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Moses":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine origin and authority of the command. It underscores that the impending cataclysm is not a natural phenomenon or a human strategy, but a direct, intentional act initiated by Yahweh, the sovereign God of Israel. Moses is merely the recipient and executor of this divine instruction, highlighting God's active involvement in the deliverance of His people.
* **"Stretch out thine hand over the sea":** This is the specific, actionable command given to Moses. It echoes previous instances where Moses's extended hand, wielding his staff, was the visible sign of God's power (e.g., the plagues, the parting of the sea). Here, it signifies the reversal of the previous miracle, demonstrating God's ability not only to suspend natural laws but also to restore them for His purposes, with Moses acting as the obedient intermediary.
* **"that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians":** This clause reveals the precise purpose of the command: the re-engulfment of the Egyptian army by the sea. The phrase "come again" (Hebrew, _shûwb_) implies a reversal or return to a previous state, but with a divinely orchestrated, destructive outcome. The waters, which had been a path of salvation for Israel, now become the instrument of God's righteous judgment against their oppressors.
* **"upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen":** This final phrase specifies the targets of God's judgment, explicitly naming the core components of Egypt's military might. The mention of "chariots" and "horsemen" emphasizes the complete and utter destruction of the very forces that represented Pharaoh's power and the instrument of Israel's long-standing oppression. This ensures that no part of the pursuing army escapes, signifying a definitive and comprehensive victory.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 14:26 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological significance. The most prominent is **Divine Command**, where God directly issues an imperative to Moses, showcasing His absolute **Sovereignty** and active involvement in human history. The act of "stretching out the hand" functions as powerful **Symbolism**, representing the conduit of God's omnipotence through His chosen servant, Moses. This gesture, repeated throughout the Exodus narrative, consistently signals a miraculous display of divine power. There is profound **Irony** in the narrative: the very waters that provided a miraculous path of salvation for Israel now become the instrument of overwhelming destruction for their pursuers. Furthermore, the entire event is a dramatic **Theophany**, a visible and tangible manifestation of God's presence, power, and justice, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant and His unwavering commitment to His people. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the complete and utter defeat of all those who stand against God's redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 14:26 stands as a monumental declaration of God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It is a profound display of divine judgment against those who defiantly oppose His will and mercilessly oppress His chosen ones, simultaneously serving as the definitive act of deliverance for Israel from generations of bondage. This pivotal event solidifies the theological themes of God's omnipotence, His righteous justice, and His unfailing faithfulness to His promises, establishing Him as the ultimate rescuer and judge who acts decisively on behalf of His beloved. The Red Sea event is not merely a historical account but a foundational narrative that shapes Israel's understanding of Yahweh's character and power, serving as a perpetual reminder of His saving might.

* [Psalm 77:16-20](/psalms/77-16-20 "God's Power Manifested in the Sea")
* [Isaiah 43:16-17](/isaiah/43-16-17 "God Making a Way in the Sea and Destroying Enemies")
* [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "Pharaoh's Purpose in God's Plan for Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage serves as an enduring and powerful reminder that God remains absolutely sovereign over all circumstances, even when we find ourselves overwhelmed by seemingly insurmountable "pursuing forces" or impossible obstacles in our lives. Just as He decisively intervened with overwhelming power to deliver Israel and execute judgment upon their oppressors, so too is He infinitely capable of bringing about justice, providing ultimate deliverance, and securing victory for His people today. We are called to cultivate a deep and unwavering trust in His perfect timing and His unfailing power, knowing with certainty that He will ultimately triumph over all evil, fulfill every one of His purposes for us, and bring His plans to glorious fruition. This narrative encourages us to release our anxieties and fears into His capable hands, resting in the assurance that our God is the God who parts seas and closes them again for His glory and our salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's absolute control over creation, as vividly demonstrated in this verse, strengthen your trust in Him when facing seemingly impossible or overwhelming situations in your own life?**
* **In what specific ways does this act of divine judgment on the Egyptians affirm God's perfect justice and His unwavering commitment to protecting and delivering His people from oppression?**
* **What "pursuing forces" or persistent obstacles in your life do you need to surrender completely to God's sovereign power, trusting Him to "close the waters" on them and secure your deliverance?**

### FAQ
**Why did God wait until the Egyptian army was fully within the seabed before commanding the waters to return?**

Answer: God's timing was meticulously precise and strategically designed to ensure the most complete and undeniably comprehensive destruction of the Egyptian army. By allowing them to fully commit their forces into the seabed, God orchestrated a scenario that left no doubt about His absolute power and Israel's miraculous deliverance. This timing maximized His glory, demonstrating His control over both nature and human will, and leaving no room for any human explanation or alternative interpretation of the event. It was a definitive act of judgment that permanently severed Israel from their oppressors.

**What is the broader theological significance of Moses stretching out his hand in this narrative and other Exodus accounts?**

Answer: Moses stretching out his hand is a profound and recurring motif throughout the Exodus narrative, consistently signifying his role as God's chosen instrument and obedient intermediary. It underscores that the miraculous events—from the plagues to the parting and closing of the Red Sea—were not a result of Moses's inherent power or magic, but rather God's omnipotent power working directly through an obedient human servant. This emphasizes the vital importance of human obedience to divine command for God's will to be accomplished on earth, highlighting the partnership between divine initiative and human response in the unfolding of redemptive history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic Red Sea deliverance, culminating in the complete destruction of the Egyptian army, serves as a powerful **type** or foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate and decisive victory over sin, death, and the spiritual forces of evil. Just as God delivered Israel from physical bondage and the imminent threat of death at the hands of their oppressors, so Christ delivers humanity from the spiritual bondage of sin and the eternal threat of death through His perfect life, atoning crucifixion, and glorious resurrection. The very waters that brought righteous judgment upon the Egyptians prefigure the judgment that fell upon Christ on the cross, as He bore the full wrath of God for humanity's sin, thereby allowing His people to pass through to new life and freedom from condemnation (cf. [Romans 8:1-3](/romans/8-1-3 "No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). This monumental event also powerfully foreshadows Christ's final triumph over all His enemies and the complete, eternal salvation He secures for His church. As believers, we are metaphorically "baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea" (as described in [1 Corinthians 10:1-2](/1_corinthians/10-1-2 "Israel's Spiritual Privileges and Warnings")), symbolizing our spiritual union with Christ in His death and resurrection, leading to our own deliverance from spiritual oppression and the power of darkness (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers") and [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Christ's Defeat of Death and the Devil")). The Red Sea miracle thus stands as a vivid Old Testament picture of the comprehensive redemption wrought by Christ.

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 14:16

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.

Exodus 8:5

And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up upon the land of Egypt.

Matthew 7:2

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Judges 1:6

But Adonibezek fled; and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes.

Judges 1:7

And Adonibezek said, Threescore and ten kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, gathered [their meat] under my table: as I have done, so God hath requited me. And they brought him to Jerusalem, and there he died.

Matthew 8:27

But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

James 2:13

For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.