Exodus 14:27

KJV

And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} stretched forth {H5186} his hand {H3027} over the sea {H3220}, and the sea {H3220} returned {H7725} to his strength {H386} when the morning {H1242} appeared {H6437}; and the Egyptians {H4714} fled {H5127} against {H7125} it; and the LORD {H3068} overthrew {H5287} the Egyptians {H4714} in the midst {H8432} of the sea {H3220}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe reached his hand out over the sea, and by dawn the sea had returned to its former depth. The Egyptians tried to flee, but ADONAI swept them into the sea.

Berean Standard Bible

So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea returned to its normal state. As the Egyptians were retreating, the LORD swept them into the sea.

American Standard Version

And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and Jehovah overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 14:27 marks the climactic and decisive moment of God's complete and overwhelming judgment upon the pursuing Egyptian army, signifying the culmination of divine power and justice against Pharaoh's forces and securing the irreversible deliverance of Israel from bondage. This verse vividly portrays the Lord's active intervention, transforming the very instrument of Israel's passage into the means of their enemies' destruction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful conclusion to the dramatic Red Sea narrative, immediately following Israel's miraculous passage through the parted waters on dry ground ([Exodus 14:21-22](/exodus/14-21-22 "The Parting of the Red Sea")). The Egyptians, emboldened by Pharaoh's stubborn heart, had foolishly pursued Israel into the seabed, despite witnessing God's protective cloud and pillar of fire ([Exodus 14:19-20](/exodus/14-19-20 "The Pillar of Cloud and Fire")). Verse 27 fulfills the divine promise of judgment against Egypt, echoing Moses' earlier declaration that the Egyptians Israel saw that day they would never see again ([Exodus 14:13](/exodus/14-13 "Moses' Assurance to Israel")). The subsequent chapter, [Exodus 15](/exodus/15 "The Song of Moses and Miriam"), celebrates this victory with a triumphant song, confirming the finality and significance of the event.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event's timing, "when the morning appeared," is highly significant. Dawn often symbolizes new beginnings and divine revelation in biblical narratives, here marking the appointed moment for God's decisive action after a night of miraculous passage for Israel. This was not a natural phenomenon, such as a tidal bore or a strong wind, but a direct, supernatural intervention by the LORD, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over creation and His might to both His people and their enemies. The complete destruction of Pharaoh's elite chariot forces, the backbone of Egyptian military power, was an unprecedented blow, solidifying Israel's freedom from centuries of oppressive bondage and establishing God's unparalleled authority in the ancient Near East.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 14:27 powerfully contributes to several foundational themes within the book of Exodus and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, showcasing God's absolute control over natural forces and His ability to execute His will against the most powerful human empires. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Judgment and Justice**, as God punishes Pharaoh and the Egyptians for their persistent rebellion and oppression of His chosen people, fulfilling His word spoken to Moses ([Exodus 7:4-5](/exodus/7-4-5 "God's Judgment on Egypt")). Thirdly, it exemplifies **Divine Deliverance and Salvation**, as this act of judgment is simultaneously an act of salvation for Israel, securing their liberation and demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Exodus 6:6-8](/exodus/6-6-8 "God's Promise to Deliver Israel")). This event serves as a foundational moment in Israel's identity as a people redeemed by the mighty hand of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **strength (Hebrew, _ʾêythân'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to continue," denotes permanence, inherent power, and might. When the sea "returned to his strength," it implies not merely a closing of the waters, but a resurgence to its full, formidable, and natural destructive force, emphasizing the overwhelming and irreversible nature of the judgment unleashed upon the Egyptians. It conveys the idea of the sea's unyielding, primal power.
* **morning (Hebrew, _bôqer'_):** From a root meaning "to break," this word refers to the dawn or the break of day. Its inclusion here emphasizes the precise timing of God's action. The return of the sea at daybreak highlights God's meticulous control over time and natural phenomena, completing His work of deliverance and judgment at the appointed moment, after Israel had safely passed through the night.
* **overthrew (Hebrew, _nâʻar'_):: This primitive root means "to tumble about," "shake off," or "toss up and down." It vividly describes the violent, chaotic, and complete destruction of the Egyptian army. It's not a gentle closing of waters but a forceful, overwhelming, and irreversible casting down, leaving no doubt about the finality of their fate. The imagery suggests a violent upheaval and complete submersion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea":** This action is a direct command from God, as seen in [Exodus 14:26](/exodus/14-26 "God's Command to Moses"). Moses acts as the divinely appointed agent, signifying that the ensuing cataclysm is not a random natural event, but a deliberate, supernatural act initiated by God through His chosen servant. It underscores the divine authority behind the unfolding events.
* **"and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared":** This phrase highlights the precise timing and the overwhelming power of the sea's return. At dawn, after Israel had safely crossed, the sea did not merely close; it returned to its full, inherent, and mighty force. This emphasizes God's perfect timing and the irresistible power of the natural world, now serving as an instrument of divine judgment.
* **"and the Egyptians fled against it":** This clause vividly portrays the desperation and futility of the Egyptian army. Trapped between the returning waters and the pursuing divine presence, they attempted to flee. The phrase "against it" suggests they were running directly into the surging, powerful waters, highlighting their utter helplessness and the inevitability of their destruction.
* **"and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea":** This is the central declaration of the verse, unequivocally attributing the complete and violent destruction of the Egyptian army directly to Yahweh, "the LORD." It underscores God's absolute sovereignty, His righteous justice, and the finality of Israel's deliverance from their oppressors. The phrase "in the midst of the sea" emphasizes their inescapable entrapment and complete submersion.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Divine Agency** is the preeminent device, explicitly stating "the LORD overthrew the Egyptians," which places God as the sole and sovereign actor behind the cataclysm. This emphasizes His direct involvement and omnipotent control over the forces of nature and the destiny of nations. The phrase "the sea returned to his strength" utilizes **Personification**, imbuing the sea with an active, almost sentient quality, portraying it as an entity regaining its inherent power to execute divine judgment. This device elevates the sea from a mere body of water to a powerful instrument in God's hand. The entire event functions as a **Narrative Climax**, providing the decisive and irreversible resolution to the protracted conflict between Pharaoh and God's people. It is the dramatic peak where all the preceding tension and divine warnings culminate in a final, overwhelming display of God's might, solidifying Israel's liberation and establishing God's supremacy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 14:27 powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to deliver His people and execute righteous judgment against their oppressors. It underscores His absolute sovereignty over creation, as the sea itself obeys His command to fulfill His divine purposes. This decisive act of judgment against Egypt served as a foundational event for Israel, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and securing their freedom. The complete overthrow of the Egyptian army ensured an irreversible victory, forever separating Israel from their former bondage and establishing the Lord as the preeminent deliverer and warrior. This event is a testament to God's power to make a way where there is no way, and to bring about justice against those who defy Him.

* [Exodus 15:19](/exodus/15-19 "The Lord Triumphs Over Pharaoh's Army")
* [Psalm 77:16-20](/psalms/77-16-20 "God's Mighty Deeds at the Red Sea")
* [Isaiah 51:9-10](/isaiah/51-9-10 "God's Arm That Divided the Sea")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 14:27 serves as a timeless reminder that even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, relentless opposition, or forces that appear overwhelmingly powerful, God is capable of bringing about complete and decisive victory. It encourages believers to trust implicitly in God's power and faithfulness, knowing that He actively fights on behalf of His people. Just as He delivered Israel from the mighty Egyptian army, He can deliver us from our own "Red Sea" moments, whether they be spiritual strongholds, overwhelming anxieties, or seemingly impossible circumstances. This passage calls us to surrender our fears and anxieties to the One who controls the seas and the tides of history, confident that He will provide a way where there seems to be no way, and will demonstrate His ultimate control and commitment to justice in every generation. It challenges us to remember that our deliverance comes not from our own strength, but from the mighty hand of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the completeness of God's victory in this verse encourage you in your own struggles against seemingly overwhelming odds?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God to "overthrow" an opposing force or obstacle, rather than relying on your own efforts?**
* **What specific aspects of God's character, as revealed in this passage, strengthen your faith and deepen your trust in Him?**

### FAQ
**Was the destruction of the Egyptian army at the Red Sea truly complete and final?**

Answer: Yes, the biblical account leaves no room for doubt regarding the completeness and finality of the Egyptian army's destruction. [Exodus 14:27](/exodus/14-27 "The Lord Overthrows the Egyptians") explicitly states that "the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea." Furthermore, [Exodus 14:28](/exodus/14-28 "No Egyptian Remained") confirms this by declaring, "and there remained not so much as one of them." This signifies a total, irreversible destruction of the pursuing army, ensuring that Israel's freedom was permanently secured and the threat of re-enslavement was eliminated. This decisive act solidified God's power and Israel's liberation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The deliverance at the Red Sea, culminating in the complete overthrow of the Egyptians, serves as a profound Old Testament type pointing to the greater, ultimate deliverance accomplished by Jesus Christ. Just as God provided a miraculous "exodus" for Israel from physical bondage and the threat of death, Christ provides a spiritual exodus from the bondage of sin and the ultimate power of death. His sacrificial death on the cross and triumphant resurrection represent the ultimate "overthrow" of humanity's spiritual enemies—sin, Satan, and death—securing an eternal victory for all who believe. This event foreshadows the triumph of Christ over all hostile forces, establishing a new covenant and a new way of salvation, far surpassing the physical deliverance of Israel. Through Christ, believers are "baptized into his death" and raised to new life, signifying a spiritual crossing from death to life, much like Israel's passage through the sea ([Romans 6:3-4](/romans/6-3-4 "Baptism into Christ's Death")). Indeed, the Red Sea victory is a powerful prefigurement of Christ's cosmic triumph, where He disarmed and triumphed over the spiritual powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Powers")).

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

Joshua 4:18

And it came to pass, when the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD were come up out of the midst of Jordan, [and] the soles of the priests' feet were lifted up unto the dry land, that the waters of Jordan returned unto their place, and flowed over all his banks, as [they did] before.

Psalms 78:53

And he led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.

Deuteronomy 11:4

And what he did unto the army of Egypt, unto their horses, and to their chariots; how he made the water of the Red sea to overflow them as they pursued after you, and [how] the LORD hath destroyed them unto this day;

Hebrews 11:29

By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry [land]: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

Exodus 15:1

¶ Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

Exodus 15:21

And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

Exodus 14:21

¶ And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go [back] by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry [land], and the waters were divided.