Exodus 14:27

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Exodus 14:27 describes the dramatic and decisive moment of God's deliverance of Israel at the Red Sea, marking the complete overthrow of the pursuing Egyptian army. This verse highlights the culmination of divine power and judgment against Pharaoh and his forces.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is the climax of the narrative surrounding the parting of the Red Sea. After the Israelites miraculously crossed on dry ground, the Egyptians, led by Pharaoh, recklessly pursued them into the seabed. The "morning appeared" signifies the end of the night-long crossing and the appointed time for God's decisive action. This event was not merely a natural phenomenon but a direct, supernatural intervention by the LORD to fulfill His promise of liberating His people from Egyptian bondage. It solidified Israel's freedom and demonstrated God's might to both His people and their enemies.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Deliverance: The verse powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment and ability to save His people from impossible situations. His hand, stretched forth through Moses, brings about total salvation.
  • Sovereignty Over Creation: The sea "returned to his strength" at God's command, demonstrating the LORD's absolute control over natural forces. Nature itself obeys His voice, serving His divine purposes.
  • Justice and Judgment: This act was a clear demonstration of God's righteous judgment against Pharaoh and Egypt for their persistent defiance and oppression of His chosen people. It was a final, undeniable defeat for the oppressors.
  • Irreversible Victory: The term "overthrew" signifies a complete and final destruction of the Egyptian threat, ensuring Israel's freedom was secured. This pivotal victory was later celebrated in the Song of Moses and Miriam.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "returned to his strength" in Hebrew (ืœึฐืึตื™ืชึธื ื•ึน - l'eytano) implies the sea reverting to its full, powerful, and natural state. It didn't just close; it surged back with its inherent might and destructive force. The word "overthrew" (ื•ึทื™ึฐื ึทืขึตืจ - vayna'er) can mean to 'shake off', 'cast down', or 'overwhelm'. It vividly describes the violent and complete drowning of the Egyptians, leaving no doubt about their fate.

Practical Application

Exodus 14:27 serves as a timeless reminder that even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles or relentless opposition, God is capable of bringing about complete and decisive victory. It encourages believers to trust in God's power and faithfulness, knowing that He 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, providing a way where there seems to be no way. This passage builds faith, reminding us of God's ultimate control and His commitment to justice in every generation.

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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

    ยถ 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

    ยถ 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.