Exodus 14:28

And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, [and] all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.

And the waters {H4325} returned {H7725}, and covered {H3680} the chariots {H7393}, and the horsemen {H6571}, and all the host {H2428} of Pharaoh {H6547} that came {H935} into the sea {H3220} after {H310} them; there remained {H7604} not so much as {H5704} one {H259} of them.

The water came back and covered all the chariots and cavalry of Pharaoh's army who had followed them into the sea -not even one of them was left.

The waters flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had chased the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived.

And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, even all the host of Pharaoh that went in after them into the sea; there remained not so much as one of them.

Commentary

Context

Exodus 14:28 marks the dramatic climax of the Israelites' miraculous escape from Egyptian bondage. After generations of slavery, God, through Moses, led His people out of Egypt, demonstrating His power through ten plagues. Pharaoh, despite initially letting them go, hardened his heart and pursued the fleeing Israelites with his elite chariots and horsemen, trapping them against the Red Sea. God then miraculously parted the waters, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. This verse describes the moment the waters returned, engulfing Pharaoh's army as they attempted to follow, sealing their fate and ensuring Israel's freedom.

Key Themes

  • Divine Deliverance and Salvation: This verse is a powerful testament to God's ability to save His people from seemingly insurmountable odds. The destruction of Pharaoh's army signifies the complete and utter deliverance of Israel from their oppressors, fulfilling God's promises. It highlights God as the ultimate rescuer, intervening directly on behalf of His chosen ones.
  • Divine Judgment: The returning waters represent God's righteous judgment against Pharaoh and Egypt for their stubborn refusal to release Israel and their continued defiance of His will. It demonstrates that God is just and will bring recompense upon those who oppose Him and His purposes. This event is a clear example of God's power to humble the proud and bring down the mighty.
  • God's Sovereignty Over Creation: The control over the sea, its parting, and its return, unequivocally demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over nature. He uses the elements as instruments of His will, both for salvation and for judgment. This display reinforces His unmatched power and authority over all creation, an echo of His creative power at the beginning.
  • The End of Oppression: For the Israelites, this event marked the definitive end of Egyptian tyranny. The complete annihilation of Pharaoh's pursuing forces meant that the threat of re-enslavement was gone forever, allowing them to truly begin their journey as a free nation under God's guidance.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "there remained not so much as one of them" (Hebrew: לֹא־נִשְׁאַר בָּהֶם עַד־אֶחָד, lo'-nish'ar bahem 'ad-'echad) powerfully emphasizes the totality of the destruction. It signifies a complete and absolute annihilation of Pharaoh's forces. There was no partial survival, no stragglers, no remnants left to regroup or pose a future threat. This complete destruction underscores the finality of God's judgment and the thoroughness of His deliverance for Israel.

Practical Application

The account of the Red Sea crossing and the destruction of Pharaoh's army remains a cornerstone of faith. It reminds believers that:

  • God is Faithful: He keeps His promises to deliver His people, even when the situation seems hopeless. We can trust Him to make a way where there seems to be no way, just as He did for the Israelites (see Isaiah 43:16).
  • God is Just: While He is merciful, He is also a God of justice who will ultimately deal with evil and oppression. This provides comfort for those who suffer injustice, knowing that God sees and will act in His time.
  • No Enemy is Too Strong: Whatever "Pharaoh" or "Red Sea" we face in our lives – be it a personal struggle, an oppressive situation, or spiritual warfare – God's power is greater. We are called to stand firm and witness God's salvation (as exhorted in Exodus 14:13).
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Cross-References

  • Psalms 78:53 (7 votes)

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

  • Psalms 106:9 (6 votes)

    He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.

  • Psalms 106:11 (6 votes)

    And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left.

  • Habakkuk 3:13 (4 votes)

    Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, [even] for salvation with thine anointed; thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah.

  • Habakkuk 3:8 (4 votes)

    Was the LORD displeased against the rivers? [was] thine anger against the rivers? [was] thy wrath against the sea, that thou didst ride upon thine horses [and] thy chariots of salvation?

  • Habakkuk 3:10 (4 votes)

    The mountains saw thee, [and] they trembled: the overflowing of the water passed by: the deep uttered his voice, [and] lifted up his hands on high.

  • Psalms 136:15 (4 votes)

    But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.