Exodus 14:29

KJV

But the children of Israel walked upon dry [land] in the midst of the sea; and the waters [were] a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} walked {H1980} upon dry {H3004} land in the midst {H8432} of the sea {H3220}; and the waters {H4325} were a wall {H2346} unto them on their right hand {H3225}, and on their left {H8040}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the people of Isra'el walked on dry ground in the sea, with the water walled up for them on their right and on their left.

Berean Standard Bible

But the Israelites had walked through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left.

American Standard Version

But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 14:29 describes the miraculous passage of the Israelites through the Red Sea, where they walked on dry ground while the waters stood as protective walls on both sides. This verse marks the successful completion of their escape from Egyptian pursuit, highlighting God's direct intervention and sovereign power in delivering His people from an impossible situation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 14:29 concludes the dramatic narrative of the Red Sea crossing, immediately following God's command to Moses to stretch out his hand, causing the waters to divide (Exodus 14:21-22). It sets the stage for the subsequent destruction of the pursuing Egyptian army (Exodus 14:26-28), emphasizing the stark contrast between Israel's miraculous deliverance and their enemies' demise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites, recently freed from centuries of slavery in Egypt, found themselves trapped between Pharaoh's formidable army and the impassable Red Sea. This situation represented the ultimate test of God's promise of deliverance. The miracle of the parted sea was a foundational event establishing God's power and faithfulness to Israel, demonstrating His superiority over all earthly powers and gods, including those of Egypt.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dry [land] (Hebrew, _yabbashah'_):** This term (יַבָּשָׁה) denotes ground that is thoroughly dry, firm, and traversable, not merely damp or muddy. Its use here emphasizes the completeness and supernatural nature of the miracle, as the seabed was transformed into a perfectly walkable path for millions.
* **wall (Hebrew, _chomah'_):** The word (חוֹמָה) typically refers to a fortified city wall, implying solidity, height, and an impenetrable barrier. Applying this term to the waters vividly portrays them as immense, stable, and protective columns, standing securely on either side of the Israelites, safeguarding them from both the sea itself and the approaching enemy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the children of Israel walked upon dry [land] in the midst of the sea":** This phrase highlights the astounding nature of the miracle, emphasizing the Israelites' safe and unimpeded passage through what was naturally an impassable barrier. The "dry land" underscores God's meticulous provision, ensuring their journey was not hindered by mud or water.
* **"and the waters [were] a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left":** This vivid imagery describes the supernatural containment of the vast body of water, forming protective barriers. It signifies God's active presence and comprehensive protection, creating a secure corridor for His people while simultaneously holding back the very element that would soon engulf their pursuers.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs powerful **Imagery** to convey the miraculous event, painting a picture of the sea standing as solid "walls." This use of **Metaphor** (waters as a wall) emphasizes the stability and protective nature of the divided sea, transforming a natural element into a supernatural safeguard. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** implicit in the broader narrative, where Israel's safe passage on dry ground is juxtaposed with the impending destruction of the Egyptian army in the same waters, highlighting God's selective judgment and deliverance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 14:29 powerfully demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It is a profound display of divine power, where the natural order is suspended to ensure the deliverance and protection of Israel. This event serves as a foundational testament to God's ability to provide a way through seemingly impossible obstacles, establishing His faithfulness as a deliverer and protector. The Israelites' act of walking through the parted sea also implicitly underscores the theme of faith and obedience, trusting in God's miraculous provision in the face of the unknown.

* [Hebrews 11:29](/hebrews/11-29 "By Faith They Passed Through the Red Sea")
* [Isaiah 43:2](/isaiah/43-2 "God's Presence Through Waters and Rivers")
* [Psalm 77:19-20](/psalm/77-19-20 "God's Path Through the Sea")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 14:29 offers enduring encouragement for believers facing overwhelming challenges today. Just as God created a firm path through an impassable sea, He possesses the power to guide us through our own "seas" of difficulty, fear, or uncertainty. This verse calls us to trust in His mighty hand, believing that He can transform our most daunting obstacles into opportunities for His glory and our growth. It reminds us that His protective presence is a constant "wall" around us, enabling us to walk forward in faith even when the path ahead seems impossible.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "impossible" situation in your life are you currently trusting God to make a way through?**
* **How does the imagery of the waters as a "wall" deepen your understanding of God's comprehensive protection?**
* **In what ways does this miracle challenge you to walk more boldly in faith, even when you cannot see the full path ahead?**

### FAQ
**How was the ground "dry" if it was the seabed?**

Answer: The biblical text emphasizes that the ground was not merely exposed but "dry [land]" (יַבָּשָׁה, *yabbashah*), implying a supernatural drying of the seabed. This detail highlights the completeness of God's miracle, ensuring the Israelites could walk through without impediment, rather than trudging through mud or mire. It signifies God's meticulous provision beyond merely parting the waters.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Red Sea crossing, culminating in Exodus 14:29, serves as a powerful Old Testament type pointing to the ultimate deliverance found in Jesus Christ. Just as God provided a miraculous path through the waters to deliver His people from physical bondage and death, Christ provides the way of salvation from the bondage of sin and spiritual death through His own sacrificial death and resurrection. He is the "way" [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life") through the impossible barrier of human sin, leading His people to true freedom. The New Testament speaks of baptism as a spiritual crossing, identifying believers with Christ's death and resurrection [Romans 6:3-4](/romans/6-3-4 "Burial with Christ in Baptism"), signifying a new exodus from the old life into new life in Him, much like Israel passed through the waters to a new beginning. Furthermore, Christ's authority over creation, demonstrated in calming storms [Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Jesus Calms the Storm"), echoes the divine power displayed at the Red Sea, affirming Him as the God who provides a secure path for His redeemed.

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 14:22

And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry [ground]: and the waters [were] a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

Psalms 77:19

Thy way [is] in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.

Psalms 77:20

Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Joshua 3:16

That the waters which came down from above stood [and] rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that [is] beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea, failed, [and] were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.

Psalms 78:52

But made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.

Psalms 78:53

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

Isaiah 43:2

When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.