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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 14:21–31. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here the history of that work of wonder which is so often mentioned both in the Old and New Testament, the dividing of the Red Sea before the children of Israel. It was the terror of the Canaanites (Jos 2:9, Jos 2:10), the praise and triumph of the Israelites, Psa 114:3; Psa 106:9; Psa 136:13, Psa 136:14. It was a type of baptism, Co1 10:1, Co1 10:2. Israel's passage through it was typical of the conversion of souls (Isa 11:15), and the Egyptians' perdition in it was typical of the final ruin of all impenitent sinners, Rev 20:14. Here we have,
I.An instance of God's almighty power in the kingdom of nature, in dividing the sea, and opening a passage through the waters.
It was a bay, or gulf, or arm of the sea, two or three leagues over, which was divided, Exo 14:21. The instituted sign made use of was Moses's stretching out his hand over it, to signify that it was done in answer to his prayer, for the confirmation of his mission, and in favour to the people whom he led. The natural sign was a strong east wind, signifying that it was done by the power of God, whom the winds and the seas obey. If there be any passage in the book of Job which has reference to the miracles wrought for Israel's deliverance out of Egypt, it is that in Job 26:12, He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smileth through Rahab (so the word is), that is, Egypt. Note, God can bring his people through the greatest difficulties, and force a way where he does not find it. The God of nature has not tied himself to its laws, but, when he pleases, dispenses with them, and then the fire does not burn, nor the water flow.
II.An instance of his wonderful favour to his Israel.
They went through the sea to the opposite shore, for I cannot suppose, with some, that they fetched a compass, and came out again on the same side, Exo 14:22. They walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea, Exo 14:29. And the pillar of cloud, that glory of the Lord, being their rearward (Isa 58:8), that the Egyptians might not charge them in the flank, the waters were a wall to them (it is twice mentioned) on their right hand and on their left. Moses and Aaron, it is probable, ventured first into this untrodden path, and then all Israel after them; and this march through the paths of the great waters would make their march afterwards, through the wilderness, less formidable. Those who had followed God through the sea needed not to fear following him whithersoever he led them. This march through the sea was in the night, and not a moon-shiny night, for it was seven days after the full moon, so that they had no light but what they had from the pillar of cloud and fire. This made it the more awful; but where God leads us he will light us; while we follow his conduct, we shall not want his comforts.
This was done, and recorded, in order to encourage God's people in all ages to trust in him in the greatest straits. What cannot he do who did this? What will not he do for those hat fear and love him who did this for these murmuring unbelieving Israelis, who yet were beloved for their fathers' sake, and for the sake of a remnant among them? We find the saints, long afterwards, making themselves sharers in the triumphs of this march (Psa 66:6): They went through the flood on foot; there did we rejoice in him: and see how this work of wonder is improved, Psa 77:11, Psa 77:16, Psa 77:19.
III.An instance of his just and righteous wrath upon his and his people's enemies, the Egyptians. Observe here,
1.How they were infatuated. In the heat of their pursuit, they went after the Israelites into the midst of the sea, Exo 14:23. "Why," thought they, "may not we venture where Israel did?" Once or twice the magicians of Egypt had done what Moses did, with their enchantments; Pharaoh remembered this, but forgot how they were nonplussed at last. They were more advantageously provided with chariots and horses, while the Israelites were on foot. Pharaoh had said, I know not the Lord; and by this it appeared he did not, else he would not have ventured thus. None so bold as those that are blind. Rage against Israel made them thus daring and inconsiderate: they had long hardened their own hearts; and now God hardened them to their ruin, and hid from their eyes the things that belonged to their peace and safety. Surely in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird (Pro 1:17); yet so blind where the Egyptians that they hastened to the snare, Pro 7:23. Note, The ruin of sinners is brought on by their own presumption, which hurries them headlong into the pit. They are self-destroyers.
2.How they were troubled and perplexed, Exo 14:24, Exo 14:25. For some hours they marched through the divided waters as safely and triumphantly as Israel did, not doubting but, that, in a little time, they should gain their point. But, in the morning watch, the Lord looked upon the host of the Egyptians, and troubled them. Something or other they saw or heard from the pillar of cloud and fire which put them into great consternation, and gave them an apprehension of their ruin before it was brought upon them. Now it appeared that the triumphing of the wicked is short, and that God has ways to frighten sinners into despair, before he plunges them into destruction. He cuts off the spirit of princes, and is terrible to the kings of the earth.
(1.)They had hectored and boasted as if the day were their own; but now they were troubled and dismayed, struck with a panic-fear.
(2.)They had driven furiously; but now they drove heavily, and found themselves plugged and embarrassed at every step; the way grew deep, their hearts grew sad, their wheels dropped off, and the axle-trees failed. Thus can God check the violence of those that are in pursuit of his people.
(3.)They had been flying upon the back of Israel, as the hawk upon the trembling dove; but now they cried, Let us flee from the face of Israel, which had become to them like a torch of fire in a sheaf, Zac 12:6. Israel has now, all of a sudden, become as much a terror to them as they had been to Israel. They might have let Israel alone and would not; now they would flee from the face of Israel and cannot. Men will not be convinced, till it is too late, that those who meddle with God's people meddle to their own hurt; when the Lord shall come with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment, the mighty men will in vain seek to shelter themselves under rocks and mountains from the face of Israel and Israel's King, Rev 6:15. Compare with this story, Job 27:20, etc.
3.How they were all drowned. As soon as ever the children of Israel had got safely to the shore, Moses was ordered to stretch out his hand over the sea, and thereby give a signal to the waters to close again, as before, upon he word of command, they had opened to the right and the left, Exo 14:29. He did so, and immediately the waters returned to their place, and overwhelmed all the host of the Egyptians, Exo 14:27, Exo 14:28. Pharaoh and his servants, who had hardened one another in sin, now fell together, and not one escaped. An ancient tradition says that Pharaoh's magicians, Jannes and Jambres, perished with the rest, as Balaam with the Midianites whom he had seduced, Num 31:8. And now,
(1.)God avenged upon the Egyptians the blood of the firstborn whom they had drowned: and the principal is repaid with interest, it is recompensed double, full-grown Egyptians for newborn Israelites; thus the Lord is righteous, and precious is his people's blood in his sight, Psa 72:14.
(2.)God reckoned with Pharaoh for all his proud and insolent conduct towards Moses his ambassador. Mocking the messengers of the Lord, and playing the fool with them, bring ruin without remedy. Now God got him honour upon Pharaoh, looking upon that proud man, and abasing him, Job 40:12. Come and see the desolations he made, and write it, not in water, but with an iron pen in the rock for ever. Here lies that bloody tyrant who bade defiance to his Maker, to his demands, threatenings, and judgments; a rebel to God, and a slave to his own barbarous passions; perfectly lost to humanity, virtue, and all true honour; here he lies, buried in the deep, a perpetual monument of divine justice. Here he went down to the pit, though he was the terror of the mighty in the land of the living. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, Eze 31:18.
IV.Here is the notice which the Israelites took of this wonderful work which God wrought for them, and the good impressions which it made upon them for the present.
1.They saw the Egyptians dead upon the sands, Exo 14:30. Providence so ordered it that the next tide threw up the dead bodies,
(1.)For the greater disgrace of the Egyptians. Now the beasts and birds of prey were called to eat the flesh of the captains and mighty men, Rev 19:17, Rev 19:18. The Egyptians were very nice and curious in embalming and preserving the bodies of their great men, but here the utmost contempt is poured upon all the grandees of Egypt; see how they lie, heaps upon heaps, as dung upon the face of the earth.
(2.)For the greater triumph of the Israelites, and to affect them the more with their deliverance; for the eye affects the heart. See Isa 66:24, They shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me. Probably they stripped the slain and, having borrowed jewels of their neighbours before, which (the Egyptians having by this hostile pursuit of them broken their faith with them) henceforward they were not under any obligation to restore, they now got arms from them, which, some think, they were not before provided with. Thus, when God broke the heads of Leviathan in pieces, he gave him to be meat to the people inhabiting the wilderness, Psa 74:14.
2.The sight of this great work greatly affected them, and now they feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses, Exo 14:31. Now they were ashamed of their distrusts and murmurings, and, in the good mind they were in, they would never again despair of help from Heaven, no, not in the greatest straits; they would never again quarrel with Moses, nor talk of returning to Egypt. They were now baptized unto Moses in the sea, Co1 10:2. This great work which God wrought for them by the ministry of Moses bound them effectually to follow his directions, under God. This confirmed their faith in the promises that were yet to be fulfilled; and, being brought thus triumphantly out of Egypt, they did not doubt that they should be in Canaan shortly, having such a God to trust to, and such a mediator between them and him. O that there had been such a heart in them as now there seemed to be! Sensible mercies, when they are fresh, make sensible impressions; but with many these impressions soon wear off: while they see God's works, and feel the benefit of them, they fear him and trust in him; but they soon forget his works, and then they slight him. How well were it for us if we were always in as good a frame as we are in sometimes!
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Summary
Exodus 14:29 vividly portrays the miraculous and pivotal moment of Israel's deliverance, where the vast Red Sea parted, allowing the Israelites to walk safely on dry ground. This verse stands as a powerful testament to God's unparalleled sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, marking the successful completion of their escape from Egyptian bondage and setting the stage for the dramatic judgment upon their pursuers.
Context
Literary Context
Exodus 14:29 serves as the climactic culmination of the Red Sea crossing narrative, immediately following God's command to Moses to stretch out his hand, causing the waters to divide and reveal a dry path (Exodus 14:21-22). It sharply contrasts with the subsequent verses (Exodus 14:26-28), which describe the devastating return of the waters upon the pursuing Egyptian army. This juxtaposition powerfully underscores God's selective judgment and His absolute distinction between His chosen people and their oppressors, highlighting the miraculous nature of Israel's deliverance as a foundational event in their national identity.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Israelites, having recently endured centuries of brutal slavery in Egypt, found themselves in an seemingly inescapable predicament: trapped between Pharaoh's formidable military might and the vast, impassable Red Sea. This situation represented the ultimate test of God's promise of deliverance from Egypt, a promise initiated through the plagues and the Passover. The miracle of the parted sea was not merely a logistical solution but a profound theological statement, demonstrating Yahweh's supreme power over all natural forces and the gods of Egypt, thereby solidifying His unique identity as the true and living God in the eyes of both Israel and the surrounding nations.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Exodus and the broader biblical narrative. It is a profound demonstration of Divine Deliverance, showcasing God's active intervention to rescue His people from impossible circumstances. The "dry land" and "walls of water" highlight God's Sovereignty over Creation, where natural laws are suspended at His command. Furthermore, the event underscores the theme of Covenant Faithfulness, as God fulfills His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to bring their descendants into a land of their own. It also serves as a foundational moment for Israel's Identity as God's redeemed people, a theme echoed in later prophetic literature, such as when God reminds His people of His mighty acts, declaring, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you" (see Isaiah 43:2). The entire narrative of the exodus, including this verse, establishes a paradigm for God's redemptive work throughout history, culminating in the ultimate deliverance offered through Christ (see Hebrews 11:29).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H1121) refers to "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense." Here, "children of Israel" emphasizes their identity not just as individuals, but as the collective descendants of Jacob (Israel), highlighting their familial and covenantal relationship with God. Their passage is not an isolated event but a collective act of a people whom God has chosen and is actively building into a nation.
This verb (H1980) means "to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)." The use of "walked" here signifies a deliberate, unhindered, and normal progression, contrasting sharply with the extraordinary circumstances. It emphasizes the ease and safety of their passage, directly enabled by God's supernatural intervention, implying a confident movement rather than a desperate flight.
This word (H3004) specifically means "dry ground." Its inclusion is crucial, emphasizing that the seabed was not merely exposed but completely desiccated, providing a firm and traversable path. This detail underscores the completeness and supernatural nature of the miracle, ensuring that millions could pass without impediment, transforming an impassable watery barrier into a solid, safe thoroughfare.
This term (H2346) denotes "a wall of protection," typically referring to a fortified city wall. Applying this to the waters vividly portrays them as immense, stable, and protective columns. This imagery conveys not only the miraculous suspension of natural law but also the active, defensive posture of the waters, 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 clause highlights the astonishing reality of the miracle. The phrase "in the midst of the sea" underscores the naturally impossible location of their journey, while "walked upon dry [land]" emphasizes the supernatural transformation of the seabed. It conveys the ease and safety of their passage, directly attributable to God's power, allowing an entire nation to traverse what should have been an insurmountable barrier.
"and the waters [were] a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left"
This vivid description provides the visual detail of God's protective provision. The waters, typically a source of danger, are supernaturally held back and transformed into solid, protective barriers. This imagery signifies God's comprehensive and active presence, creating a secure, divinely-formed corridor for His people, shielding them from the very element that would soon engulf their pursuers.
Literary Devices
Exodus 14:29 is rich with powerful Imagery, painting a vivid picture of the sea standing as solid "walls." This use of Metaphor (waters as a wall) is particularly striking, transforming a fluid, dangerous element into a stable, protective barrier, emphasizing the miraculous and unyielding nature of God's provision. The verse also employs Hyperbole in the implied magnitude of the miracle, as an entire sea is made traversable for millions. Furthermore, the broader narrative context surrounding this verse is built upon profound Contrast: the safe passage of Israel on dry ground is immediately juxtaposed with the impending destruction of the Egyptian army in the same waters, highlighting God's selective judgment and His absolute power to deliver His people while bringing ruin upon their enemies.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 14:29 stands as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It is a foundational display of divine power, where the natural order is suspended to ensure the deliverance and protection of Israel, establishing His identity as the ultimate Deliverer. This event serves as a timeless testament to God's ability to provide a way through seemingly impossible obstacles, demonstrating His faithfulness as a protector and provider. The Israelites' act of walking through the parted sea also implicitly underscores the theme of faith and obedience, as they trusted in God's miraculous provision in the face of the unknown, stepping into the path He had made.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 14:29 offers enduring encouragement and a profound spiritual lesson for believers navigating the complexities and challenges of life today. Just as God miraculously created a firm, dry path through an impassable sea for His people, He possesses the power and willingness to guide us through our own "seas" of difficulty, fear, and uncertainty. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep trust in His mighty hand, believing that He can transform our most daunting obstacles into opportunities for His glory and our spiritual growth. It serves as a powerful reminder that His protective presence is a constant "wall" around us, enabling us to walk forward in faith and obedience even when the path ahead seems impossible or when we are hemmed in by circumstances. Our task is not to part the waters, but to walk through the path He has already prepared.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
How was the ground "dry" if it was the seabed, and what does this imply about the miracle?
The biblical text explicitly states that the ground was not merely exposed but "dry [land]" (Hebrew: יַבָּשָׁה, yabbâshâh). This detail is crucial, as it emphasizes the supernatural completeness of God's intervention. It implies that the seabed was not just cleared of water but was supernaturally dried and made firm, allowing the millions of Israelites to walk across without impediment, rather than trudging through mud or mire. This meticulous provision highlights God's thoroughness and power, ensuring the safety and ease of His people's passage, far beyond merely parting the waters. It showcases a miracle of both division and desiccation, demonstrating God's absolute mastery over creation, as seen in other acts of His power throughout the Old Testament.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The Red Sea crossing, culminating in the triumphant passage described in Exodus 14:29, serves as a profound 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 the threat of death, Christ provides the singular "way" of salvation from the bondage of sin and spiritual death through His own sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. He is the "way, the truth, and the life," through whom "no one comes to the Father except through Me" (see John 14:6), making possible passage through the impossible barrier of human sin. The New Testament speaks of Christian baptism as a spiritual crossing, identifying believers with Christ's death and resurrection (see Romans 6:3-4), signifying a new exodus from the old life of sin into new life in Him, much like Israel passed through the waters to a new beginning in their journey to the Promised Land. Furthermore, Christ's divine authority over creation, powerfully demonstrated in His calming of storms (see Mark 4:39) and walking on water (see Matthew 14:25), echoes and surpasses the divine power displayed at the Red Sea, affirming Him as the God who provides a secure and living path for His redeemed, leading them to eternal freedom and a heavenly inheritance.