Exodus 14:31

KJV

And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Israel {H3478} saw {H7200} that great {H1419} work {H3027} which the LORD {H3068} did {H6213} upon the Egyptians {H4714}: and the people {H5971} feared {H3372} the LORD {H3068}, and believed {H539} the LORD {H3068}, and his servant {H5650} Moses {H4872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Isra'el saw the mighty deed that ADONAI had performed against the Egyptians, the people feared ADONAI, and they believed in ADONAI and in his servant Moshe.

Berean Standard Bible

When Israel saw the great power that the LORD had exercised over the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and believed in Him and in His servant Moses.

American Standard Version

And Israel saw the great work which Jehovah did upon the Egyptians, and the people feared Jehovah: and they believed in Jehovah, and in his servant Moses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 14:31 culminates the dramatic Red Sea deliverance, showcasing Israel's profound spiritual transformation. Having witnessed the LORD's overwhelming power in the destruction of the Egyptian army, the people responded with a deep, reverential awe and a newfound, unwavering trust in God's character and His promises. This pivotal moment not only solidified their faith in Yahweh but also unequivocally affirmed the divine commission and leadership of Moses in the eyes of the newly liberated nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful spiritual climax and Israel's immediate response to the miraculous events of [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing"). Prior to this, the Israelites, trapped between Pharaoh's pursuing army and the impassable Red Sea, had succumbed to abject fear and despair, questioning Moses's leadership and even longing for their former bondage in [Exodus 14:10-12](/exodus/14-10-12 "Israel's Fear and Complaint"). God, however, commanded Moses to stretch out his hand, miraculously parting the waters and allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground ([Exodus 14:21-22](/exodus/14-21-22 "God Parts the Red Sea")). When the Egyptians attempted to follow, God caused the waters to return, utterly engulfing and destroying Pharaoh's entire army ([Exodus 14:23-28](/exodus/14-23-28 "The Destruction of Pharaoh's Army")). Verse 31, therefore, is not merely a descriptive statement but a profound theological declaration of the transformative effect of this unparalleled divine intervention on the hearts and minds of the Israelites, setting the stage for their journey into the wilderness and the momentous covenant at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Sinai").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Exodus from Egypt was the foundational event in the formation of [Israel](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus") as a nation, marking their liberation from centuries of slavery under a dominant world power. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a nation's gods were often judged by their ability to deliver their people and defeat their enemies. Pharaoh was considered a divine king, and Egypt's military was the most formidable of its time. The Red Sea crossing, therefore, was not merely a military victory but a cosmic triumph of Yahweh over the gods of Egypt and the very forces of chaos (often represented by the sea in ancient mythologies). This "great work" established Yahweh's absolute supremacy, validating His claim as the one true God and affirming His covenant faithfulness to Abraham's descendants ([Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Covenant with Abraham")). For a people accustomed to polytheism and the might of human empires, this unprecedented display of divine power demanded a radical shift in worldview and allegiance, cementing their identity as the people of Yahweh.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Deliverance**, where God actively intervenes to rescue His people from oppression, demonstrating His unparalleled power and faithfulness ([Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "God Promises Deliverance")). Closely related is **God's Sovereignty**, as the LORD's control over nature and nations is unequivocally displayed, proving His ultimate authority over all creation and human affairs. The verse also highlights the theme of **Faith and Obedience** as the appropriate human response to divine revelation; Israel's fear and belief mark a pivotal moment of trust in God and His appointed leader. Finally, it underscores the **Validation of Moses's Leadership**, as God's mighty acts serve to confirm His chosen servant's divine commission in the eyes of the people, a theme crucial for their subsequent journey and the reception of the Law ([Exodus 3:12](/exodus/3-12 "Moses's Commission")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** From H1419, this term signifies something of immense size, importance, or power. When applied to God's "work," it emphasizes the extraordinary, unparalleled, and awe-inspiring nature of His intervention. It highlights that the Red Sea event was not a minor incident but a monumental display of divine might, setting it apart as a singular act of salvation in history.
* **work (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, "work" here derives from the Hebrew word for "hand." While literally meaning "hand," _yâd_ is frequently used metaphorically to denote power, agency, or a deed accomplished. In this context, "the great work which the LORD did" refers to the mighty act or deed performed by God's powerful hand. It encompasses the entire miraculous sequence of the Red Sea parting and the destruction of the Egyptian army, emphasizing that this was a direct, powerful, and decisive intervention by God, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty and unique ability to act on behalf of His people.
* **feared (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** From H3372, this verb describes a profound sense of awe, reverence, and respect for God's power, majesty, and holiness. It goes beyond mere terror or fright. This "fear of the LORD" is a foundational concept in the Old Testament, signifying a right relationship with God that leads to obedience, worship, and spiritual wisdom ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom")). It implies a recognition of God's absolute authority and a humble submission to His will, marking a significant spiritual turning point for the Israelites from their previous complaining and rebellious posture.
* **believed (Hebrew, _ʼâman'_):** From H539, this verb carries a rich meaning of firm trust, reliance, faithfulness, and conviction. It is the root from which "Amen" derives, signifying truth and affirmation. Here, it indicates that the Israelites moved beyond intellectual assent to a deep, personal conviction in God's character, His promises, and His ability to fulfill them. Their faith was not blind but grounded in the undeniable evidence of God's "great work." This belief extended not only to God Himself but also to His chosen servant, Moses, whose divine commission was now fully vindicated.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians":** This clause highlights the direct, visual, and undeniable nature of God's intervention. The "great work" refers specifically to the complete annihilation of the Egyptian army in the Red Sea. The Israelites were not merely told about it; they witnessed it firsthand, from their vantage point on the dry seabed. This act was unequivocally God's doing ("which the LORD did"), underscoring His active involvement and supreme power over nations and nature. The sight of their oppressors utterly defeated was a powerful testament to Yahweh's unique identity as the divine warrior and deliverer.
* **"and the people feared the LORD":** Following their direct observation, the people's immediate response was a profound "fear of the LORD." This was a transformative experience, shifting them from a state of grumbling and doubt ([Exodus 14:11-12](/exodus/14-11-12 "Israel's Complaints")) to one of reverential awe. This fear was not paralyzing terror but a deep respect and recognition of God's holiness, power, and authority. It signified a turning point where they acknowledged God's rightful place as sovereign over all creation and their lives.
* **"and believed the LORD":** Hand-in-hand with their fear, the people also "believed the LORD." This belief was a firm, active trust in God's character, His promises, and His ability to deliver. It was a conviction born out of direct, undeniable experience, solidifying their faith in Him as their covenant God. This belief was foundational for their future journey and their reception of the Law at Sinai, demonstrating a readiness to rely on Him for guidance and provision.
* **"and his servant Moses":** The verse concludes by stating that the people also believed "his servant Moses." This is a crucial affirmation of Moses's leadership and divine commission. Throughout the plagues and the initial journey, Moses had faced skepticism and rebellion from the Israelites. However, God's dramatic vindication at the Red Sea unequivocally validated Moses as God's chosen messenger and leader, silencing the doubts and solidifying his authority in the eyes of the people. Their belief in Moses was a direct consequence of their belief in the God who empowered him.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 14:31 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Climax**, as this verse represents the emotional and spiritual peak of the Exodus narrative's first major movement. The Red Sea deliverance is the ultimate demonstration of God's power over Pharaoh and nature, leading to a climactic response of faith and awe from Israel. The use of **Repetition** in "feared the LORD, and believed the LORD" emphasizes the dual and intertwined nature of Israel's spiritual response, highlighting that true reverence for God leads to genuine trust in Him. Furthermore, the phrase "that great work which the LORD did" functions as a clear statement of **Divine Action/Agency**, attributing the entire miraculous event solely to God. This underscores His sovereignty and active involvement in history, contrasting sharply with the impotence of human power (Pharaoh's army) and the false gods of Egypt. The verse's concise yet impactful phrasing, particularly in its description of Israel's response, also lends it a **declarative** and **definitive** tone, marking a clear turning point in the nation's spiritual journey.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 14:31 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the nature of divine deliverance, the proper human response to God's power, and the validation of prophetic leadership. It powerfully demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people are at their weakest. The "fear of the LORD" described here is not terror but a reverential awe that leads to obedience and trust, a foundational principle for a right relationship with God throughout Scripture. This moment solidified Israel's identity as a people chosen and redeemed by Yahweh, setting the stage for their unique covenant relationship. It teaches that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but a deep, active reliance on God, born out of witnessing His mighty acts and trusting His character.

* [Psalm 111:10](/psalms/111-10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Without faith it is impossible to please God")
* [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 14:31 offers timeless lessons for believers today. Just as the Israelites witnessed God's "great work" and responded with fear and belief, we too are called to remember and reflect on God's mighty acts of deliverance in history and in our personal lives. Whether it's His salvation from sin, His provision in times of need, or His guidance through life's challenges, recalling His faithfulness strengthens our trust and deepens our reverence. This verse encourages us to cultivate a "fear of the LORD" that is characterized by awe, respect, and humble submission to His will, rather than a casual or complacent approach to faith. When we truly grasp God's power and holiness, our belief in Him becomes unshakable, leading to a life of greater obedience and confidence in His purposes. Furthermore, it reminds us to honor and trust those whom God has clearly appointed to lead, recognizing that their authority flows from His divine commission.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "great works" of God, either in history or in your personal life, have most profoundly impacted your faith and deepened your awe of Him?**
* **How does your understanding of "fearing the LORD" align with or challenge your current spiritual practices and attitude towards God?**
* **In what ways can you actively strengthen your belief and trust in God's promises, especially when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that "the people feared the LORD" in this context?**

Answer: In [Exodus 14:31](/exodus/14-31 "Exodus 14:31 - Israel's Response to God's Deliverance"), "feared the LORD" (Hebrew: _yârêʼ_) signifies much more than mere terror or fright. It denotes a profound, reverential awe, respect, and submission to God's power, majesty, and holiness. Having just witnessed the complete annihilation of the Egyptian army by God's direct intervention, the Israelites recognized His absolute sovereignty and unique ability to act in history. This fear is a positive, transformative response that leads to worship, obedience, and a right relationship with God, marking a significant shift from their previous complaints and doubts to a posture of humility and trust before their mighty Deliverer. This concept of "fear of the LORD" is a foundational theme throughout the Old Testament, often equated with wisdom and true knowledge of God (e.g., [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge")).

**How is the "belief" of the Israelites described here different from simple intellectual assent?**

Answer: The "belief" (Hebrew: _ʼâman_) described in [Exodus 14:31](/exodus/14-31 "Exodus 14:31 - Israel's Response to God's Deliverance") is not a passive intellectual acknowledgment but an active, firm, and enduring trust and reliance. It implies a deep conviction in God's character, His promises, and His ability to fulfill them, born out of direct experience of His miraculous power. This belief led to a change in their attitude and behavior, moving them from skepticism and rebellion to a posture of faith and submission. It was a commitment of their whole being, demonstrating a willingness to follow God and His appointed leader, Moses, based on the undeniable evidence of His "great work." This active, living faith is what God seeks from His people, as seen in the faith of Abraham ([Genesis 15:6](/genesis/15-6 "Abraham Believed God")) and later expounded in the New Testament ([Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "The Nature of Faith")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 14:31, with its depiction of God's "great work" of deliverance and Israel's resultant fear and belief, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and greater work of salvation accomplished through Jesus Christ. Just as God delivered Israel from physical bondage and death at the Red Sea, Christ delivers humanity from the spiritual bondage of sin and the ultimate death it brings. He is the "greater Moses" ([Hebrews 3:1-6](/hebrews/3-1-6 "Jesus Greater Than Moses")), leading His people through the waters of salvation, not by parting a sea, but by His own sacrificial death and resurrection, which conquered sin and death once and for all ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Wages of Sin is Death, but the Gift of God is Eternal Life")). The "great work" of the cross and resurrection elicits an even deeper, more profound "fear of the LORD"—a reverential awe and worship—and a saving "belief" in Him as Lord and Savior ([Acts 16:31](/acts/16-31 "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved")). Through Christ, we experience the ultimate deliverance, and our response, like Israel's, is to place our firm trust in God and His appointed Son, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), leading us to our eternal promised land. This spiritual reality is often symbolized in Christian baptism, a new covenant crossing of the waters into new life ([1 Corinthians 10:1-4](/1_corinthians/10-1-4 "Spiritual Lessons from Israel's History")).

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

John 2:11

This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

John 11:45

¶ Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

John 8:30

As he spake these words, many believed on him.

John 8:32

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 2:23

¶ Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast [day], many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.

John 2:25

And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

Psalms 106:12

Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.