Joshua 24:7

KJV

And when they cried unto the LORD, he put darkness between you and the Egyptians, and brought the sea upon them, and covered them; and your eyes have seen what I have done in Egypt: and ye dwelt in the wilderness a long season.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when they cried {H6817} unto the LORD {H3068}, he put {H7760} darkness {H3990} between you and the Egyptians {H4713}, and brought {H935} the sea {H3220} upon them, and covered {H3680} them; and your eyes {H5869} have seen {H7200} what I have done {H6213} in Egypt {H4714}: and ye dwelt {H3427} in the wilderness {H4057} a long {H7227} season {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But when they cried out to ADONAI, he put darkness between you and the Egyptians, overwhelmed them with the sea and drowned them. Your eyes saw what I did in Egypt, and then you lived in the desert for a long time.

Berean Standard Bible

So your fathers cried out to the LORD, and He put darkness between you and the Egyptians, over whom He brought the sea and engulfed them. Your very eyes saw what I did to the Egyptians. Then you lived in the wilderness for a long time.

American Standard Version

And when they cried out unto Jehovah, he put darkness between you and the Egyptians, and brought the sea upon them, and covered them; and your eyes saw what I did in Egypt: and ye dwelt in the wilderness many days.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 24:7 stands as a powerful testament within Joshua's farewell address at Shechem, serving as a vivid reminder of God's unparalleled faithfulness and active intervention in the foundational history of Israel. This verse specifically recounts two miraculous acts during the Exodus: God's supernatural separation of Israel from the pursuing Egyptians by darkness at the Red Sea, and His decisive judgment upon the Egyptian army by covering them with the sea. It culminates by recalling the enduring divine sustenance provided to the Israelites during their prolonged sojourn in the wilderness, underscoring God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 24:7 is embedded within Joshua's pivotal covenant renewal ceremony and farewell address to the tribes of Israel, gathered at Shechem (Joshua 24:1-28). This solemn assembly serves as a capstone to the book of Joshua, transitioning the people from the era of conquest to the challenges of living faithfully in the Promised Land. Joshua's address is a grand historical prologue, meticulously recounting Yahweh's gracious acts from the call of Abraham (Joshua 24:2-4), through the Exodus and wilderness wanderings ([Exodus 14:19-31](/exodus/14-19 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing")), and culminating in the conquest and settlement of Canaan (Joshua 24:8-13). By narrating this divine history, Joshua aims to impress upon the people the absolute necessity of choosing to serve the LORD alone, contrasting His faithfulness with the impotence of pagan deities. Verse 7 specifically highlights the climax of the Exodus narrative, serving as a powerful rhetorical anchor for Joshua's subsequent challenge to exclusive worship ([Joshua 24:14-15](/joshua/24-14 "Joshua 24:14-15 - Joshua's Challenge to Serve the LORD")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting at Shechem is highly significant. It was a place where Abraham first built an altar to the LORD (Genesis 12:6-7), where Jacob buried foreign gods (Genesis 35:4), and where the covenant blessings and curses were proclaimed (Deuteronomy 27:11-26; Joshua 8:30-35). This historical resonance imbues Joshua's speech with profound weight. The Israelites, having largely completed the conquest, were now transitioning from a nomadic, war-oriented existence to settled agricultural life in a land previously occupied by various Canaanite peoples. This transition brought new temptations to assimilate into local religious practices, particularly the worship of Baal and Asherah, gods associated with fertility. Joshua's recounting of God's mighty acts in Egypt and the wilderness served as a crucial reminder of their unique identity as a people chosen and delivered by Yahweh, distinct from the surrounding nations and their gods. The phrase "your eyes have seen" underscores that many in the audience were direct witnesses or had heard firsthand accounts from their parents, making the historical narrative a living, corporate memory.

* **Key Themes:** Joshua 24:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance**, showcasing God's absolute control over natural forces and His active intervention on behalf of His people, as seen in the Red Sea miracle ([Exodus 14:19-31](/exodus/14-19 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing")). Secondly, the verse highlights **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His promises, even when Israel faced overwhelming odds. The "darkness" and the "sea" are direct manifestations of God's protective and punitive power, fulfilling His covenant obligations to deliver Israel and judge their oppressors. Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **Corporate Memory and Eyewitness Testimony**. The phrase "your eyes have seen" is a direct appeal to shared experience, demanding that the current generation remember and respond to God's past acts. This theme is crucial for maintaining Israel's identity and preventing spiritual amnesia ([Deuteronomy 6:10-12](/deuteronomy/6-10 "Deuteronomy 6:10-12 - Warning Against Forgetting God")). Finally, the "long season" in the wilderness underscores **God's Sustaining Presence and Provision**, even during periods of testing and consequence for disobedience ([Deuteronomy 8:2-4](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2-4 - God's Provision in the Wilderness")). These themes collectively serve to reinforce Joshua's call for Israel to choose and serve the LORD alone ([Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Joshua's Challenge to Serve the LORD")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cried (Hebrew, _tsa'aq'_):** This verb signifies a desperate, often loud, cry for help or intervention, typically directed towards God in times of distress or oppression. In the Exodus narrative, it reflects Israel's anguish under Egyptian bondage ([Exodus 2:23](/exodus/2-23 "Exodus 2:23 - Israel's Groaning")) and their fear at the Red Sea ([Exodus 14:10](/exodus/14-10 "Exodus 14:10 - Israel's Fear at the Red Sea")). Here, in Joshua 24:7, it emphasizes that God's intervention was a direct, compassionate response to their plea, highlighting His attentiveness to the cries of His people. It underscores that deliverance is not earned but is a gracious act of God in response to human need.
* **Darkness (Hebrew, _choshek'_):** More than just an absence of light, _choshek_ here denotes a thick, palpable obscurity, a supernatural barrier. In the context of [Exodus 14:20](/exodus/14-20 "Exodus 14:20 - The Pillar of Cloud and Fire"), this refers to the pillar of cloud that positioned itself between the Israelites and the Egyptians. For Israel, it provided light; for the Egyptians, it was an impenetrable, disorienting wall. This "darkness" was a strategic, divine act of separation and protection, hindering the enemy's advance while safeguarding God's people. It symbolizes God's ability to create an impassable barrier against hostile forces.
* **Covered (Hebrew, _kasah'_):** This verb implies a complete overwhelming or engulfing. When applied to the sea covering the Egyptians, it conveys the totality and finality of God's judgment against Pharaoh's army. It's not merely a partial inundation but a complete submersion, leaving no survivors. This word emphasizes the decisive nature of God's victory and the utter destruction of Israel's oppressors, leaving no doubt about His power and justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they cried unto the LORD":** This clause highlights the immediate catalyst for divine intervention – Israel's desperate appeal to God. It underscores the principle that God responds to the cries of His people, even when their faith is weak or wavering, demonstrating His compassionate and merciful character.
* **"he put darkness between you and the Egyptians":** This refers to the miraculous pillar of cloud that moved from before Israel to behind them, providing light for Israel's escape while plunging the Egyptian army into disorienting darkness, thereby hindering their pursuit and creating a protective barrier ([Exodus 14:19-20](/exodus/14-19 "Exodus 14:19-20 - The Pillar Moves")). This was a direct, supernatural act of God's strategic protection.
* **"and brought the sea upon them, and covered them":** This describes the climactic event at the Red Sea, where the waters, which had parted for Israel, returned to engulf and utterly destroy the pursuing Egyptian chariots and army ([Exodus 14:26-28](/exodus/14-26 "Exodus 14:26-28 - The Drowning of the Egyptians")). The "covering" signifies the complete and final judgment against Israel's oppressors, a definitive act of divine deliverance.
* **"and your eyes have seen what I have done in Egypt":** This phrase is a powerful rhetorical appeal to the eyewitness testimony of the generation Joshua is addressing. It emphasizes the undeniable reality and public nature of these miracles, demanding a response of faith and remembrance. It means these were not distant legends but verifiable, shared experiences.
* **"and ye dwelt in the wilderness a long season":** This acknowledges the subsequent forty years of wilderness wandering. While a period of testing and consequence for disobedience, it was also a time of sustained divine provision and presence. God miraculously provided manna, water, and ensured their clothes and sandals did not wear out ([Deuteronomy 8:2-4](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2-4 - God's Wilderness Provision")). This clause underscores God's enduring faithfulness and sustaining power even through prolonged periods of hardship and pilgrimage.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 24:7 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Recapitulation**, as Joshua succinctly retells a pivotal moment from the Exodus narrative, a common rhetorical strategy in biblical historical discourse to remind the audience of God's past faithfulness. **Imagery** is vividly used with "darkness" and the "sea upon them, and covered them," painting a clear picture of divine intervention and judgment. The "darkness" functions as a **Symbolism** of God's protective shield and the confusion of His enemies. The phrase "your eyes have seen" is a direct appeal to **Eyewitness Testimony**, serving as a powerful rhetorical device to establish the undeniable truth of God's actions and to call for an informed decision from the people. This direct address creates a sense of immediacy and personal accountability for the audience. The entire verse also functions as a form of **Historical Argumentation**, where past divine acts serve as the foundation for present and future obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 24:7 is a microcosm of God's redemptive history, demonstrating His active involvement in the affairs of humanity to deliver His chosen people and fulfill His covenant promises. It powerfully illustrates the themes of divine sovereignty, where God orchestrates natural phenomena and historical events for His purposes, and divine justice, as seen in the judgment upon the Egyptians. The verse also highlights the crucial role of remembrance in the life of faith; recalling God's past faithfulness is foundational for present trust and future obedience. It underscores that God's deliverance is often a response to the desperate cries of His people, and His sustaining presence endures even through long seasons of wilderness or trial. This historical recounting serves to fortify Israel's identity as a people set apart by God's mighty hand, compelling them to exclusive worship and service.

* [Exodus 14:13-14](/exodus/14-13 "Exodus 14:13-14 - Stand Firm and See the Salvation of the LORD")
* [Psalm 78:12-14](/psalms/78-12 "Psalm 78:12-14 - God's Miracles in Egypt and the Wilderness")
* [Nehemiah 9:9-12](/nehemiah/9-9 "Nehemiah 9:9-12 - God's Deliverance at the Red Sea and Wilderness Provision")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 24:7 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that the God of Israel is still the God who intervenes, protects, and sustains. In a world often filled with fear and uncertainty, this verse calls us to remember God's past faithfulness, both in biblical history and in our personal lives. Just as He "put darkness" between Israel and their enemies, God continues to provide protection and create barriers against the spiritual and physical forces that threaten us. The "long season" in the wilderness reminds us that periods of waiting, testing, or hardship are often integral to God's refining process, during which His presence and provision are no less real, though perhaps manifested differently. This remembrance should not merely be an intellectual exercise but a catalyst for renewed trust, gratitude, and a deeper commitment to serving Him alone, recognizing that the God who delivered Israel is fully capable of delivering us from our contemporary "Egypts" and sustaining us through our "wildernesses."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Egypts" or overwhelming challenges are you facing today, and how does remembering God's past deliverance in your life or in biblical history strengthen your faith?**
* **In what ways has God "put darkness" (provided protection or created a barrier) between you and spiritual or physical dangers?**
* **How do you view "long seasons" of waiting or difficulty in your life, and how can the wilderness experience of Israel reshape your perspective on God's presence and provision during such times?**
* **What specific acts of God's faithfulness, akin to "your eyes have seen," are you called to remember and recount to reinforce your commitment to serving Him alone?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "darkness" God put between the Israelites and the Egyptians?**

Answer: The "darkness" refers to the pillar of cloud, which served as a visible manifestation of God's presence and protection. As described in [Exodus 14:19-20](/exodus/14-19 "Exodus 14:19-20 - The Pillar of Cloud and Fire Moves"), this pillar moved from in front of Israel to behind them, positioning itself between the two camps. For the Israelites, it provided light, guiding their escape; for the Egyptians, it created an impenetrable, disorienting darkness that hindered their pursuit. Its significance lies in demonstrating God's strategic and supernatural intervention: He actively created an impassable barrier, not only protecting His people but also confusing and delaying their enemies, ensuring their ultimate deliverance. It highlights God's power to control natural elements for His redemptive purposes.

**Why does Joshua recount this specific historical event (and others) in his farewell address?**

Answer: Joshua's recounting of God's historical acts, particularly the Exodus and wilderness journey, serves several critical purposes. Firstly, it is a **rhetorical strategy** to remind the people of God's unparalleled faithfulness and power, establishing a foundation for his challenge to "choose whom you will serve" ([Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Joshua's Challenge")). Secondly, it appeals to **corporate memory and eyewitness testimony**, ensuring that the new generation understands the covenant relationship was forged through undeniable divine intervention. Thirdly, it reinforces Israel's **unique identity** as a people chosen and delivered by Yahweh, distinguishing them from the surrounding pagan nations. By recalling these foundational events, Joshua aimed to inspire gratitude, reinforce their covenant obligations, and prevent spiritual apathy or idolatry as they settled in the Promised Land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 24:7, with its vivid portrayal of divine deliverance and sustained presence, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "darkness" God placed between Israel and Egypt foreshadows Christ as our ultimate barrier and protector. Just as the pillar of cloud shielded Israel, Jesus, through His atoning sacrifice, stands between us and the destructive power of sin and death, becoming our impenetrable shield and light in the darkness of this world ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). The "sea" that "covered" the Egyptians, bringing decisive judgment, points to Christ's victory over all spiritual enemies; through His death and resurrection, He disarmed the powers and authorities, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Furthermore, the "long season" in the wilderness, where God sustained His people, prefigures Christ as the true manna and living water, who continually provides for and sustains His church through every "wilderness" journey of life ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"); [John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus, the Living Water")). Ultimately, the deliverance from Egypt and the journey to the Promised Land are types of the greater spiritual exodus from the bondage of sin and the journey to the eternal inheritance in Christ, the ultimate "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), who perfectly fulfills God's covenant promises and leads His people into true rest.

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 14:10

¶ And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD.

Exodus 14:20

And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness [to them], but it gave light by night [to these]: so that the one came not near the other all the night.

Deuteronomy 4:34

Or hath God assayed to go [and] take him a nation from the midst of [another] nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?

Psalms 95:9

When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work.

Psalms 95:10

Forty years long was I grieved with [this] generation, and said, It [is] a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways:

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.

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.