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Exodus 14:29

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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.

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}.

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.

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

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

Context

Exodus 14:29 stands as a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of the Exodus, recounting the miraculous Red Sea crossing. Following their dramatic escape from Egyptian bondage, the Israelites found themselves trapped between Pharaoh's pursuing army and the vast Red Sea. In response to Moses' outstretched hand and God's powerful intervention, the waters miraculously divided, allowing the millions of Israelites to pass through on dry ground. This verse highlights the successful completion of their passage, contrasting it with the impending doom of the Egyptian chariots and horsemen, who would soon be engulfed by the returning waters.

Key Themes

  • Divine Power and Deliverance: The verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over creation. He not only parts an entire sea but also ensures the ground beneath is dry, providing a safe passage for His people. This act is the ultimate demonstration of God's ability to save His people from impossible situations.
  • God's Protection: The description of the waters as "a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left" emphasizes God's active and comprehensive protection. It signifies a secure, divinely engineered pathway through what was naturally an impassable barrier, safeguarding the Israelites from both the waters and the approaching enemy.
  • Faith and Obedience: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the act of walking through the parted sea required immense faith on the part of the Israelites. They had to trust that God's miraculous intervention was reliable, stepping into a path where water had always been, underscoring the theme of walking by faith in the face of the unknown.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "dry [land]," translating the Hebrew word yabbashah (יַבָּשָׁה), which strongly conveys the idea of thoroughly dry ground, not merely muddy or damp. This detail underscores the completeness of the miracle – the seabed was truly transformed into a walkable path. The term for "wall," chomah (חוֹמָה), typically refers to a fortified city wall, suggesting solidity, permanence, and protection. This imagery vividly portrays the immense, stable columns of water that stood guard over the Israelites' passage, highlighting the secure and impenetrable barrier God provided.

Practical Application

Exodus 14:29 remains a powerful reminder of God's capacity to create a way where there appears to be none. For believers today, it offers encouragement in times of overwhelming obstacles or seemingly impossible circumstances. Just as God made a path through the Red Sea for the Israelites, He can provide guidance, protection, and deliverance in our lives. It calls us to trust in His mighty hand, believing that He can turn our greatest fears into opportunities for His glory and our salvation, guiding us through our own "seas" with His protective presence, much like He promised to be with His people in Isaiah 43:2.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 14:22 (6 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Psalms 77:20 (2 votes)

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

  • Joshua 3:16 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Psalms 78:53 (2 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 43:2 (2 votes)

    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.