Exodus 14:15

Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to go forward.

Study Bible

Then the LORD said to Moses
This phrase indicates a direct communication from God to Moses, emphasizing the personal relationship and divine guidance that Moses received. In the Hebrew text, "LORD" is represented by the Tetragrammaton YHWH, which signifies God's eternal and unchanging nature. This divine name underscores God's sovereignty and His role as the covenant-keeping God of Israel. Historically, this moment occurs as the Israelites are trapped between the Red Sea and the pursuing Egyptian army, highlighting the necessity of divine intervention.

Why are you crying out to Me?
The phrase suggests a moment of crisis and desperation. The Hebrew word for "crying out" (צָעַק, tsa'aq) often conveys a loud call for help or a plea for deliverance. This rhetorical question from God implies that Moses, and perhaps the Israelites, were seeking divine assistance in a moment of fear. It serves as a reminder that faith requires action, not just supplication. The context here is crucial: God had already promised deliverance, and this question challenges Moses to trust in that promise.

Tell the Israelites
This directive places responsibility on Moses as the leader and mediator between God and His people. The Hebrew verb "tell" (דַּבֵּר, daber) is an imperative, indicating a command that requires immediate action. Moses is to convey God's instructions with authority, reinforcing his role as God's chosen leader. This moment is pivotal in the narrative, as it transitions from fear to faith-driven action.

to go forward
The command "to go forward" (וְיִסָּעוּ, veyisa'u) is a call to move ahead despite apparent obstacles. In the Hebrew, the verb suggests a journey or progression, often used in the context of traveling or setting out on a path. This instruction is both literal and metaphorical, urging the Israelites to advance towards the Red Sea, trusting in God's provision and power. Historically, this act of moving forward becomes a defining moment of faith, as God miraculously parts the sea, demonstrating His control over creation and His faithfulness to His promises.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who guides and delivers His people.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egyptian bondage.

3. The Israelites
The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are escaping slavery in Egypt.

4. The Red Sea
The body of water that the Israelites must cross to escape the pursuing Egyptian army.

5. The Egyptian Army
The forces of Pharaoh, pursuing the Israelites to bring them back into slavery.

Teaching Points

Trust in God's Timing
God's command to move forward comes at a moment of crisis. We must trust His timing and direction, even when circumstances seem dire.

Faith in Action
The Israelites are called to move forward in faith, demonstrating that faith often requires action, not just belief.

God's Sovereignty
The passage highlights God's control over nature and history, reminding us that He is sovereign over our lives and circumstances.

Overcoming Fear
The Israelites faced a formidable obstacle, yet God called them to move forward. We are encouraged to overcome fear by trusting in God's promises.

Leadership and Obedience
Moses' role as a leader is crucial. Effective leadership involves listening to God and guiding others in obedience to His commands.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does God's command to "go forward" challenge us to act in faith in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the account of the Exodus, and how does this encourage us in our current situations?

3. How does the crossing of the Red Sea foreshadow other acts of deliverance in the Bible, and what does this teach us about God's character?

4. What can we learn from Moses' leadership in this passage, and how can we apply these lessons in our roles today?

5. How do the themes of fear and faith in Exodus 14:15 relate to the challenges we face, and what other scriptures can we draw upon for encouragement?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12
God's promise to Abraham about making his descendants a great nation, which is being fulfilled as the Israelites are led out of Egypt.

Joshua 3
The crossing of the Jordan River, which parallels the crossing of the Red Sea, showing God's continued faithfulness in leading His people.

Psalm 77
A reflection on God's mighty deeds, including the parting of the Red Sea, emphasizing His power and faithfulness.

Hebrews 11
The faith of Moses and the Israelites is highlighted, showing the importance of trusting God in seemingly impossible situations.