Exodus 14:16
And as for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.
And as for you
This phrase is directed specifically to Moses, highlighting his role as the leader and mediator between God and the Israelites. In the Hebrew text, the word "you" is emphasized, indicating a personal command and responsibility. Moses is called to act in faith, trusting in God's power and promise. This sets a precedent for leadership in the Bible, where leaders are often called to act in obedience to God's commands, even when the task seems impossible.

lift up your staff
The staff is a symbol of authority and divine power. In Hebrew, the word for staff is "מַטֶּה" (matteh), which can also mean "tribe" or "branch," symbolizing leadership and guidance. The staff had been used by Moses in previous miracles, such as turning the Nile to blood (Exodus 7:20) and bringing forth water from a rock (Exodus 17:5-6). Here, it serves as a tangible representation of God's power working through Moses.

and stretch out your hand
This action signifies Moses' active participation in God's miracle. The Hebrew verb "נָטָה" (natah) means to extend or stretch out, indicating an intentional and deliberate act. It reflects the cooperation between divine sovereignty and human agency, where God chooses to work through His chosen servants to accomplish His purposes.

over the sea
The "sea" refers to the Red Sea, a formidable barrier to the Israelites' escape from Egypt. In Hebrew, the word "יָם" (yam) can denote any large body of water, but here it specifically refers to the Red Sea. The crossing of the Red Sea is a pivotal event in Israel's history, symbolizing deliverance from bondage and the beginning of a new covenant relationship with God.

and divide it
The command to "divide" the sea is a miraculous act that defies natural laws. The Hebrew verb "בָּקַע" (baqa) means to split or cleave, emphasizing the supernatural intervention required to create a path through the waters. This act of division is reminiscent of the creation narrative, where God separates the waters to bring order out of chaos (Genesis 1:6-7).

so that the Israelites can go through
The purpose of the miracle is for the deliverance of the Israelites, God's chosen people. The phrase underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, providing a way of escape and ensuring their survival. It also foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through Christ, who provides a way for believers to pass from death to life.

the sea on dry ground
The phrase "dry ground" highlights the completeness of the miracle. In Hebrew, "חָרָבָה" (charavah) means dry land, indicating that the path through the sea was not muddy or treacherous but firm and secure. This detail underscores God's provision and care for His people, ensuring their safe passage. It also serves as a testament to His power over creation, as He transforms the natural world to fulfill His purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egyptian bondage. In this verse, Moses is instructed by God to perform a miraculous act.

2. The Israelites
The descendants of Jacob, who are escaping slavery in Egypt. They are the recipients of God's deliverance through the parting of the Red Sea.

3. The Red Sea
The body of water that stands as a barrier to the Israelites' escape from Egypt. It becomes the site of a miraculous event where God demonstrates His power and faithfulness.

4. Pharaoh and the Egyptians
The oppressors of the Israelites, who pursue them even as they flee. Their pursuit sets the stage for God's deliverance and judgment.

5. God
The sovereign Lord who commands Moses and orchestrates the events leading to the Israelites' escape, demonstrating His power and faithfulness.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Power
This passage highlights God's supreme authority over nature and His ability to perform miracles. Believers can trust in God's power to overcome any obstacle.

Faith and Obedience
Moses' obedience in lifting his staff and stretching out his hand is a model of faith in action. Believers are called to trust and obey God's instructions, even when the path seems impossible.

Deliverance and Salvation
The parting of the Red Sea is a powerful symbol of God's deliverance. It foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who leads us from bondage to freedom.

God's Faithfulness
The event underscores God's faithfulness to His promises. Believers can be assured that God will fulfill His promises, no matter how daunting the circumstances.

Facing Challenges with Confidence
Just as the Israelites faced the Red Sea with the Egyptian army behind them, believers often face seemingly insurmountable challenges. This passage encourages us to face such challenges with confidence in God's provision and guidance.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Moses' action in Exodus 14:16 demonstrate faith and obedience, and how can we apply this in our own lives when facing difficult situations?

2. In what ways does the parting of the Red Sea serve as a symbol of God's deliverance, and how does this connect to the deliverance offered through Jesus Christ?

3. How can the Israelites' experience at the Red Sea encourage us to trust in God's faithfulness and power in our own lives?

4. What are some "Red Sea" moments in your life where you have seen God make a way where there seemed to be no way?

5. How does the account of the Red Sea crossing connect with other biblical accounts of God's miraculous interventions, and what do these accounts collectively teach us about God's character?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 1:9-10
The creation account where God separates the waters, showing His control over nature, similar to the parting of the Red Sea.

Joshua 3:13-17
The crossing of the Jordan River, another miraculous event where God parts waters for His people, echoing the Red Sea crossing.

Psalm 77:16-20
A poetic reflection on God's power over the waters, recalling the Red Sea event as a demonstration of His might and guidance.

Hebrews 11:29
The New Testament reflection on the faith of the Israelites as they passed through the Red Sea, highlighting the importance of faith in God's deliverance.
The Passage of the Red SeaG. D. Krummacher.Exodus 14:16
The Red SeaE. N. Packard.Exodus 14:16
The Red SeaD. C. Hughes, M. A.Exodus 14:16
The Red SeaW. G. Sperry.Exodus 14:16
The DeliveranceJ. Orr Exodus 14:10-23
God Completes the Deliverance of the Israelites from Pharaoh and Removes Their TerrorD. Young Exodus 14:13-31
Obedience Necessary to SalvationJ. Urquhart Exodus 14:15-18
People
Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, Pharaoh, Zephon
Places
Baal-zephon, Egypt, Etham, Migdol, Pi-hahiroth, Red Sea
Topics
Cleave, Divide, Dry, Ground, Israelites, Lift, Lifted, Midst, Parted, Rod, Sons, Staff, Stretch, Stretched, Towards
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 14:16

     1418   miracles, responses

Exodus 14:10-31

     4819   dryness

Exodus 14:13-18

     5103   Moses, significance

Exodus 14:15-16

     4512   staff

Exodus 14:15-22

     1416   miracles, nature of

Library
A Path in the Sea
'And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: 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. 21. And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Entangled in the Land
"For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in."--Exodus 14:3. ISRAEL WAS CLEAN escaped from Egypt. Not a hoof of their cattle was left behind; nor foot of child or aged man remained in the house of bondage. But though they were gone, they were not forgotten by the tyrant who had enslaved them. They had been a very useful body of workers; for they had built treasure cities and storehouses for Pharaoh. Compelled to work without wages,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

Epistle Lxiii. To Brunichild, Queen of the Franks.
To Brunichild, Queen of the Franks. Gregory to Brunichild, &c. What good gifts have been conferred on you from above, and with what piety heavenly grace has filled you, this, among all the other proofs of your merits, intimates evidently to all that you both govern the savage hearts of barbarians with the skill of prudent counsel, and (what is still more to your praise), adorn your royal power with wisdom. And since, as you are above many nations in both these respects, so also you excel them in
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

They who have not Been Promoted to that Office. ...
They who have not been promoted [to that office] by the bishop, ought not to adjure, either in churches or in private houses. Notes. Ancient Epitome of Canon XXVI. No one shall adjure without the bishop's promotion to that office. Balsamon. Some were in the habit of "adjuring," that is catechising the unbelievers, who had never received the imposition of the bishop's hands for that purpose; and when they were accused of doing so, contended that as they did not do it in church but only at home, they
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils

The Personality of Power.
A Personally Conducted Journey. Everyone enjoys the pleasure of travel; but nearly all shrink back from its tiresomeness and drudgery. The transportation companies are constantly scheming to overcome this disagreeable side for both pleasure and business travel. One of the popular ways of pleasure travel of late is by means of personally conducted tours. A party is formed, often by the railroad company, and is accompanied by a special agent to attend to all the business matters of the trip. A variation
S.D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on Power

The Faults Committed in this Degree --Distractions, Temptations --The Course to be Pursued Respecting Them.
As soon as we fall into a fault, or have wandered, we must turn again within ourselves; because this fault having turned us from God, we should as soon as possible turn towards Him, and suffer the penitence which He Himself will give. It is of great importance that we should not be anxious about these faults, because the anxiety only springs from a secret pride and a love of our own excellence. We are troubled at feeling what we are. If we become discouraged, we shall grow weaker yet; and reflection
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents

Answer to Mr. W's Sixth Objection.
6. and lastly, Let us consider the intrinsick absurdities, and incredibilities of the several stories of these three miracles, p. 36.--As to Jairus's daughter, and her resurrection from the dead, St. Hilary [13] hints, that there was no such person as Jairus;--and he gives this reason, and a good reason it is, why he thought so, because it is elsewhere intimated in the gospel that none of the rulers of the synagogues confessedly believ'd on Jesus, John vii. 48. and xii. 42. St. John's words in the
Nathaniel Lardner—A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles

The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture.
"He hath hardened their heart."-- John xii. 40. The Scripture teaches positively that the hardening and "darkening of their foolish heart" is a divine, intentional act. This is plainly evident from God's charge to Moses concerning the king of Egypt: "Thou shalt speak all that I command thee; and I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not harken unto you, and I will lay My hand upon Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Blessed are they that Mourn
Blessed are they that mourn. Matthew 5:4 Here are eight steps leading to true blessedness. They may be compared to Jacob's Ladder, the top whereof reached to heaven. We have already gone over one step, and now let us proceed to the second: Blessed are they that mourn'. We must go through the valley of tears to paradise. Mourning were a sad and unpleasant subject to treat on, were it not that it has blessedness going before, and comfort coming after. Mourning is put here for repentance. It implies
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Epistle iv. To Cyriacus, Bishop.
To Cyriacus, Bishop. Gregory to Cyriacus, Bishop of Constantinople. We have received with becoming charity our common sons, George the presbyter and Theodore your deacon; and we rejoice that you have passed from the care of ecclesiastical business to the government of souls, since, according to the voice of the Truth, He that is faithful in a little will be faithful also in much (Luke xvi. 10). And to the servant who administers well it is said, Because thou hast been faithful over a few things,
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
"Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God" (Rom. 11:22). In the last chapter when treating of the Sovereignty of God the Father in Salvation, we examined seven passages which represent Him as making a choice from among the children of men, and predestinating certain ones to be conformed to the image of His Son. The thoughtful reader will naturally ask, And what of those who were not "ordained to eternal life?" The answer which is usually returned to this question, even by those who profess
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in the Soul.
Titus iii. 5, 6. Titus iii. 5, 6. Not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. IF my business were to explain and illustrate this scripture at large, it would yield an ample field for accurate criticism and useful discourse, and more especially would lead us into a variety of practical remarks, on which it would be pleasant
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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