Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, Then Moses stretched out his hand over the seaThe act of Moses stretching out his hand is symbolic of divine authority and obedience to God's command. In Hebrew, the word for "stretched out" is "נָטָה" (natah), which conveys the idea of extending or reaching out. This gesture signifies Moses' role as God's chosen leader, acting as an intermediary between God and the Israelites. The sea, or "יַם" (yam), represents the formidable barrier that stands between the Israelites and their freedom. This moment is a testament to the power of faith and obedience, as Moses acts in accordance with God's will, setting the stage for a miraculous deliverance. and all that night the LORD drove the sea back
The phrase "all that night" emphasizes the duration and the divine orchestration of the event. The Hebrew word for "night" is "לַיְלָה" (laylah), which often symbolizes a time of trial or testing. The LORD, or "יְהוָה" (YHWH), is the covenant name of God, highlighting His faithfulness and power. The action of driving the sea back is described with the Hebrew verb "הוֹלֵךְ" (holek), meaning to cause to go or to lead. This underscores God's active role in the deliverance of His people, as He manipulates the natural elements to fulfill His promise. with a strong east wind
The "strong east wind" is a natural phenomenon used supernaturally by God. In Hebrew, "רוּחַ" (ruach) means wind, spirit, or breath, indicating the life-giving and transformative power of God. The east wind, "קָדִים" (qadim), is often associated with judgment or change in the Bible. This wind is not merely a natural occurrence but a divine instrument, demonstrating God's sovereignty over creation. It serves as a reminder that God can use the ordinary to accomplish the extraordinary. and turned it into dry land
The transformation of the sea into "dry land" is a miraculous event, echoing the creation narrative where God separates the waters to create habitable space. The Hebrew word for "dry land" is "חָרָבָה" (charavah), which signifies a place devoid of water, safe for passage. This act of turning the sea into dry land is a powerful symbol of salvation and new beginnings, as God provides a way where there seems to be none. It illustrates His ability to bring order out of chaos and deliver His people from bondage. So the waters were divided
The division of the waters is the climax of this miraculous event. The Hebrew verb "בָּקַע" (baqa) means to split or cleave, indicating a decisive and powerful action. This division is not just a physical separation but a spiritual one, marking the transition from slavery to freedom for the Israelites. It is a testament to God's power and faithfulness, as He fulfills His promise to deliver His people. The divided waters stand as a monument to God's ability to overcome any obstacle, providing a path to redemption and hope. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egyptian bondage. In this verse, Moses acts in obedience to God's command, demonstrating his faith and leadership. 2. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who performs the miraculous act of parting the Red Sea, showcasing His power and faithfulness to His promises. 3. The Red SeaThe body of water that the Israelites crossed on dry ground, symbolizing God's deliverance and the transition from slavery to freedom. 4. The IsraelitesGod's chosen people, who are escaping from Egyptian slavery and witnessing God's miraculous intervention on their behalf. 5. The East WindA natural phenomenon used by God to accomplish His divine purpose, illustrating His sovereignty over creation. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and PowerThe parting of the Red Sea is a testament to God's supreme power over nature and His ability to intervene in human history. Faith and ObedienceMoses' act of stretching out his hand over the sea demonstrates faith and obedience, serving as a model for believers to trust and act on God's commands. Deliverance and SalvationThe crossing of the Red Sea symbolizes God's deliverance from bondage, pointing to the ultimate salvation found in Jesus Christ. God's FaithfulnessThis event reassures believers of God's faithfulness to His promises, encouraging trust in His plans and timing. The Role of Natural Elements in God's PlanThe use of the east wind shows how God can use natural elements to fulfill His purposes, reminding us of His control over all creation. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the parting of the Red Sea demonstrate God's sovereignty and power in your life today? 2. In what ways can Moses' obedience inspire you to act in faith when facing seemingly impossible situations? 3. How does the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt parallel the spiritual deliverance offered through Jesus Christ? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in a challenging situation. How did it strengthen your trust in Him? 5. How can understanding God's use of natural elements in the Bible help you see His hand in the world around you? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 1:9-10The separation of waters in creation parallels the parting of the Red Sea, highlighting God's control over nature. Joshua 3:14-17The crossing of the Jordan River by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership echoes the Red Sea crossing, reinforcing God's continued guidance and provision. Psalm 77:16-20This psalm reflects on the Red Sea crossing, emphasizing God's power and the awe it inspired among the Israelites. Isaiah 51:10The prophet Isaiah recalls the parting of the Red Sea as a demonstration of God's might and a reminder of His deliverance. Hebrews 11:29The New Testament recounts the faith of the Israelites as they crossed the Red Sea, underscoring the importance of faith in God's promises. People Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, Pharaoh, ZephonPlaces Baal-zephon, Egypt, Etham, Migdol, Pi-hahiroth, Red SeaTopics Caused, Causeth, Cleaved, Divided, Drove, Dry, East, Ground, Maketh, Parted, Stretched, Stretcheth, Strong, Swept, Towards, Waters, WindDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 14:21 1418 miracles, responses
4854 weather, God's sovereignty
5156 hand
5934 restraint Exodus 14:10-31 4819 dryness Exodus 14:15-22 1416 miracles, nature of Exodus 14:19-24 7908 baptism, significance Exodus 14:21-22 4860 wind
5092 Elijah Exodus 14:21-23 1320 God, as Saviour Exodus 14:21-28 5300 drowning 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 ScriptureEntangled 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 Links Exodus 14:21 NIVExodus 14:21 NLTExodus 14:21 ESVExodus 14:21 NASBExodus 14:21 KJV
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