Exodus 14:22 Study Bible: The children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand, and on their left.

◄ Exodus 14:22 ►

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

and the Israelites
The term "Israelites" refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. This group, chosen by God, represents His covenant people. Historically, the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, and their journey through the Red Sea marks a pivotal moment of deliverance. Theologically, they symbolize the people of God, called to live in obedience and faithfulness. The Hebrew root for Israel, "Yisra'el," means "God prevails," underscoring the divine intervention and sovereignty in their journey.

went through the sea
The phrase "went through the sea" captures the miraculous nature of the event. The Hebrew word for "sea" is "yam," which often denotes a large body of water. This crossing is not merely a natural occurrence but a supernatural act of God, demonstrating His power over creation. The sea, a symbol of chaos and danger, is transformed into a pathway of salvation, prefiguring Christ's victory over sin and death.

on dry ground
"Dry ground" emphasizes the completeness of the miracle. The Hebrew term "charabah" indicates land that is completely dry, not muddy or damp. This detail highlights God's provision and care, ensuring safe passage for His people. It also signifies a new beginning, as the Israelites leave behind the bondage of Egypt and step into the freedom of God's promises.

with walls of water
The "walls of water" on either side of the Israelites are a testament to God's protective power. The Hebrew word "chomah" for "walls" suggests a strong, fortified barrier. This imagery conveys the idea of God as a refuge and fortress, safeguarding His people from harm. It also serves as a reminder of His ability to make a way where there seems to be none, reinforcing the theme of divine deliverance.

on their right and on their left
The specification of "on their right and on their left" underscores the totality of God's protection. It indicates that the Israelites were completely surrounded by God's miraculous provision. This phrase can be seen as a metaphor for God's omnipresence and His ability to shield His people from all sides. It reassures believers of God's constant presence and His commitment to guide and protect them through life's challenges.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The descendants of Jacob, also known as the children of Israel, who were enslaved in Egypt and are now being led to freedom by Moses.

2. The Red Sea
The body of water that God miraculously parted to allow the Israelites to escape from the pursuing Egyptian army.

3. Moses
The prophet and leader chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage.

4. Pharaoh's Army
The Egyptian forces pursuing the Israelites, intending to bring them back into slavery.

5. God's Miracle
The divine intervention where God parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Nature
God demonstrates His supreme power over creation by parting the Red Sea. This reminds us that He is in control of all circumstances in our lives.

Faith in God's Deliverance
The Israelites' journey through the sea on dry ground is a testament to their faith in God's promise of deliverance. We are called to trust God even when the path seems impossible.

God's Protection and Guidance
The walls of water on either side symbolize God's protection. In our lives, God provides guidance and safety as we walk through challenges.

The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites had to follow God's command to move forward into the sea. Obedience to God's instructions is crucial for experiencing His miracles.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
The crossing of the Red Sea is a fulfillment of God's promise to deliver His people. We can rely on God's faithfulness in our own lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the parting of the Red Sea demonstrate God's power and sovereignty in your life today?

2. In what ways can you relate the Israelites' faith in crossing the Red Sea to a situation where you need to trust God?

3. How does the account of the Red Sea crossing encourage you to be obedient to God's guidance in your life?

4. What are some "walls of water" or challenges you face, and how can you see God's protection in those situations?

5. How can the faithfulness of God in delivering the Israelites inspire you to trust in His promises for your future?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 1:9-10
The creation account where God gathers the waters, showing His control over nature, similar to the parting of the Red Sea.

Joshua 3:14-17
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, emphasizing His might and faithfulness in delivering His people.

Hebrews 11:29
The New Testament reference to the faith of the Israelites as they crossed the Red Sea, highlighting the importance of faith in God's promises.

Sermons

We Walk by Faith, not by Sight	G.A. Goodhart	Exodus 14:22
The Deliverance	J. Orr	Exodus 14:10-23
God Completes the Deliverance of the Israelites from Pharaoh and Removes Their Terror	D. Young	Exodus 14:13-31
The Goodness and Severity of God	J. Urquhart	Exodus 14:19-31
A Treacherous Element	Great Thoughts	Exodus 14:21-25
It is not Always Safe to Follow Those Who are in the Path of Duty	H. C. Trumbull.	Exodus 14:21-25
Safe in the Danger of Duty	H. C. Trumbull.	Exodus 14:21-25
The Destruction of the Egyptians	H. Barnard, B. A.	Exodus 14:21-25
The Sea-Path	Dr. Fowler.	Exodus 14:21-25

People

Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, Pharaoh, Zephon

Places

Baal-zephon, Egypt, Etham, Migdol, Pi-hahiroth, Red Sea

Topics

Dry, Ground, Midst, Sons, Wall, Waters

Dictionary of Bible Themes

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

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 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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