At morning watch, however, the LORD looked down on the army of the Egyptians from the pillar of fire and cloud, and He threw their camp into confusion. At morning watchThe "morning watch" refers to the last of the three watches of the night, typically from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. This was a time when the Israelites, having crossed the Red Sea, were being pursued by the Egyptians. The timing is significant as it symbolizes a new beginning, a dawn of deliverance for the Israelites. In the Hebrew context, the "watch" was a period of vigilance and prayer, emphasizing the importance of spiritual readiness and trust in God's timing. the LORD looked down
The phrase "the LORD looked down" anthropomorphizes God, attributing human characteristics to Him to convey His active involvement in the events. In Hebrew, the verb "looked down" (שָׁקַף, shaqaph) implies a focused and intentional observation. This highlights God's sovereignty and His intimate awareness of the situation. It reassures believers that God is not distant but is actively watching over His people, ready to intervene on their behalf. on the army of the Egyptians
The "army of the Egyptians" represents the formidable force that pursued the Israelites. Historically, Egypt was a powerful empire, and its army was a symbol of oppression and bondage for the Israelites. This phrase underscores the magnitude of the threat and the miraculous nature of God's deliverance. It serves as a reminder that no earthly power can withstand the will of God when He chooses to act on behalf of His people. from the pillar of fire and cloud
The "pillar of fire and cloud" was a visible manifestation of God's presence with the Israelites. By day, it appeared as a cloud, and by night, as fire, guiding and protecting them. This duality symbolizes God's guidance and protection in both light and darkness. Theologically, it represents the Holy Spirit's role in leading believers through life's journey, providing both direction and comfort. and He threw them into confusion
The phrase "He threw them into confusion" describes God's intervention in disrupting the Egyptian army. The Hebrew word for "confusion" (הָמַם, hamam) suggests a state of panic and disorder. This divine action demonstrates God's power to overturn human plans and protect His people. It serves as a powerful reminder that God can bring victory out of seemingly impossible situations, turning the schemes of the enemy into chaos. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDThe sovereign God of Israel, who actively intervenes in the events of history to fulfill His purposes and protect His people. 2. The Egyptian ArmyThe military force of Pharaoh, pursuing the Israelites to bring them back into slavery. 3. The Pillar of Fire and CloudA manifestation of God's presence, guiding and protecting the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. 4. Morning WatchThe last watch of the night, a time when God chose to act decisively against the Egyptians. 5. ConfusionThe state into which God threw the Egyptian army, demonstrating His power and control over the situation. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyRecognize that God is in control of all circumstances, even when situations seem dire or overwhelming. Divine InterventionTrust in God's ability to intervene in our lives, often in unexpected ways, to bring about His purposes. Protection and GuidanceJust as God guided the Israelites with the pillar of fire and cloud, He continues to guide and protect His people today through His Word and Spirit. Timing of GodUnderstand that God's timing is perfect, and He acts at the right moment to accomplish His will. Faith in AdversityEncourage faith and reliance on God during times of trouble, knowing that He can bring confusion to our adversaries and deliver us. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the description of God's intervention in Exodus 14:24 enhance your understanding of His sovereignty and power? 2. In what ways can you see God's guidance and protection in your own life, similar to the pillar of fire and cloud for the Israelites? 3. How does the concept of "morning watch" and God's timing challenge or encourage you in your current circumstances? 4. What are some modern-day "Egyptian armies" that you face, and how can you trust God to bring confusion to those challenges? 5. How do the additional scriptures (Psalm 77, Joshua 10, Isaiah 63) deepen your understanding of God's deliverance and faithfulness throughout the Bible? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 77:16-20This passage poetically recounts the crossing of the Red Sea, emphasizing God's mighty power and His guidance through the waters. Joshua 10:10Similar to Exodus 14:24, God throws the enemies of Israel into confusion, showing His continued intervention on behalf of His people. Isaiah 63:11-14Reflects on God's leadership and deliverance of Israel during the Exodus, highlighting His role as a shepherd to His people. People Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, Pharaoh, ZephonPlaces Baal-zephon, Egypt, Etham, Migdol, Pi-hahiroth, Red SeaTopics Armies, Army, Camp, Cloud, Confused, Confusion, Discomfited, Egyptian, Egyptians, Embarrassed, Fire, Forth, Host, Morning, Morning-watch, Pass, Pillar, Threw, Trouble, Troubled, Troubleth, WatchDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 14:24 4805 clouds
4957 night Exodus 14:10-31 4819 dryness Exodus 14:19-24 7908 baptism, significance Exodus 14:21-28 5300 drowning Exodus 14:23-25 5208 armies 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 14:24 NIVExodus 14:24 NLTExodus 14:24 ESVExodus 14:24 NASBExodus 14:24 KJV
Exodus 14:24 Commentaries
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