Exodus 14:28

The waters flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen--the entire army of Pharaoh that had chased the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived.

Study Bible

The waters returned
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Exodus. The Hebrew word for "returned" is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which conveys the idea of turning back or restoring. In this context, it signifies the miraculous reversal of the waters of the Red Sea, which had been parted to allow the Israelites to escape. This act of divine intervention underscores God's sovereignty over creation and His ability to manipulate natural elements to fulfill His purposes. Historically, this event is a cornerstone of Jewish identity, symbolizing deliverance and divine protection.

and covered the chariots and horsemen
The imagery of the waters covering the Egyptian chariots and horsemen is both vivid and dramatic. Chariots and horsemen were symbols of military might and power in ancient Egypt, representing the strength of Pharaoh's army. The Hebrew word for "covered" is "כָּסָה" (kasah), which means to conceal or overwhelm. This act of covering signifies the total and complete defeat of the Egyptian forces, emphasizing that no human power can stand against the will of God. It serves as a reminder of the futility of opposing God's plans and the ultimate triumph of His people.

the entire army of Pharaoh
This phrase highlights the comprehensive nature of the destruction. The Hebrew word for "entire" is "כֹּל" (kol), meaning all or whole. The inclusion of the entire army signifies the totality of God's judgment against Egypt. Pharaoh's army, which had pursued the Israelites with the intent to enslave them once more, was completely annihilated. This serves as a powerful testament to God's justice and His commitment to the liberation of His people. It also foreshadows the ultimate victory of God's kingdom over the forces of evil.

that had followed them into the sea
The phrase underscores the relentless pursuit of the Egyptians. The Hebrew word for "followed" is "בָּא" (ba), which can also mean to come or enter. This pursuit into the sea was an act of desperation and defiance against God's command to let His people go. The Egyptians' decision to follow the Israelites into the parted sea reflects their hardened hearts and unwillingness to submit to God's authority. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the consequences of resisting God's will.

Not one of them survived
The finality of this statement is striking. The Hebrew word for "survived" is "נִשְׁאַר" (nish'ar), meaning to remain or be left. The complete destruction of Pharaoh's army is a testament to the thoroughness of God's deliverance. It assures the Israelites of their freedom from Egyptian oppression and reinforces their faith in God's promises. This phrase also serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of God's judgment and the importance of aligning oneself with His purposes. It inspires believers to trust in God's protection and to remain faithful to His calling.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who pursued the Israelites after initially allowing them to leave. His hardened heart led to the destruction of his army.

2. The Israelites
The people of God, led by Moses, who were escaping slavery in Egypt and crossing the Red Sea to freedom.

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

4. The Egyptian Army
Comprising chariots and horsemen, they pursued the Israelites into the Red Sea, only to be drowned when the waters returned.

5. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Power
The event at the Red Sea demonstrates God's supreme power over nature and nations. He is sovereign and can deliver His people from seemingly impossible situations.

Judgment and Deliverance
The destruction of the Egyptian army serves as a reminder of God's judgment against those who oppose Him and His people. It also highlights His deliverance of those who trust in Him.

Faith in Action
The Israelites' crossing of the Red Sea required faith. In our lives, stepping out in faith often precedes witnessing God's miraculous interventions.

God's Faithfulness
This event is a testament to God's faithfulness to His promises. He had promised to deliver Israel, and He fulfilled that promise in a dramatic way.

The Cost of Disobedience
Pharaoh's persistent disobedience and hardened heart led to the destruction of his army. This serves as a warning about the consequences of resisting God's will.

Bible Study Questions

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

2. In what ways can the faith of the Israelites in crossing the Red Sea inspire you to trust God in your current circumstances?

3. How does the destruction of the Egyptian army serve as a warning about the consequences of opposing God's will?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's deliverance in a seemingly impossible situation. How did that strengthen your faith?

5. How can the account of the Red Sea crossing encourage you to remain faithful to God's promises, even when the path seems uncertain?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 15:1-21
The Song of Moses and Miriam celebrates the victory over the Egyptians and the deliverance of Israel, highlighting God's power and faithfulness.

Psalm 136:13-15
This psalm recounts God's enduring love and mighty acts, including the parting of the Red Sea and the destruction of Pharaoh's army.

Hebrews 11:29
This verse in the New Testament reflects on the faith of the Israelites as they crossed the Red Sea, emphasizing the role of faith in God's deliverance.