Exodus 14:20 meaning
In a moment of divine intervention, the Israelites found themselves trapped between the Red Sea and the pursuing Egyptian army. Through Moses, God commanded that the waters part, allowing His people safe passage while bringing destruction to their enemies. This event, marked by miraculous elements such as a strong east wind and a pillar of cloud, highlights both God's power and favor towards Israel, while simultaneously executing judgment upon Egypt for their oppression.
By the time the waters divided, the Egyptians were blinded by their own arrogance, believing they could pursue the fleeing Israelites. This profound act serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the stark reality of divine justice; the same waters that provided deliverance for Israel became a grave for the hardened hearts of their oppressors. This passage illustrates that God's sovereignty rules over nature and nations alike, providing a powerful testimony to generations about the importance of faith and obedience amidst adversity. In this way, the verse embodies the ongoing theme of salvation and judgment throughout scripture.
This commentary relates directly to the scripture found in Exodus 14:20.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Exodus 14:15-31 meaning. The last section of this chapter (verses 15 – 31) contain one of the most well-known stories of the Bible – the crossing of the Red Sea. It starts with the LORD giving instructions that prepare the Israelites for the crossing (15 – 18). Then, in verses 19 – 20, the angel of the LORD, appearing as a cloud, moved to a position protecting the Israelites from the Egyptians. Verses 21 – 25 relate the dividing of the Red Sea waters and the crossing of the Israelites on dry land. Once across, the LORD caused the Red Sea to fall upon the pursuing Egyptians, killing the best of Pharaoh's army (26-29). The last part of this section (30 – 31) is a summary of this wonderful deliverance by the LORD and the response of the grateful Israelites.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Exodus 34:5-9 meaning. The LORD appears to Moses in preparation for the renewal of the covenant. He appeared in the cloud, passed before Moses, and proclaimed His character. Moses in turn bowed down in worship before the LORD. He then petitioned the LORD once again to remain among His people in spite of their unfaithfulness.
- Exodus 23:14-19 meaning. The LORD establishes three feasts—the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of the Harvest, and the Feast of the Ingathering. Added to the discussion are laws concerning how to worship during the feasts. They were designed to give the people times to share the bounty of the LORD with Him, with one another, and with the poor. There is much more discussion about these feasts in the book of Leviticus.
- Isaiah 37:14-20 meaning. After receiving a letter meant to induce fear in the hearts of its readers, Hezekiah takes the letter and his supplication to Yahweh at the temple.