What does Exodus 14:14 mean?

Moses is reassuring the Israelites that they have nothing to fear from the approaching Egyptian army (Exodus 14:5–9). Though they are caught between the soldiers and the sea (Exodus 14:1–2), God is working according to His plan (Exodus 14:3–4). The people are afraid (Exodus 14:11–12), but the Lord is about to remove the threat of Egypt permanently (Exodus 14:13).

These are not words meant to rally an army. Nor are they meant to inspire unarmed slaves to charge into combat. In fact, the Israelites need to do nothing at all. God will accomplish their rescue entirely by Himself. The phrase translated "be silent" also implies stillness and calm. Ironically, one reason Egypt enslaved Israel (Exodus 1:8, 11–14) was fear that they would join with a foreign army and attack their masters (Exodus 1:10). But the people of Israel have no need to fight; their God is doing that for them.