What does Exodus 14:1 mean?
ESV: Then the Lord said to Moses,
NIV: Then the Lord said to Moses,
NASB: Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
CSB: Then the Lord spoke to Moses:
NLT: Then the Lord gave these instructions to Moses:
KJV: And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
NKJV: Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
Verse Commentary:
The phrase "the Lord said to Moses" appears repeatedly across the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. It is often set apart as a separate verse introducing God's instructions (Exodus 6:10; Leviticus 8:1; Numbers 5:1). This wording emphasizes two things. First is God's divine revelation. These are messages coming from the Lord. Second, they highlight Moses' personal connection to God.
Those themes are important in this chapter. God will use Moses as a conduit for the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21–22, 26–28). This will affirm both the Lord's power and Moses' role as God's spokesman (Exodus 14:31).
Verse Context:
Exodus 14:1–14 explains how Israel came to the seashore not long after being released from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12:40–41). Pharaoh, Egypt's king, once again changes his mind about releasing his slaves (Exodus 1:11–14). He sends the Egyptian army after the Israelites. The fleeing people are frightened, but Moses reassures them. This will be the last time Egypt troubles their people.
Chapter Summary:
God leads Israel (Exodus 13:21–22) to make camp in front of the "Sea of Reeds." This is different from the modern-day Red Sea; it is more likely the Gulf of Suez or the wide Lake Timsah. As in the past (Exodus 8:15, 31–32; 9:34–35; 10:19–20), Pharaoh changes his mind about Israelite freedom. He gathers soldiers to pursue Israel and catches them at the shore. God blocks the incoming attackers and makes a dry path through the sea for Israel's escape. When the Egyptian forces attempt to follow, God closes the walls of water over them, drowning the entire army.
Chapter Context:
Egypt's king freed Israel after the devastating death of the firstborn on Passover (Exodus 12:29–32). God led the people southeast, rather than along northern roads (Exodus 13:17–18). This brings them the shore of the Sea of Reeds. Pharaoh sends his military to recapture—or annihilate—the Israelites. Instead, the Egyptian army drowns when God allows the Hebrews to cross between parted waters, only to close them when the soldiers pursue. The next chapter is a song of celebration, thanking God for His incredible, miraculous salvation (Exodus 15).
Book Summary:
The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.
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