What does Exodus 14:14 mean?
ESV: The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent."
NIV: The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."
NASB: The Lord will fight for you, while you keep silent.'
CSB: The Lord will fight for you, and you must be quiet."
NLT: The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.'
KJV: The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
NKJV: The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”
Verse Commentary:
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.
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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