Exodus 14:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The Lord said to Moses, "Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward.

NIV: Then the Lord said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on.

NASB: Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward.

CSB: The Lord said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to break camp.

NLT: Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving!

KJV: And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:

NKJV: And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward.

It's possible Moses passed along the people's fears to the Lord in prayer (Exodus 14:11–12). The recently-freed slaves (Exodus 12:40–41) are camped by the sea (Exodus 14:1–2). There, they are confronted by the pharaoh of Egypt and his army (Exodus 14:5–7). God's question is purely for effect. He is not scolding Moses, nor asking for more information. His point is that the situation is already under control (Exodus 14:3–4).

Next, God gives Moses explicit instructions about what is about to happen. He is to pass along God's commands so that the people will advance. The Hebrew phrasing here suggests that Moses is to speak to the people "so that" they will begin to move. The Israelites cannot go forward without walking into the sea. On the other side, behind them, are Egyptian soldiers. But the Lord has a plan in mind (Exodus 14:16). He is about to perform one of the most famous miracles in human history (Exodus 14:21–28).

Exodus 14:15–31 records the monumental crossing of the Red Sea. Egypt's king has changed his mind about releasing Israel from slavery (Exodus 14:5–9). God has led the people to the shore of the "Sea of Reeds." This is not the same location as the modern-day Red Sea, but somewhere further north, probably the Gulf of Suez. The supernatural pillar leading Israel (Exodus 13:21–22) moves to block the oncoming soldiers. At God's command, Moses holds out his staff and the sea splits to open a path of dry land with a wall of water on each side. This allows Israel to cross during the night. Egypt's military attempts to follow. Moses again follows God's command to gesture with his staff, and the waters close over the Egyptian soldiers, eliminating every single one. Israel is now free both from slavery and any threat of being taken back by their former oppressors.

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.

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).

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.

Accessed 5/16/2025 5:15:53 PM