Exodus 14:22 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

NIV: and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.

NASB: So the sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right and on their left.

CSB: and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with the waters like a wall to them on their right and their left.

NLT: So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!

KJV: And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

NKJV: So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

Israel is trapped on the seashore by an oncoming Egyptian army (Exodus 14:5–9). Following the Lord's instructions (Exodus 14:16), Moses has gestured over the sea (Exodus 14:21). Then God sent a wind which divided the water like walls and made the sea floor dry enough for travel. The exact nature of this wind is debated—but this verse clearly indicates a supernatural element. A strong enough natural wind could blow deep waters aside, but no one could survive walking through it. At least in this case, God's miracle is being accomplished with overtly unnatural means.

In a city, walls are a major source of protection (Deuteronomy 3:5; Joshua 6:5). God now provides walls of water to rescue Israel from harm. Drying the seabed gave them the ability to travel, rather than slogging through mud. Later, the Lord will disrupt this seabed (Exodus 14:24–25) so the pursuing Egyptians will be slowed and eventually drowned (Exodus 14:28).

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 5/31/2025 9:31:07 PM