Exodus 14:25 - Printer Friendly

ESV: clogging their chariot wheels so that they drove heavily. And the Egyptians said, "Let us flee from before Israel, for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians."

NIV: He jammed the wheels of their chariots so that they had difficulty driving. And the Egyptians said, "Let’s get away from the Israelites! The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt."

NASB: He caused their chariot wheels to swerve, and He made them drive with difficulty; so the Egyptians each said, 'Let me flee from Israel, for the Lord is fighting for them against the Egyptians.'

CSB: He caused their chariot wheels to swerve and made them drive with difficulty. "Let’s get away from Israel," the Egyptians said, "because the Lord is fighting for them against Egypt!"

NLT: He twisted their chariot wheels, making their chariots difficult to drive. 'Let’s get out of here — away from these Israelites!' the Egyptians shouted. 'The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt!'

KJV: And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians.

NKJV: And He took off their chariot wheels, so that they drove them with difficulty; and the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from the face of Israel, for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians.”

God miraculously parted the waters of the sea (Exodus 14:21–22) so Israel could escape the Egyptian army (Exodus 14:5–9). Foolishly the Egyptians followed behind (Exodus 14:23). Then, in some way, God caused them to panic. This verse gives a partial explanation: problems with their chariot wheels. Chariots are military vehicles meant for fast movement and sharp maneuvers. Chariot wheels are usually—but not always—thinner and narrower than wheels used for cargo wagons. These are fine for hard ground but not suited for deep mud or loose sand. The same comparison can be made with bicycle wheels: "city" bicycles have light, thin wheels while those meant for off-road travel are much heavier and thicker.

Either because of heavy traffic, the sea floor gradually becoming damp (Exodus 14:29), or some other means, the army begins to wallow. The Hebrew word for their problems is yāsar. This is from a root word that means some sort of diverting, swerving, or departing. Either the wheels are bogging down so the chariots cannot steer, or the wheels are breaking, or they are clogging, or some combination of all these.

Whatever change happens, it is rapid enough for the Egyptians to see it as a spiritual sign (Exodus 8:19; 10:7). The soldiers change their minds about the pursuit. Since the Egyptians' words are recorded, it seems the enemy soldiers were close to the opposite shore and could be heard by the Israelites. These troops use the term YHWH, or Yahweh, reflecting the name of God declared to Moses (Exodus 3:15; 14:18), and by Moses to others (Exodus 5:1–2). Unfortunately for these Egyptians, it is too late to escape the sea (Exodus 14:26–28).

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.