And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Moses tells the people to "stand firm" not just physically, but to make themselves stand by anchoring their hearts in God, not by fighting or fleeing, but by quiet confidence. He's asking them to adopt a posture of faith, ready to witness God's direct intervention, a deliverance so complete that their fearsome oppressors will be utterly vanquished, never to be seen again in their terrifying power.
And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Israelites have just been told by God to turn back and encamp by the sea, a move that Pharaoh perceives as them being hopelessly trapped. Now, as Pharaoh's army closes in, the people panic and cry out to Moses, accusing him of leading them to die in the wilderness. Moses, with incredible calm amidst their fear and anger, assures them that God will fight for them and deliver them spectacularly.
When you're up against a wall, and every instinct screams 'run!' – what does it mean to 'stand still'?
Moses' instruction to "stand still" wasn't about passive inaction. It was a radical call to active trust.
Beyond Fleeing or Fighting
God's deliverance isn't always just about getting out of a bad situation. It’s about what that rescue reveals.
The word for "salvation" here carries a rich meaning, pointing to more than just a physical escape.
God's Powerful Intervention
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Understand the original words
yare · Hebrew Verb
An intense emotion or sense of alarm in the face of danger. The command "fear not" is a common divine imperative in Scripture, calling the believer to replace human panic with trust in God's sovereignty and presence.
yeshuah · Hebrew Noun
The act of being saved, delivered, or rescued from peril or enemies. Biblically, it refers primarily to God's intervention to rescue His people, culminating in the ultimate eternal salvation provided through Jesus Christ.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God (YHWH). It identifies Him as the self-existent, faithful Creator who enters into a relationship with His people and acts on their behalf.
This moment of crisis highlights God's power to deliver His people in seemingly impossible situations, transforming terror into awe and demonstrating His sovereign authority over all forces.
c. 1446 BC
Israelites Depart Egypt
Following the ten plagues, Pharaoh finally allows the Israelites to leave Egypt after centuries of enslavement. They begin their journey towards the Promised Land.
c. 1446 BC
Pharaoh Pursues Israelites
Pharaoh, regretting his decision to let Israel go, mobilizes his army, including 600 elite chariots, to recapture the escaping slaves.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Israelites Trapped at the Red Sea
The Israelites find themselves hemmed in by the Red Sea on one side and Pharaoh's approaching army on the other, leading to panic.
c. 1446 BC
The Parting of the Red Sea
God intervenes, causing a strong east wind to blow all night, parting the Red Sea and allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground.
c. 1446 BC
Destruction of the Egyptian Army
As the Israelites complete their crossing, the waters return, drowning Pharaoh's entire army and leaving no survivors.
This passage echoes the call to 'stand firm' and find strength not in frantic action, but in quiet trust in the Lord, highlighting the theme of divine deliverance through patient waiting.
Joshua 1:9It parallels Moses' command to 'fear not' and 'be strong,' emphasizing courage in the face of daunting challenges and the assurance that God will be with them, just as He was with Israel at the Red Sea.
2 Chronicles 20:17This verse directly references a similar situation where King Jehoshaphat tells his people to 'stand still and see the salvation of the LORD,' mirroring the trust placed in God for deliverance when human effort is impossible.
Psalm 46:10This provides a foundational principle for Moses' instruction: 'Be still, and know that I am God,' reinforcing the idea that in moments of crisis, recognizing God's sovereignty leads to peace and divine intervention.
Romans 8:37It speaks to the ultimate 'salvation' that God works, assuring believers that no earthly power, like the pursuing Egyptians, can separate them from God's love, echoing the finality of the deliverance described in Exodus.
cambridgeExodus 14:13: "And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever."
13 . stand still ] rather, stand firm , without fleeing; cf. Deuteronomy 7:24 ; Deuteronomy 11:25 , 2 Samuel 21:5 . Comp. the quotation in 2 Chronicles 20:17 (EVV. set yourselves [ not ‘stand still’]). salvation ] The Heb. word is used here in its original etym. sense—w…
bensonExodus 14:13: "And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever."
Exodus 14:13-14 . Moses said, Fear ye not, stand still — Hebrew, make yourselves to stand. Let not your hearts fail, or sink, or stagger, through unbelief: but with quiet minds look up to God. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace — Ye shall contrib…
Moses tells the people to "stand firm" not just physically, but to make themselves stand by anchoring their hearts in God, not by fighting or fleeing, but by quiet confidence. He's asking them to adopt a posture of faith, ready to witness God's direct intervention, a deliverance so complete that their fearsome oppressors will be utterly vanquished, never to be seen again in their terrifying power.
The Israelites have just been told by God to turn back and encamp by the sea, a move that Pharaoh perceives as them being hopelessly trapped. Now, as Pharaoh's army closes in, the people panic and cry out to Moses, accusing him of leading them to die in the wilderness. Moses, with incredible calm amidst their fear and anger, assures them that God will fight for them and deliver them spectacularly.
The Israelites have just been told by God to turn back and encamp by the sea, a move that Pharaoh perceives as them being hopelessly trapped. Now, as Pharaoh's army closes in, the people panic and cry out to Moses, accusing him of leading them to die in the wilderness. Moses, with incredible calm amidst their fear and anger, assures them that God will fight for them and deliver them spectacularly.
"And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again." — Moses tells the people to "stand firm" not just physically, but to make themselves stand by anchoring their hearts in God, not by fighting or fleeing, but by quiet confidence. He's asking them to a…
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Last reviewed October 2026