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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text highlights that the waters didn't just recede; they became a "wall." This imagery emphasizes not just a pathway, but a form of divine protection and defense on both sides, preventing any flank attacks by the pursuing Egyptians.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just moments after the Egyptian army began its relentless pursuit, God intervened dramatically. The pillar of cloud that had guided Israel moved to position itself between the two camps, plunging the Egyptians into darkness while illuminating the path for the Israelites. Then, a powerful east wind miraculously parted the Red Sea, creating a dry path for God's people to escape.
Imagine being trapped between an advancing army and a massive body of water. How could anyone find safety? God’s power offered a unique, impenetrable shield.
In Exodus 14:22, the language describing the divided waters is striking: "the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left." This wasn't just a path; it was a fortress.
A Divine Fortress
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Standing at the edge of the sea, with an army closing in, what would it take to step onto dry land in the middle of the ocean?
The Israelites' journey through the Red Sea wasn't just a display of God's power; it was an act of profound faith, initiated by their obedience.
Obedience in the Face of Fear
This bold step forward, despite overwhelming fear, is what allowed them to experience God's miraculous provision.
Understand the original words
chomah · Hebrew Noun
A physical or spiritual barrier created by divine power to provide protection or containment, often symbolizing God's active defense of His people.
The description of the waters as 'a wall' emphasizes God's protective power, shielding Israel from Pharaoh's pursuit by creating an impassable barrier on both flanks during their miraculous crossing.
c. 1446 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
Following the ten plagues, the Israelites, led by Moses, departed from Egypt after over 400 years of slavery. Pharaoh eventually pursued them.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Israel camps at Pi-hahiroth
God instructed the Israelites to turn back and encamp by the sea at Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and Baal-zephon. This strategic position trapped them between the sea and the pursuing Egyptian army.
c. 1446 BC
The Parting of the Red Sea
A strong east wind blew all night, parting the Red Sea and creating dry ground for the Israelites to cross. The waters stood like walls on either side.
c. 1446 BC
Destruction of the Egyptian Army
As the Israelites reached the other side, the pursuing Egyptian army was engulfed and destroyed when the waters returned to their normal course.
c. 1446 BC
Miriam's Song of Triumph
The Israelites, led by Moses and Miriam, sang a song of praise and victory to God for their deliverance and the destruction of their enemies.
This psalm recounts the Exodus event, describing God dividing the sea and making the waters stand up like a heap, echoing the imagery of the waters forming a protective barrier as described in Exodus.
Hebrews 11:29This passage directly references the Israelites' crossing of the Red Sea, highlighting it as an act of faith, which was essential for them to step onto dry ground with the waters held back like walls.
Isaiah 43:2This prophetic passage speaks of God's future deliverance of His people, stating that when they pass through waters and rivers, they will not drown, mirroring the miraculous passage through the sea on dry ground.
Joshua 3:16This passage describes the Israelites crossing the Jordan River on dry ground, with the waters standing up in a heap, directly paralleling the miraculous event at the Red Sea.
gillExodus 14:22: "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."
And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground,.... Some Jewish writers say (c), that the tribe of Judah went in first, and then the other tribes followed; but it is most likely, what Josephus says (d), that Moses first entered in, and then the Israelites, encouraged by his example, went in afte…
cambridgeExodus 14:22: "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."
22 . and the waters were a wall , &c.] ‘A very summary poetical and hyperbolical ( Exodus 15:8 ) description of the occurrence, which can at most be pictured as the drying up of a shallow ford, on both sides of which the basin of the sea was much deeper, and remained filled with water’ (Di.).
The text highlights that the waters didn't just recede; they became a "wall." This imagery emphasizes not just a pathway, but a form of divine protection and defense on both sides, preventing any flank attacks by the pursuing Egyptians.
Just moments after the Egyptian army began its relentless pursuit, God intervened dramatically. The pillar of cloud that had guided Israel moved to position itself between the two camps, plunging the Egyptians into darkness while illuminating the path for the Israelites. Then, a powerful east wind miraculously parted the Red Sea, creating a dry path for God's people to escape.
Just moments after the Egyptian army began its relentless pursuit, God intervened dramatically. The pillar of cloud that had guided Israel moved to position itself between the two camps, plunging the Egyptians into darkness while illuminating the path for the Israelites. Then, a powerful east wind miraculously parted the Red Sea, creating a dry path for God's people to escape.
"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." — The text highlights that the waters didn't just recede; they became a "wall." This imagery emphasizes not just a pathway, but a form of divine protection and defense on both sides, preventing any fla…
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Last reviewed October 2026