Exodus 14:27-28
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The verse highlights that the sea returned to its "strength" at the appearance of morning, not just passively receding, but actively rushing back with immense force. This implies a sudden, violent resurgence of the waters, emphasizing God's power not only in parting the sea but also in the cataclysmic return of its natural might to overwhelm the Egyptians.
So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal course when the morning appeared. And as the Egyptians fled into it, the LORD threw the Egyptians into the midst of the sea. The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen; of all the host of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea, not one of them remained.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following God's command, Moses stretches his hand out over the sea, causing the waters to rush back into their natural, powerful state and engulf the pursuing Egyptian army. As dawn breaks, the Egyptians, desperately trying to flee, are overwhelmed and drowned in the midst of the sea, fulfilling God's judgment. This dramatic event leaves the Israelites safe on dry land and provides a stark visual of God's power and deliverance for His people.
The waters were held back all night, a testament to divine control. But when morning broke, something terrifying and decisive happened. What changed with the dawn?
Exodus 14:27 emphasizes that the sea's return to its 'strength' happened when the morning appeared. This wasn't a gentle tide, but a dramatic, forceful reassertion of nature's power, directed by God. The commentaries highlight this: the waters, previously held back by divine restraint, were unleashed with 'impetuous rage' and 'usual force.' The morning light made this overwhelming event visible and undeniable, showcasing God's power not just in holding back the waters, but in the sudden, violent restoration of their natural course to destroy Pharaoh's army. It's a powerful reminder that God's might is not always quiet; sometimes it's a dramatic, visible display that leaves no room for doubt.
The Egyptians saw their path to escape closing in. What does their desperate 'flight' reveal about their ultimate fate?
The verse states that 'as the Egyptians fled into it, the LORD threw the Egyptians into the midst of the sea.' This isn't just a passive drowning; it's an active, divine overthrow. Commentaries suggest the Egyptians were 'fled against it,' meaning the waters met them and pursued them, closing off any possibility of escape. They were 'shaken off' or 'hurled' by God. Their attempt to flee from Israel led them directly into the path of God's judgment. This illustrates a profound truth: when people reject God's commands and persecute His people, their frantic efforts to escape divine justice only drive them deeper into it. God's power actively ensures that those who oppose Him meet their end in the very forces they sought to control or exploit.
Ask a follow-up
While the Egyptians met their end, Israel experienced a miraculous rescue. What was the immediate and lasting impact of this event on them?
The dramatic contrast between the fate of the Egyptians and the safety of Israel is central. The verse implies that Israel's passage happened while the Egyptians were being overthrown. As Calvin notes, the waters were 'a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.' This miraculous separation and protection allowed Israel to walk 'on dry land.' Crucially, the sight of the dead Egyptians washed ashore (as described in verses following 27) led the Israelites to 'fear the LORD, and believe the LORD, and his servant Moses.' This wasn't just passive observation; it was a pivotal moment that solidified their awe of God and trust in His leadership through Moses. It marks a significant step in their spiritual journey from the brink of despair to confident reliance on God's power.
Understand the original words
chayil · Hebrew Noun
A collective term for a military force, army, or organized multitude. It can also refer to the heavenly hosts (angels) who serve God's purposes.
Par`oh · Hebrew Noun
A royal title for the monarch of Egypt. In the biblical narrative, Pharaoh represents worldly power in opposition to the kingdom of God and the oppression of His people.
c. 1446 BC
Israel's Exodus from Egypt
Led by Moses, the Israelites leave Egypt after generations of slavery, following God's deliverance through ten plagues.
c. 1446 BC
Pharaoh Pursues Israel
Pharaoh, regretting the loss of Israel's slave labor, gathers his army and chariots to pursue them. He is determined to recapture them.
c. 1446 BC
Israel Encamps at Pi-hahiroth
The Israelites are trapped between the sea and pursuing Egyptian forces, creating a moment of intense fear and doubt.
c. 1446 BC
God Parts the Red Sea
A strong east wind blows all night, dividing the waters and creating a dry path for the Israelites to cross the sea.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
The Sea Returns and Engulfs Egyptians
As morning breaks, Moses stretches his hand over the sea, and the waters rush back, drowning Pharaoh's army and chariots.
c. 1446 BC
Israel Witnesses God's Power
The Israelites see the dead bodies of the Egyptians washed ashore, reinforcing their faith and awe in the Lord and His servant Moses.
This psalm reflects on God's deliverance of Israel, specifically mentioning how He saved them from their enemies by the sea, echoing the miraculous intervention seen in Exodus 14.
Psalm 136:13-15This passage directly references God's steadfast love shown by parting the Red Sea and overthrowing Pharaoh and his army, connecting the event's significance to God's enduring faithfulness.
Isaiah 11:15-16This prophecy speaks of a future, miraculous highway created by God, similar to the dry path through the Red Sea, and refers to the Lord smiting the river and striking it into seven channels, highlighting God's power over water for His people's salvation.
1 Corinthians 10:1-2The Apostle Paul explicitly uses the Exodus event as a foundational example for believers, stating that the Israelites were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, underscoring its spiritual significance and a parallel to Christian experience.
Nahum 1:4This verse describes God rebuking the sea and making it dry, and causing its rivers to dry up, mirroring the powerful control over water demonstrated when the Red Sea was parted and then returned to its strength to destroy the Egyptians.
bensonExodus 14:27: "And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea."
Exodus 14:27 . The sea returned to its strength — Its force had, as it were, been checked and held back by the reins of the divine power; but now full scope is given to its impetuous rage. The expression implies that the sea returned not leisurely, as in ordinary tides, bu…
calvinExodus 14:26-31: "And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen."
And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared, and the Egyptians fled against it; and the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.
Et extendit Moses manum suam super mare, et reversum est mare quum mane illuxisset, secundum vim…
The verse highlights that the sea returned to its "strength" at the appearance of morning, not just passively receding, but actively rushing back with immense force. This implies a sudden, violent resurgence of the waters, emphasizing God's power not only in parting the sea but also in the cataclysmic return of its natural might to overwhelm the Egyptians.
Following God's command, Moses stretches his hand out over the sea, causing the waters to rush back into their natural, powerful state and engulf the pursuing Egyptian army. As dawn breaks, the Egyptians, desperately trying to flee, are overwhelmed and drowned in the midst of the sea, fulfilling God's judgment. This dramatic event leaves the Israelites safe on dry land and provides a stark visual of God's power and deliverance for His people.
Following God's command, Moses stretches his hand out over the sea, causing the waters to rush back into their natural, powerful state and engulf the pursuing Egyptian army. As dawn breaks, the Egyptians, desperately trying to flee, are overwhelmed and drowned in the midst of the sea, fulfilling God's judgment. This dramatic event leaves the Israelites safe on dry land and provides a stark visual of God's power and deliverance for His people.
"So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal course when the morning appeared. And as the Egyptians fled into it, the LORD threw the Egyptians into the midst of the sea. The waters returned and covered t…" — The verse highlights that the sea returned to its "strength" at the appearance of morning, not just passively receding, but actively rushing back with immense force. This implies a sudden, violent re…
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Last reviewed October 2026
