Exodus 14:27-28
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)
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The verse doesn't just say the sea returned to normal; it returned "to its strength," implying a sudden, overwhelming rush rather than a gentle tide. This forceful return, happening in broad daylight, ensured the Egyptians' panicked flight directly into the LORD's devastating judgment.
With Pharaoh and his army in hot pursuit, Moses, at God's command, stretches out his hand over the sea. As morning dawns, the waters surge back with incredible force, engulfing the Egyptians who had recklessly chased after the Israelites. This dramatic conclusion to their escape marks the absolute destruction of Pharaoh's army, leaving none alive and demonstrating God's ultimate power and deliverance for His people.
Imagine the sea, a force of nature so vast and powerful, momentarily held back, then unleashed with unimaginable force. What does this tell us about the God who commands it?
In this moment, the sea isn't just a natural phenomenon; it's a tool in God's hand. The text emphasizes that as morning broke, the sea 'returned to its strength.' This wasn't a gentle tide coming back in; it was a violent, immediate resurgence, as if a dam had burst.
A Divine Command Fulfilled
This demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty not only over His people but over all of creation. Nature itself bows to His will, acting as He directs, whether to save or to destroy.
The same waters that protected Israel became the watery grave for Egypt. How can one event serve such opposite purposes?
Exodus 14:27 reveals a powerful duality: the sea acts as both a shield and a sword. For the Israelites, the parted waters were a wall, a miraculous highway to safety. But for the pursuing Egyptians, the returning sea was an overwhelming force of destruction.
A Saving Wall, A Crushing Wave
This highlights that God’s actions are perfectly aligned with His purposes. He delivers His people while simultaneously executing righteous judgment on their enemies. The same divine power that saves can also destroy those who oppose His will.
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
Exodus from Egypt
Following the ten plagues, God commanded Moses to lead the Israelites out of their 400-year bondage in Egypt. This marked the beginning of their journey toward the Promised Land.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Israel Encamps at Pi-hahiroth
Pharaoh, regretting the loss of his enslaved workforce, pursued the Israelites with his army. The Israelites found themselves trapped between the sea and Pharaoh's advancing forces.
c. 1446 BC
Parting of the Red Sea
God commanded Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea. A strong east wind blew all night, parting the waters and creating a dry path for the Israelites to escape.
c. 1446 BC
Destruction of the Egyptian Army
As the Israelites safely crossed, the pursuing Egyptian army entered the sea. At dawn, God commanded Moses to stretch out his hand again, and the waters returned with immense force, drowning Pharaoh's entire army.
c. 1446 BC
This psalm directly recalls the Exodus event, emphasizing God's deliverance of Israel and His judgment on their enemies, mirroring the outcome described in Exodus 14:27.
Isaiah 11:15-16This prophecy speaks of God raising up a highway and a miraculous path through the sea, similar to the divided Red Sea, for His people to return, and also depicts His judgment upon His enemies.
1 Corinthians 10:1-2Paul explicitly uses the Israelites' passage through the Red Sea as a type or symbol for Christian baptism, highlighting the miraculous deliverance and divine judgment involved in the event.
Psalm 136:13-15This psalm of thanksgiving recounts God's steadfast love, specifically mentioning His dividing the Red Sea and overthrowing Pharaoh and his army, reinforcing the magnitude and divine nature of the event.
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 doesn't just say the sea returned to normal; it returned "to its strength," implying a sudden, overwhelming rush rather than a gentle tide. This forceful return, happening in broad daylight, ensured the Egyptians' panicked flight directly into the LORD's devastating judgment.
With Pharaoh and his army in hot pursuit, Moses, at God's command, stretches out his hand over the sea. As morning dawns, the waters surge back with incredible force, engulfing the Egyptians who had recklessly chased after the Israelites. This dramatic conclusion to their escape marks the absolute destruction of Pharaoh's army, leaving none alive and demonstrating God's ultimate power and deliverance for His people.
With Pharaoh and his army in hot pursuit, Moses, at God's command, stretches out his hand over the sea. As morning dawns, the waters surge back with incredible force, engulfing the Egyptians who had recklessly chased after the Israelites. This dramatic conclusion to their escape marks the absolute destruction of Pharaoh's army, leaving none alive and demonstrating God's ultimate power and deliverance for His people.
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The Egyptians perished in plain sight. What was the intended effect of this spectacular display of God's might on those who witnessed it?
The dawn broke not just on a new day, but on a breathtaking demonstration of God's power. The destruction of the Egyptian army was a public spectacle, intended to leave an indelible mark on Israel.
A Lesson in Awe and Belief
This event served as a foundational lesson for Israel. It wasn't just about escaping Egypt; it was about understanding the character of the God who had called them. It instilled a healthy fear (awe) and a strengthened belief, crucial for the journey ahead. It’s a reminder that God often makes His power known so we might know Him more deeply and trust Him completely.
Israel's Deliverance and Fear
The Israelites witnessed the devastating power of God and were saved. This event instilled a profound fear of the Lord and strengthened their belief in Him and Moses as His servant.
"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 doesn't just say the sea returned to normal; it returned "to its strength," implying a sudden, overwhelming rush rather than a gentle tide. This forceful return, happening in broad daylight…
