Exodus 14:30-31
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
While it says "Israel saw the Egyptians dead," the singular word used for "dead" focuses on the entirety of Egypt's army being wiped out, emphasizing that not a single one was left alive. This devastating finality underscores the absolute power of God's deliverance.
Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Israel saw the great power that the LORD used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in his servant Moses.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After the Egyptians pursued the Israelites into the parted sea, God commanded Moses to close the waters, drowning Pharaoh's entire army. This dramatic deliverance marked the end of their enslavement and the visible confirmation of God's power, solidifying Israel's faith and solidifying their freedom as they witnessed the washed-up bodies of their former oppressors.
Imagine seeing the ultimate enemy, the one who held you captive, utterly defeated. This wasn't just a win; it was a divine intervention.
This verse marks the triumphant climax of God's rescue of Israel from Egypt. The phrase 'Thus the LORD saved Israel that day' isn't just a summary; it's an exclamation of God's direct and powerful intervention.
A Miracle Unfolding
The washed-up bodies on the shore were more than just a grim sight; they were a potent message and, surprisingly, a provision.
The scene at the seashore was a dual spectacle: a testament to God's judgment and a surprising source of provision for Israel.
Judgment and Provision
Ask a follow-up
Witnessing such a dramatic display of divine power often ignites a response in our hearts. What did this moment do for Israel?
The experience at the Red Sea was not just a physical deliverance; it was a pivotal moment for Israel's spiritual understanding and relationship with God.
From Panic to Purpose
Understand the original words
Yisra'el · Hebrew Noun
A designation for the people of Israel, often used to emphasize their identity as God's chosen covenant community, descendants of the patriarch Jacob.
yasha' · Hebrew Verb
To rescue, deliver, or preserve from danger, destruction, or enemies. In Scripture, it primarily refers to God's act of intervening to rescue His people from physical or spiritual oppression.
yad · Hebrew Noun
A term used to describe the awe-inspiring, overwhelming, and effective demonstration of God's sovereign authority and strength in history, particularly on behalf of His people. It signifies not just brute force, but His capacity to accomplish His divine will against all opposition.
Yahweh · Hebrew Proper Noun
The proper name of the God of the covenant, who revealed Himself to Moses. It signifies His eternal self-existence, His faithfulness to His promises, and His active presence in the history of His people.
yare · Hebrew Verb
In a biblical context, this refers to a profound sense of reverence, awe, and trembling before the holiness and majesty of God. It is the appropriate response of a creature recognizing the Creator's authority, often leading to worship and obedience.
aman · Hebrew Verb
A fundamental biblical concept involving trust, reliance, and commitment to God and His word. It is more than intellectual assent; it is an active, living confidence in the character and promises of God that transforms a person's life.
ebed · Hebrew Noun
One who serves in a delegated capacity under God's authority. In the Old Testament, it describes a person commissioned by God to carry out His work, requiring faithful obedience and alignment with God's commands.
The vivid image of the dead Egyptian army on the shore wasn't just a sign of God's judgment; it was also a tangible assurance to the Israelites that their God was powerful enough to deliver them from every threat, providing them with resources (like arms from the spoils) and solidifying their faith for the journey ahead.
c. 1446 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
Led by Moses, the Israelites departed from Egypt after a series of plagues, culminating in the tenth plague which killed Egypt's firstborn. This marked the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land.
c. 1446 BC
Pharaoh Pursues the Israelites
After the Israelites left, Pharaoh regretted letting them go and pursued them with his army, including chariots and horsemen, to force them back into slavery.
c. 1446 BC
The Parting of the Red Sea
As the Israelites fled, they were trapped between the pursuing Egyptian army and the Red Sea. God intervened, causing a strong east wind to divide the waters, creating a dry path for the Israelites to cross.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Destruction of the Egyptian Army
Once the Israelites were safely across, Moses stretched out his hand, and the waters returned, drowning Pharaoh's entire army and all his chariots and horsemen in the midst of the sea.
c. 1446 BC
Israel Sees the Aftermath
The Israelites witnessed the devastating consequences of God's power as the bodies of the Egyptian soldiers were washed ashore, a stark reminder of their miraculous deliverance.
c. 1446 BC
Fear and Faith Among Israelites
This powerful display of God's might inspired awe and reverence in the Israelites, leading them to fear the LORD and believe in Him and His servant Moses.
This is the triumphant song of Moses and Israel immediately following the destruction of the Egyptian army, explicitly praising God as a warrior who has overthrown the enemy.
Psalm 74:12-17This psalm recounts God's powerful acts, including crushing the heads of sea monsters and dividing the sea, which clearly alludes to the Red Sea event and the destruction of Pharaoh's host.
Matthew 10:28Jesus teaches his followers not to fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul, which resonates with the ultimate power of God over life and death demonstrated at the Red Sea.
1 Corinthians 10:1-11Paul uses the Exodus event, including passing through the sea and the subsequent judgment of the Israelites in the wilderness, as a warning to believers not to fall into similar disobedience.
Revelation 19:11-21This passage describes a final, decisive victory of God over His enemies, where their armies are utterly destroyed and left as food for birds, mirroring the finality of the Egyptian defeat.
cambridgeExodus 14:30: "Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore."
30 . the Egyptians ] Heb. Egypt (with a sing. partic. for ‘dead’): cf. vv. 10, 25. 30, 31 . Close of the narrative in J.
clarkeExodus 14:30: "Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore."
Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the seashore - By the extraordinary agitation of the waters, no doubt multitudes of the dead Egyptians were cast on the shore, and by their spoils the Israelites were probably furnished with considerable riches, and especially clothing and arms; which latter were essentially necessary to them in their wars with the Amaleki…
While it says "Israel saw the Egyptians dead," the singular word used for "dead" focuses on the entirety of Egypt's army being wiped out, emphasizing that not a single one was left alive. This devastating finality underscores the absolute power of God's deliverance.
After the Egyptians pursued the Israelites into the parted sea, God commanded Moses to close the waters, drowning Pharaoh's entire army. This dramatic deliverance marked the end of their enslavement and the visible confirmation of God's power, solidifying Israel's faith and solidifying their freedom as they witnessed the washed-up bodies of their former oppressors.
After the Egyptians pursued the Israelites into the parted sea, God commanded Moses to close the waters, drowning Pharaoh's entire army. This dramatic deliverance marked the end of their enslavement and the visible confirmation of God's power, solidifying Israel's faith and solidifying their freedom as they witnessed the washed-up bodies of their former oppressors.
"Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Israel saw the great power that the LORD used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the LORD, and they believed in…" — While it says "Israel saw the Egyptians dead," the singular word used for "dead" focuses on the entirety of Egypt's army being wiped out, emphasizing that not a single one was left alive. This devast…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
