Exodus 14:31
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)
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The verse highlights that Israel's belief in Moses is presented as an extension of their belief in God. This isn't just about acknowledging Moses as a prophet, but about placing their moral reliance and steadfast trust in him because he is God's servant, mirroring how they believed in the Lord.
After God dramatically parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape Pharaoh's army on dry ground, He then unleashes the waters to drown the pursuing Egyptians. The very next morning, Israel witnesses the devastating aftermath as dead Egyptians wash ashore. This powerful display of God's might solidifies their awe and trust in Him and His chosen leader, Moses.
Imagine standing on the shore, the water miraculously receding, then crashing back down on an entire army. What does that raw display of power do to you?
This verse highlights a profound shift in Israel's experience.
The Spectacle of Salvation
Before this moment, Israel had been slaves, oppressed and fearful of the Egyptians. Now, they witness a divine intervention so immense it wipes out their oppressors.
From Fear to Reverence
The text says, 'Israel saw that great work that the LORD did against the Egyptians, and the people feared the LORD.' This wasn't a cowering, paralyzing fear, but an awe-filled reverence. Seeing God's unlimited power demonstrated so dramatically created a deep respect for Him, a recognition of His supreme authority.
It's the feeling you get when you witness something truly magnificent and beyond human control – a powerful reminder of a force far greater than ourselves.
They didn't just see God's power; they started to trust it, and the man God used. What does that 'believing in' really mean?
The verse doesn't stop at fear; it moves to faith.
Trusting the LORD
'They believed in the LORD.' This is more than just acknowledging God exists. It's a deep, moral leaning and commitment to Him. It's trusting that He is faithful, powerful, and good, especially after seeing His dramatic intervention.
Embracing the Mediator
Crucially, they also 'believed in... his servant Moses.' After all their grumbling and doubt, they now affirm Moses' divine commission. They trusted not just God's promises, but also the man God appointed to lead them.
This shows that genuine faith in God often involves trusting the means He uses to communicate and act in the world.
Understand the original words
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.
This powerful moment of divine intervention solidified Israel's faith in God and His appointed leader, Moses, setting the stage for their journey as a nation.
c. 1446 BC
Israel Departs Egypt
After centuries of slavery and the ten plagues, the Israelites leave Egypt under Moses' leadership, marking the end of their oppression.
c. 1446 BC
Pharaoh Pursues Israel
Pharaoh, regretting the loss of Israel's forced labor, mobilizes his army to recapture them, heading towards the Red Sea.
c. 1446 BC
Israel Trapped at the Red Sea
The Israelites find themselves cornered between the advancing Egyptian army and the impassable Red Sea, leading to fear and despair.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Parting of the Red Sea
God miraculously parts the Red Sea, creating a dry path for the Israelites to escape. This is the direct event referenced in the verse.
c. 1446 BC
cambridgeExodus 14:31: "And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses."
31 . The effects of the great deliverance thus wrought for Israel: an increased fear of God, and belief in God, and also in Moses’ Divine commission. work ] Heb. hand , fig. for act or work ; cf. Deuteronomy 34:12 , Psalm 78:42 . believed in ] ‘The idiom rendered “he believed in” ( האמין ב ) is a very striking one: the belief intende…
bensonExodus 14:31: "And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses."
Exodus 14:31 . The people feared the Lord — This great work, which the Lord had done upon the Egyptians, was a means of begetting in them, for the present at least, awful thoughts of God, and devout affections toward him. And they believed the Lord and his servant Moses — Now they were ashamed of their distrusts and murmurings; and i…
The verse highlights that Israel's belief in Moses is presented as an extension of their belief in God. This isn't just about acknowledging Moses as a prophet, but about placing their moral reliance and steadfast trust in him because he is God's servant, mirroring how they believed in the Lord.
After God dramatically parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape Pharaoh's army on dry ground, He then unleashes the waters to drown the pursuing Egyptians. The very next morning, Israel witnesses the devastating aftermath as dead Egyptians wash ashore. This powerful display of God's might solidifies their awe and trust in Him and His chosen leader, Moses.
After God dramatically parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape Pharaoh's army on dry ground, He then unleashes the waters to drown the pursuing Egyptians. The very next morning, Israel witnesses the devastating aftermath as dead Egyptians wash ashore. This powerful display of God's might solidifies their awe and trust in Him and His chosen leader, Moses.
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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.
Destruction of the Egyptian Army
As the Israelites complete their crossing, God allows the waters to return, drowning the pursuing Egyptian forces.
c. 1446 BC
Israel Journeys to Mount Sinai
Following their deliverance, the Israelites begin their journey into the wilderness towards Mount Sinai, facing new challenges and revelations.
"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." — The verse highlights that Israel's belief in Moses is presented as an extension of their belief in God. This isn't just about acknowledging Moses as a prophet, but about placing their moral reliance…
