God's Mighty Deliverance

What You'll Learn

• God's sovereignty over Pharaoh's heart and circumstances
• The significance of faith and obedience in God's deliverance
• How God protects and provides for His people in times of crisis

God demonstrates His power and faithfulness by delivering His people through the Red Sea.

Bible Translation Note Scripture Verse-by-Verse Study Chapter Synopsis Prayer Personal Application Weekly Actions Chapter Summary

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Exodus 14:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Exodus 14:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baal-zephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea.

Exodus 14:3 For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in.

Exodus 14:4 And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD. And they did so.

Exodus 14:5 And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?

Exodus 14:6 And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him:

Exodus 14:7 And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them.

Exodus 14:8 And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand.

Exodus 14:9 But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pi-hahiroth, before Baal-zephon.

Exodus 14:10 And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD.

Exodus 14:11 And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?

Exodus 14:12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.

Exodus 14:13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

Exodus 14:14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

Exodus 14:15 And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:

Exodus 14:16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.

Exodus 14:17 And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

Exodus 14:18 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

Exodus 14:19 And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:

Exodus 14:20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.

Exodus 14:21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.

Exodus 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.

Exodus 14:23 And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.

Exodus 14:24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,

Exodus 14:25 And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians.

Exodus 14:26 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.

Exodus 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 14:28 And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.

Exodus 14:29 But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

Exodus 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.

Exodus 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 14:1

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Study: God directly speaks to Moses, showing His active leadership and guidance over Israel's journey. This establishes that the events to follow are under divine direction.

Exodus 14:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baal-zephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea.

Study: God commands Moses to instruct Israel to camp near Pi-hahiroth, strategically placed between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baal-zephon. This positioning sets the stage for the coming confrontation with Egypt.

Exodus 14:3

For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in.

Study: God anticipates Pharaoh's thoughts that Israel is trapped by the wilderness, highlighting the enemy's perception of Israel's vulnerability. This shows God's control over the unfolding events.

Exodus 14:4

And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD. And they did so.

Study: God declares He will harden Pharaoh's heart so he will pursue Israel, allowing God to be glorified over Pharaoh and his army. This reveals God's sovereign purpose to display His power.

Exodus 14:5

And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?

Study: Pharaoh learns that Israel has fled and regrets letting them go, showing his change of heart and setting the stage for pursuit. This human reaction contrasts with God's plan.

Exodus 14:6

And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him:

Study: Pharaoh prepared his chariot and gathered his people to pursue the Israelites, demonstrating his determination to recapture them after their escape from Egypt. This verse highlights Pharaoh's immediate response to the Exodus, showing his role as a relentless pursuer.

Exodus 14:7

And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them.

Study: Pharaoh assembled a formidable military force, including six hundred elite chariots and all other chariots of Egypt, each led by appointed captains. This detail emphasizes the scale and organization of Egypt's army, underscoring the seriousness of the threat against God's people.

Exodus 14:8

And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand.

Study: God hardens Pharaoh's heart again, causing him to pursue Israel, who leave boldly. This emphasizes God's control over both Israel's confidence and Egypt's opposition.

Exodus 14:9

But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pi-hahiroth, before Baal-zephon.

Study: The Egyptians overtake Israel at their encampment by the sea near Pi-hahiroth, intensifying the crisis and setting the scene for God's miraculous intervention.

Exodus 14:10

And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD.

Study: Israel sees the approaching Egyptians and becomes very afraid, crying out to the LORD for help. This reveals their human fear and reliance on God in distress.

Exodus 14:11

And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?

Study: The people question Moses, accusing him of bringing them out to die in the wilderness, reflecting their doubt and fear in the face of danger.

Exodus 14:12

Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.

Study: Israel expresses regret, saying it would have been better to serve Egypt than to face death in the wilderness, showing their struggle to trust God's plan.

Exodus 14:13

And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

Study: Moses encourages the people not to fear but to stand firm and witness God's salvation, promising that they will never see the Egyptians again. This is a call to faith and patience.

Exodus 14:14

The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

Study: Moses assures that the LORD will fight for Israel, and they need only be still, emphasizing reliance on God's power rather than their own strength.

Exodus 14:15

And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:

Study: God questions Moses' crying out and commands him to tell Israel to move forward, showing that faith requires action even when the way seems blocked.

Exodus 14:16

But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.

Study: God instructs Moses to stretch out his rod over the sea to divide the waters, enabling Israel to cross on dry ground. This introduces the miraculous deliverance.

Exodus 14:17

And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

Study: God states He will harden the Egyptians' hearts so they will pursue Israel, allowing God to be glorified over Pharaoh and his army, reinforcing His sovereign plan.

Exodus 14:18

And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

Study: God declares the Egyptians will know He is the LORD when He is glorified over Pharaoh's chariots and horsemen, revealing the purpose of the coming judgment.

Exodus 14:19

And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:

Study: The angel of God moves behind Israel's camp, and the pillar of cloud shifts to protect them from behind, symbolizing God's protective presence.

Exodus 14:20

And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.

Study: The cloud comes between the Egyptians and Israel, bringing darkness to Egypt but light to Israel, preventing the two camps from approaching each other during the night.

Exodus 14:21

And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.

Study: Moses stretches out his hand, and God uses a strong east wind to part the sea all night, creating dry land for Israel to cross, demonstrating God's power over nature.

Exodus 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.

Study: Israel walks through the sea on dry ground with waters forming walls on both sides, a miraculous protection and path provided by God.

Exodus 14:23

And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.

Study: The Egyptians pursue Israel into the sea with all their horses, chariots, and horsemen, showing their determination despite the supernatural circumstances.

Exodus 14:24

And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,

Study: In the morning watch, God looks upon the Egyptian army through the pillar of fire and cloud and troubles them, initiating their defeat.

Exodus 14:25

And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians.

Study: God causes the Egyptians' chariot wheels to come off, making their movement difficult, leading them to fear and flee, acknowledging God's fight for Israel.

Exodus 14:26

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.

Study: God commands Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea to return the waters upon the Egyptians, preparing to destroy Pharaoh's army.

Exodus 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.

Study: Moses stretches out his hand, and the sea returns to its place at dawn, overwhelming the fleeing Egyptians and demonstrating God's judgment.

Exodus 14:28

And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.

Study: The waters cover Pharaoh's chariots, horsemen, and entire army, leaving none alive, showing God's complete deliverance of Israel and defeat of their enemies.

Exodus 14:29

But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

Study: Israel walks safely on dry land through the sea with waters as walls on each side, highlighting God's protection during their escape.

Exodus 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.

Study: The LORD saves Israel that day from Egyptian hands, and Israel sees the dead Egyptians on the sea shore, confirming God's deliverance.

Exodus 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.

Study: Israel witnesses God's great work against Egypt, leading them to fear the LORD, believe in Him, and trust Moses as His servant, marking a turning point in their faith.

Exodus 14 narrates the climactic moment of Israel's escape from Egypt, where God orchestrates events to harden Pharaoh's heart, lead Israel to the Red Sea, and miraculously part the waters for their passage. Despite fear and doubt among the people, God's power is revealed as He defeats the Egyptian army and secures Israel's deliverance, strengthening their faith in Him and Moses.

Lord, thank You for Your mighty power and faithfulness in delivering Your people. Help us to trust You fully, even when circumstances seem impossible. Strengthen our faith to stand firm and rely on Your salvation, knowing You fight for us and protect us always. Amen.

• Reflect daily on a time God delivered you and write a prayer of thanks.
• Memorize Exodus 14:14 and meditate on God fighting for you.
• Identify an area where fear is holding you back and ask God for courage to move forward.

Exodus 14 powerfully demonstrates God's sovereignty and faithfulness as He delivers Israel from Egyptian bondage through the miraculous parting of the Red Sea. Despite Israel's fear and doubt, God's protection and power prevail, leading His people to trust Him more deeply and recognize Moses as His servant. This chapter encourages believers to rely on God's strength and timing in their own trials.

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