Exodus 14:26
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Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen.”
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Then God directed Moses to stretch out his staff again over the sea, and the sea came back with the turning of the morning (when the morning turned, or approached) to its position (איתן perennitas, the lasting or permanent position), and the Egyptians were flying to meet it. "When the east wind which divided the sea ceased to blow, the sea from the north and south began to flow together on the western side;" whereupon, to judge from Exo 15:10, the wind began immediately to blow from the west, and drove the waves in the face of the flying Egyptians. "And thus Jehovah shook the Egyptians (i.e., plunged them into the greatest confusion) in the midst of the sea," so that Pharaoh's chariots and horsemen, to the very last man, were buried in the waves.
Open source ↗The departure of the children of Israel out of Egypt (which was indeed the birth of the Jewish church) is made yet more memorable by further works of wonder, which were wrought immediately upon it. Witness the records of this chapter, the contents whereof, together with a key to it, we have, Heb 11:29. "They passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned;" and this they did by faith, which intimates that there was something typical and spiritual in it. Here is, I. The extreme distress and danger that Israel was in at the Red Sea. 1. Notice was given of it to Moses before (Exo 14:1-4). 2. The cause of it was Pharaoh's violent pursuit of them (Exo 14:5-9). 3. Israel was in a great consternation upon it (Exo 14:10-12). 4. Moses endeavours to encourage them (Exo 14:13, Exo 14:14). II. The wonderful deliverance that God wrought for them out of this distress. 1. Moses is instructed concerning it (Exo 14:15-18). 2. Lines that could not be forced are set between the camp of Israel and Pharaoh's camp (Exo 14:19, Exo 14:20). 3. By the divine power the Red Sea is divided (Exo 14:31), and is made, (1.) A lane to the Israelites, who marched safely through it (Exo 14:22, Exo 14:29). But, (2.) To the Egyptians it was made, [1.] An ambush into which they were drawn (Exo 14:23-25). And, [2.] A grave in which they were all buried (Exo 14:26-28). III. The impressions this made upon the Israelites (Exo 14:30, Exo 14:31).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
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And as for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.
And the LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Stretch out your hand with your staff over the rivers and canals and ponds, and cause the frogs to come up onto the land of Egypt.’”
And the LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt—over their rivers and canals and ponds and reservoirs—that they may become blood.’ There will be blood throughout the land of Egypt, even in the vessels of wood and stone.”
Then Pharaoh commanded all his people: “Every son born to the Hebrews you must throw into the Nile, but every daughter you may allow to live.”
For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!”
For they have spilled the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink, as they deserve.”