Old Testament
Exodus 14:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up and saw the Egyptians marching after them, and they were very afraid. The Israelites cried out to the LORD.
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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.
What Exodus 14:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
As the Israelites faced the approaching Egyptians, fear gripped their hearts. They had just escaped slavery, but now they found themselves trapped between the Red Sea and their former captors. Panic set in as they realized the danger they were in. In their desperation, they looked up and cried out to the LORD for help. This moment highlights the human instinct to seek divine assistance in times of crisis. The Israelites' fear was palpable, but their response was to turn to God, showing their reliance on Him. This scene illustrates the tension between fear and faith, as they stood on the brink of a miraculous deliverance. Their cry was not just a plea for help; it was an acknowledgment of their need for divine intervention. In the face of overwhelming odds, they chose to reach out to the one who could save them, setting the stage for a powerful act of salvation that would change their lives forever. This moment serves as a reminder that even in our darkest times, we can call out to God.
How to apply Exodus 14:10 to your life
When faced with overwhelming challenges, remember that it's okay to feel afraid. Instead of letting fear paralyze you, reach out for help. Just like the Israelites, you can turn to God in your moments of need. Trust that there is a way forward, even when it seems impossible. Your cries for help can lead to unexpected solutions and strength you didn't know you had.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14:1–31)
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Moses
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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Keep studying Exodus 14:10
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At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 14:10 mean?
Exodus 14:10 describes the moment when the Israelites, seeing the Egyptians pursuing them, were filled with fear and cried out to the LORD for help. This verse highlights their desperation and the instinct to seek divine assistance in a crisis.
What is the significance of the Israelites crying out to the LORD in Exodus 14:10?
The Israelites' cry to the LORD in Exodus 14:10 signifies their recognition of their need for divine intervention in a dire situation. It reflects a moment of vulnerability and the human tendency to seek help from a higher power when faced with overwhelming fear.
What does the phrase 'sore afraid' in Exodus 14:10 mean?
The phrase 'sore afraid' in Exodus 14:10 indicates that the Israelites were extremely frightened as they faced the Egyptians. It emphasizes the intensity of their fear in a moment of imminent danger.
How can Exodus 14:10 apply to my life today?
Exodus 14:10 teaches that it is natural to feel afraid in challenging situations, but it encourages turning to God for help. This verse reminds us that reaching out for divine assistance can lead to strength and solutions when we feel trapped.
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