Old Testament
Exodus 14:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move forward.
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And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:
What Exodus 14:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, God speaks to Moses, asking why he is crying out for help. The Israelites are in a desperate situation, trapped between the Red Sea and the pursuing Egyptian army. Instead of waiting for divine intervention, God instructs Moses to take action. He tells Moses to encourage the people to move forward, emphasizing that faith requires movement. This command highlights the importance of taking steps toward our goals, even when the path seems impossible. God is reminding Moses and the Israelites that they must trust Him and act, rather than remain paralyzed by fear. The message is clear: faith is not just about waiting for help; it’s about moving forward with confidence, knowing that God is with us. This moment serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, we need to take the first step, even when we can’t see the way ahead. God’s guidance often comes as we act in faith, pushing through our doubts and fears to embrace the journey ahead with courage and trust.
How to apply Exodus 14:15 to your life
When faced with challenges, remember that action is often required alongside prayer. Instead of waiting for solutions to appear, take a step forward in faith. Trust that God is guiding you, even when the path is unclear. Embrace the journey and move ahead with confidence, knowing you are not alone in your struggles. Your next step could lead to breakthrough and freedom.
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 14:15
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 14:15 teach about faith?
Exodus 14:15 emphasizes that faith requires action. God instructs Moses to tell the Israelites to move forward, highlighting that trusting in God often means taking steps even when the situation seems dire. This verse encourages believers to act on their faith rather than waiting passively for help.
How can I apply Exodus 14:15 in my life?
To apply Exodus 14:15, identify areas in your life where you feel stuck or fearful. Instead of waiting for circumstances to change, take a proactive step forward. This could mean pursuing a goal, seeking help, or making a decision that aligns with your faith. Trust that God is with you as you move ahead.
What does God mean by 'move forward' in Exodus 14:15?
In Exodus 14:15, 'move forward' signifies taking action despite fear or uncertainty. The Israelites were trapped, but God urged them to advance, illustrating that faith involves stepping out even when the path is unclear. It’s a call to trust in God’s guidance and to act with courage.
Why did God ask Moses why he was crying out?
God's question to Moses in Exodus 14:15 serves to redirect his focus from despair to action. Instead of crying out for help, God wanted Moses to lead the Israelites forward, reinforcing the idea that faith is not just about seeking divine intervention but also about taking initiative in challenging times.
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