Old Testament
Exodus 14:26
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then the LORD told Moses, "Stretch your hand out over the sea so the waters crash back over the Egyptians, their chariots, and their horsemen."
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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.
What Exodus 14:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, God instructs Moses to raise his hand over the sea, signaling a powerful act of divine intervention. The waters, which had parted to allow the Israelites to escape, are now commanded to return. This act symbolizes God's control over nature and His protection of His people. The Egyptians, who pursued the Israelites with their chariots and horsemen, are about to face the consequences of their actions. By stretching out his hand, Moses becomes a vessel for God's power, demonstrating that faith and obedience can lead to miraculous outcomes. This scene highlights the theme of liberation, as the Israelites are freed from oppression while their enemies are defeated. It serves as a reminder that God is always present, ready to act on behalf of those who trust Him, even in the most dire situations. The imagery of crashing waters evokes a sense of finality and justice, reinforcing the idea that God fights for His people against their adversaries. This moment is pivotal in the journey of the Israelites toward freedom and a new beginning.
How to apply Exodus 14:26 to your life
When facing challenges, remember that you can call on a higher power for help. Like Moses, be willing to act in faith, trusting that you are not alone. Your actions, guided by belief, can lead to significant change in your life and the lives of others. Stay strong and keep moving forward, even when obstacles arise. God is with you every step of the way!
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 14:26
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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 14:26 mean?
Exodus 14:26 describes God instructing Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea, causing the waters to return and drown the pursuing Egyptians. This act signifies God's power and protection over the Israelites, demonstrating His ability to intervene in critical moments.
What is the significance of Moses stretching out his hand in Exodus 14:26?
Moses stretching out his hand symbolizes obedience and faith in God's command. It shows that through his actions, he becomes a channel for God's power, leading to the defeat of the Egyptians and the liberation of the Israelites.
How does Exodus 14:26 relate to the theme of liberation?
Exodus 14:26 relates to liberation by illustrating how God protects the Israelites from their oppressors, the Egyptians. The drowning of the Egyptians in the sea marks a pivotal moment of freedom for the Israelites, emphasizing God's role in their deliverance.
What does the imagery of crashing waters in Exodus 14:26 represent?
The imagery of crashing waters in Exodus 14:26 represents finality and justice, as the returning waters signify the end of the Egyptians' pursuit and the consequences of their actions against God's people.
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