As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up and saw the Egyptians marching after them, and they were terrified and cried out to the LORD. As Pharaoh approachedThis phrase sets the scene for a moment of intense drama and fear. Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, symbolizes the oppressive power that had enslaved the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "approached" (קָרַב, qarab) conveys a sense of imminent threat and confrontation. Historically, Pharaoh's approach represents the relentless pursuit of worldly powers against God's people. This moment is a test of faith, reminding believers that even when the enemy seems near, God’s deliverance is at hand. the Israelites looked up
The act of looking up signifies a shift in focus. In Hebrew, "looked up" (נָשָׂא עֵינַיִם, nasa enayim) often implies seeking divine intervention or guidance. This phrase suggests a moment of realization and awareness of their dire situation. For Christians, it serves as a metaphor for turning one's eyes from earthly troubles to heavenly solutions, emphasizing the importance of seeking God in times of distress. and saw the Egyptians marching after them
The sight of the Egyptians, their former captors, marching after them, would have been a terrifying reminder of their past bondage. The Hebrew word for "marching" (נָסַע, nasa) indicates a determined pursuit. This phrase highlights the persistence of spiritual and physical adversaries. It serves as a reminder that the Christian journey often involves facing past fears and challenges, but with the assurance of God’s protection. and they were terrified
The Israelites' fear is palpable and understandable. The Hebrew word for "terrified" (יָרֵא, yare) conveys a deep, overwhelming fear. This reaction is a natural human response to danger, yet it also sets the stage for a divine intervention. In the Christian life, fear can be a catalyst for faith, driving believers to rely more fully on God’s promises and power. and cried out to the LORD
In their fear, the Israelites turn to the LORD, which is a pivotal moment of faith. The Hebrew root for "cried out" (צָעַק, tsa'aq) implies a desperate plea for help. This act of crying out is a profound expression of dependence on God. It reflects the biblical principle that in times of trouble, believers are to call upon the Lord, trusting in His ability to save and deliver. This phrase encourages Christians to seek God earnestly, knowing that He hears and responds to the cries of His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. PharaohThe ruler of Egypt who had enslaved the Israelites and was now pursuing them after initially letting them go. 2. The IsraelitesThe descendants of Jacob, who were enslaved in Egypt and are now fleeing towards the Promised Land. 3. The EgyptiansThe army of Pharaoh, pursuing the Israelites to bring them back into slavery. 4. The LORD (Yahweh)The God of Israel, who had promised to deliver His people from slavery in Egypt. 5. The Red SeaThe body of water the Israelites were camped by, which they would miraculously cross. Teaching Points Trust in God's DeliveranceJust as the Israelites were terrified but cried out to the LORD, we should turn to God in our moments of fear and uncertainty, trusting in His power to deliver us. The Reality of FearAcknowledge that fear is a natural human response, but it should drive us to seek God rather than paralyze us. God's FaithfulnessRemember that God is faithful to His promises. He had promised to deliver the Israelites, and He fulfilled that promise. We can trust Him to fulfill His promises to us. Prayer as a ResponseThe Israelites cried out to the LORD in their distress. Prayer should be our first response in times of trouble, seeking God's guidance and intervention. The Importance of FaithThe crossing of the Red Sea required faith. In our lives, stepping out in faith is often necessary to experience God's miraculous work. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the fear experienced by the Israelites in Exodus 14:10 relate to fears we face today, and how can we apply their response to our own lives? 2. In what ways does God's deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt encourage us to trust Him in our current circumstances? 3. How can we cultivate a habit of turning to prayer as our first response in times of fear or distress? 4. What are some promises of God that we can hold onto when we feel pursued by life's challenges, similar to the Israelites being pursued by the Egyptians? 5. How does the account of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea inspire us to step out in faith in our own lives, and what are some practical steps we can take to strengthen our faith? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 3:7-8God's promise to deliver the Israelites from Egypt, showing His faithfulness and power. Psalm 34:17The assurance that the LORD hears the cries of the righteous and delivers them from their troubles. Hebrews 11:29The faith of the Israelites as they crossed the Red Sea, highlighting the importance of faith in God's deliverance. Isaiah 41:10God's promise to be with His people and to strengthen them, providing comfort in times of fear. People Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, Pharaoh, ZephonPlaces Baal-zephon, Egypt, Etham, Migdol, Pi-hahiroth, Red SeaTopics Afraid, Approached, Behold, Cried, Cry, Drawn, Drew, Egyptians, Exceedingly, Fear, Frightened, Full, Greatly, Israelites, Journeying, Lift, Lifted, Lifting, Marched, Marching, Nigh, Pharaoh, Sons, Sore, TerrifiedDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 14:10 8754 fear Exodus 14:10-11 5928 resentment, against God
8726 doubters Exodus 14:10-12 5940 searching
5945 self-pity
8722 doubt, nature of Exodus 14:10-15 5884 indecision Exodus 14:10-31 4819 dryness Library A Path in the Sea
'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: 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. 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, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureEntangled in the Land
"For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in."--Exodus 14:3. ISRAEL WAS CLEAN escaped from Egypt. Not a hoof of their cattle was left behind; nor foot of child or aged man remained in the house of bondage. But though they were gone, they were not forgotten by the tyrant who had enslaved them. They had been a very useful body of workers; for they had built treasure cities and storehouses for Pharaoh. Compelled to work without wages, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891 Epistle Lxiii. To Brunichild, Queen of the Franks.
To Brunichild, Queen of the Franks. Gregory to Brunichild, &c. What good gifts have been conferred on you from above, and with what piety heavenly grace has filled you, this, among all the other proofs of your merits, intimates evidently to all that you both govern the savage hearts of barbarians with the skill of prudent counsel, and (what is still more to your praise), adorn your royal power with wisdom. And since, as you are above many nations in both these respects, so also you excel them in …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great They who have not Been Promoted to that Office. ...
They who have not been promoted [to that office] by the bishop, ought not to adjure, either in churches or in private houses. Notes. Ancient Epitome of Canon XXVI. No one shall adjure without the bishop's promotion to that office. Balsamon. Some were in the habit of "adjuring," that is catechising the unbelievers, who had never received the imposition of the bishop's hands for that purpose; and when they were accused of doing so, contended that as they did not do it in church but only at home, they …
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils The Personality of Power.
A Personally Conducted Journey. Everyone enjoys the pleasure of travel; but nearly all shrink back from its tiresomeness and drudgery. The transportation companies are constantly scheming to overcome this disagreeable side for both pleasure and business travel. One of the popular ways of pleasure travel of late is by means of personally conducted tours. A party is formed, often by the railroad company, and is accompanied by a special agent to attend to all the business matters of the trip. A variation …
S.D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on Power The Faults Committed in this Degree --Distractions, Temptations --The Course to be Pursued Respecting Them.
As soon as we fall into a fault, or have wandered, we must turn again within ourselves; because this fault having turned us from God, we should as soon as possible turn towards Him, and suffer the penitence which He Himself will give. It is of great importance that we should not be anxious about these faults, because the anxiety only springs from a secret pride and a love of our own excellence. We are troubled at feeling what we are. If we become discouraged, we shall grow weaker yet; and reflection …
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents Answer to Mr. W's Sixth Objection.
6. and lastly, Let us consider the intrinsick absurdities, and incredibilities of the several stories of these three miracles, p. 36.--As to Jairus's daughter, and her resurrection from the dead, St. Hilary [13] hints, that there was no such person as Jairus;--and he gives this reason, and a good reason it is, why he thought so, because it is elsewhere intimated in the gospel that none of the rulers of the synagogues confessedly believ'd on Jesus, John vii. 48. and xii. 42. St. John's words in the …
Nathaniel Lardner—A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture.
"He hath hardened their heart."-- John xii. 40. The Scripture teaches positively that the hardening and "darkening of their foolish heart" is a divine, intentional act. This is plainly evident from God's charge to Moses concerning the king of Egypt: "Thou shalt speak all that I command thee; and I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not harken unto you, and I will lay My hand upon Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit Blessed are they that Mourn
Blessed are they that mourn. Matthew 5:4 Here are eight steps leading to true blessedness. They may be compared to Jacob's Ladder, the top whereof reached to heaven. We have already gone over one step, and now let us proceed to the second: Blessed are they that mourn'. We must go through the valley of tears to paradise. Mourning were a sad and unpleasant subject to treat on, were it not that it has blessedness going before, and comfort coming after. Mourning is put here for repentance. It implies …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Epistle iv. To Cyriacus, Bishop.
To Cyriacus, Bishop. Gregory to Cyriacus, Bishop of Constantinople. We have received with becoming charity our common sons, George the presbyter and Theodore your deacon; and we rejoice that you have passed from the care of ecclesiastical business to the government of souls, since, according to the voice of the Truth, He that is faithful in a little will be faithful also in much (Luke xvi. 10). And to the servant who administers well it is said, Because thou hast been faithful over a few things, …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
"Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God" (Rom. 11:22). In the last chapter when treating of the Sovereignty of God the Father in Salvation, we examined seven passages which represent Him as making a choice from among the children of men, and predestinating certain ones to be conformed to the image of His Son. The thoughtful reader will naturally ask, And what of those who were not "ordained to eternal life?" The answer which is usually returned to this question, even by those who profess …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in the Soul.
Titus iii. 5, 6. Titus iii. 5, 6. Not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. IF my business were to explain and illustrate this scripture at large, it would yield an ample field for accurate criticism and useful discourse, and more especially would lead us into a variety of practical remarks, on which it would be pleasant …
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Exodus 14:10 NIVExodus 14:10 NLTExodus 14:10 ESVExodus 14:10 NASBExodus 14:10 KJV
Exodus 14:10 Commentaries
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