Exodus 14:21 - Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and Yahweh caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
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What does "Exodus 14:21" mean?
This verse from Exodus 14:21 is a pivotal point in the story of the Israelite Exodus from Egypt. It describes the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape Pharaoh's pursuing army. Let's break down the key components of its meaning:
"Moses stretched out his hand over the sea...": This act signifies Moses acting as Yahweh's (God's) agent. It's a gesture of obedience and a signal that God is about to act. Moses, by extending his hand, initiates the supernatural event.
"...and Yahweh caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all night...": This part explains how the sea was parted. It wasn't just a wave that receded quickly; it was a sustained, powerful east wind that blew all night long. This emphasizes God's power over nature and suggests a gradual, but still miraculous, process. While some modern interpretations suggest a natural phenomenon that God manipulated, the text emphasizes God's intervention and control.
"...and made the sea dry land...": The sea floor became solid ground. This is critical. It wasn't just shallow water; it became passable land, capable of supporting the weight of people and animals. This miraculous drying is essential for the Israelites' safe passage.
"...and the waters were divided.": The waters didn't just recede; they were divided. This implies the waters were separated into distinct bodies, likely forming walls of water on either side of the dry path. This image reinforces the extraordinary nature of the event and sets up the dramatic conclusion where the waters collapse upon the pursuing Egyptian army.
Overall Meaning and Significance:
This verse represents:
God's Power and Sovereignty: The parting of the Red Sea is a demonstration of Yahweh's absolute power over nature and his ability to intervene in human affairs.
God's Deliverance: It's a central act of salvation for the Israelites. God delivers them from slavery and certain death at the hands of the Egyptians.
The Beginning of a New Covenant: This event is often seen as a foundational event in the relationship between God and the Israelites. It sets the stage for the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai and the establishment of a covenant.
A Symbol of Hope and Redemption: Throughout Jewish and Christian traditions, the parting of the Red Sea has served as a symbol of hope, redemption, and God's ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Different Interpretations:
It's important to acknowledge different perspectives on this verse:
Literal Interpretation: This view holds that the events described in the verse occurred exactly as written, a supernatural miracle performed by God.
Naturalistic Interpretation: Some try to find natural explanations for the event, such as a strong wind causing a temporary shallowing of the sea. These interpretations often downplay the miraculous nature of the event.
Symbolic Interpretation: This view focuses on the symbolic meaning of the event, emphasizing God's power and deliverance, regardless of the specific details of how it occurred.
Ultimately, the meaning of this verse is deeply rooted in its religious context and its significance as a foundational event in the history of the Israelites. It's a testament to God's power, his commitment to his people, and the hope he offers for deliverance from oppression.
Exodus 14:21 - Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and Yahweh caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
What does "Exodus 14:21" mean?
This verse from Exodus 14:21 is a pivotal point in the story of the Israelite Exodus from Egypt. It describes the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape Pharaoh's pursuing army. Let's break down the key components of its meaning:
"Moses stretched out his hand over the sea...": This act signifies Moses acting as Yahweh's (God's) agent. It's a gesture of obedience and a signal that God is about to act. Moses, by extending his hand, initiates the supernatural event.
"...and Yahweh caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all night...": This part explains how the sea was parted. It wasn't just a wave that receded quickly; it was a sustained, powerful east wind that blew all night long. This emphasizes God's power over nature and suggests a gradual, but still miraculous, process. While some modern interpretations suggest a natural phenomenon that God manipulated, the text emphasizes God's intervention and control.
"...and made the sea dry land...": The sea floor became solid ground. This is critical. It wasn't just shallow water; it became passable land, capable of supporting the weight of people and animals. This miraculous drying is essential for the Israelites' safe passage.
"...and the waters were divided.": The waters didn't just recede; they were divided. This implies the waters were separated into distinct bodies, likely forming walls of water on either side of the dry path. This image reinforces the extraordinary nature of the event and sets up the dramatic conclusion where the waters collapse upon the pursuing Egyptian army.
Overall Meaning and Significance:
This verse represents:
God's Power and Sovereignty: The parting of the Red Sea is a demonstration of Yahweh's absolute power over nature and his ability to intervene in human affairs.
God's Deliverance: It's a central act of salvation for the Israelites. God delivers them from slavery and certain death at the hands of the Egyptians.
The Beginning of a New Covenant: This event is often seen as a foundational event in the relationship between God and the Israelites. It sets the stage for the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai and the establishment of a covenant.
A Symbol of Hope and Redemption: Throughout Jewish and Christian traditions, the parting of the Red Sea has served as a symbol of hope, redemption, and God's ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Different Interpretations:
It's important to acknowledge different perspectives on this verse:
Literal Interpretation: This view holds that the events described in the verse occurred exactly as written, a supernatural miracle performed by God.
Naturalistic Interpretation: Some try to find natural explanations for the event, such as a strong wind causing a temporary shallowing of the sea. These interpretations often downplay the miraculous nature of the event.
Symbolic Interpretation: This view focuses on the symbolic meaning of the event, emphasizing God's power and deliverance, regardless of the specific details of how it occurred.
Ultimately, the meaning of this verse is deeply rooted in its religious context and its significance as a foundational event in the history of the Israelites. It's a testament to God's power, his commitment to his people, and the hope he offers for deliverance from oppression.