This verse from Exodus 14:26 is a pivotal moment in the story of the Exodus, where God delivers the Israelites from the pursuing Egyptian army. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Yahweh said to Moses...": This indicates a direct command from God (Yahweh is God's name in the Hebrew Bible) to Moses. Moses is acting as God's intermediary.
"...Stretch out your hand over the sea...": This is the action Moses is instructed to perform. It's a symbolic gesture of obedience and reliance on God's power. Moses had previously stretched out his hand to part the Red Sea (or Sea of Reeds), allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground.
"...that the waters may come again on the Egyptians...": This is the consequence of Moses' action. God is instructing Moses to bring the sea back to its normal state.
"...on their chariots, and on their horsemen.": This clarifies the target of the returning waters: the Egyptian army, specifically their chariots and horsemen, who were pursuing the Israelites.
In essence, the verse signifies God's command to Moses to unleash the power that would overwhelm and destroy the pursuing Egyptian army in the Red Sea. It's a moment of divine judgment and a demonstration of God's power to protect his people.
Deeper Implications:
Divine Power: The verse highlights God's complete control over nature and his ability to use it to accomplish his purposes.
Deliverance: It is a key moment in the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery. God is not just freeing them but also destroying their oppressor.
Judgment: The drowning of the Egyptians represents divine judgment on their oppression of the Israelites and their defiance of God's commands.
Faith and Obedience: Moses' willingness to stretch out his hand in obedience to God, even after the miraculous parting of the sea, is an example of faith.
Theophany: Some interpret this scene as a theophany, a manifestation of God's power and presence in a tangible way.
The verse is a powerful illustration of the themes of deliverance, divine justice, and the importance of faith and obedience in the Exodus narrative.
This verse from Exodus 14:26 is a pivotal moment in the story of the Exodus, where God delivers the Israelites from the pursuing Egyptian army. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Yahweh said to Moses...": This indicates a direct command from God (Yahweh is God's name in the Hebrew Bible) to Moses. Moses is acting as God's intermediary.
"...Stretch out your hand over the sea...": This is the action Moses is instructed to perform. It's a symbolic gesture of obedience and reliance on God's power. Moses had previously stretched out his hand to part the Red Sea (or Sea of Reeds), allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground.
"...that the waters may come again on the Egyptians...": This is the consequence of Moses' action. God is instructing Moses to bring the sea back to its normal state.
"...on their chariots, and on their horsemen.": This clarifies the target of the returning waters: the Egyptian army, specifically their chariots and horsemen, who were pursuing the Israelites.
In essence, the verse signifies God's command to Moses to unleash the power that would overwhelm and destroy the pursuing Egyptian army in the Red Sea. It's a moment of divine judgment and a demonstration of God's power to protect his people.
Deeper Implications:
Divine Power: The verse highlights God's complete control over nature and his ability to use it to accomplish his purposes.
Deliverance: It is a key moment in the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery. God is not just freeing them but also destroying their oppressor.
Judgment: The drowning of the Egyptians represents divine judgment on their oppression of the Israelites and their defiance of God's commands.
Faith and Obedience: Moses' willingness to stretch out his hand in obedience to God, even after the miraculous parting of the sea, is an example of faith.
Theophany: Some interpret this scene as a theophany, a manifestation of God's power and presence in a tangible way.
The verse is a powerful illustration of the themes of deliverance, divine justice, and the importance of faith and obedience in the Exodus narrative.