Exodus 14:26 · Bible study
Exodus 14:26 Commentary: The Return of the Waters
Hebrew · 9 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Exodus 14:26: God commands Moses to stretch out his hand, bringing the waters back upon the Egyptians.
Research Summary
- Meaning: God commands Moses to stretch out his hand, and the waters return upon the Egyptian army, completing judgment and deliverance.
- Key words: Stretch out (נטה, natah), return (שׁוב, shuv), hand (יד, yad), sea (ים, yam), chariots (רכׁב, rekhev), horsemen (פרשים, parashim).
- Main debate: Whether the return was entirely supernatural (God's direct act) or used natural means (wind and tide). Most see God sovereignly employing both.
- Theological theme: God's judgment on the enemies of his people and his salvation for those he redeems.
- Best use: To illustrate God's sovereignty over creation, the certainty of his judgment, and the security of his salvation.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen.”
WEB World English Bible 2000
Yahweh said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come again on the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen.”
KJV King James Version 1769
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.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
And Jehovah said unto Moses, Stretch out thy hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
And Jehovah saith unto Moses, `Stretch out thy hand toward the sea, and the waters turn back on the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen.'
Darby Darby Bible 1890
And Jehovah said to Moses, Stretch out thy hand over the sea, that the waters may return upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots and upon their horsemen.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
And the Lord said to Moses: Stretch forth thy hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots and horsemen.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Y Jehová dijo á Moisés: Extiende tu mano sobre la mar, para que las aguas vuelvan sobre los Egipcios, sobre sus carros, y sobre su caballería.
E o SENHOR disse a Moisés: Estende tua mão sobre o mar, para que as águas voltem sobre os egípcios, sobre seus carros, e sobre sua cavalaria.
L’ Éternel dit à Moïse: Étends ta main sur la mer; et les eaux reviendront sur les Égyptiens, sur leurs chars et sur leurs cavaliers.
Aber der HERR sprach zu Mose: Recke deine Hand aus über das Meer, daß das Wasser wieder herfalle über die Ägypter, über ihre Wagen und Reiter.
En de HEERE zeide tot Mozes: Strek uw hand uit over de zee, dat de wateren wederkeren over de Egyptenaars, over hun wagenen en over hun ruiters.
E l’Eterno disse a Mosè: “Stendi la tua mano sul mare, e le acque ritorneranno sugli Egiziani, sui loro carri e sui loro cavalieri”.
I rzekł Pan do Mojżesza: Wyciągnij rękę twoję na morze, że się wrócą wody na Egipczany, na wozy ich, i na jezdne ich.
И сказал Господь Моисею: простри руку твою на море, и да обратятся воды на Египтян, на колесницы их и на всадников их.
耶和華 對 摩西 說：「你向 海 伸 杖，叫水 仍合 在 埃及人 並 他們的車輛、 馬兵身上。」
And the Lord said to Moses, Let your hand be stretched out over the sea, and the waters will come back again on the Egyptians, and on their war-carriages and on their horsemen.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Exodus 14:26
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that this verse records the decisive moment of Israel's deliverance. The command to Moses echoes the earlier miracle of parting the sea (Exodus 14:16) but now reverses it. God instructs Moses to stretch out his hand, the same gesture used to divide the waters, so that the waters “come again” (Hebrew שׁוּב, “return”) upon the Egyptians. Calvin emphasizes that the sea obeyed God's command no less than when it parted, and that the morning daylight made the destruction visible to all. Barnes notes the natural factors (cessation of wind, spring tide) but sees them as instruments of God's will. The Cambridge Bible points out that “come again” means “come back”, and the sea returns to its “wonted flow” (איתן, “everflowing”). Keil and Delitzsch observe that the Egyptians were fleeing as the sea returned. Gill adds that the waters which had stood as walls now fall. The consensus is that Moses' act is a divinely appointed signal for the judgment that secures Israel's salvation.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: God commands Moses to stretch out his hand, and the waters return upon the Egyptian army, completing Israel's salvation and demonstrating divine judgment.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Moses' action as instrument of God | Christians agree that Moses' stretched-out hand is not a magical gesture but a divinely appointed signal through which God works. | Some traditions emphasize Moses as a type of mediator whose obedience unlocks God's power; others focus exclusively on God's direct sovereignty, with Moses as a mere sign. |
| Natural and supernatural causes | All affirm that the sea's return was ultimately God's act, whatever the natural processes involved. | Interpreters differ on how much weight to give the east wind, spring tide, and sandbanks (Barnes, Edersheim) versus seeing a direct miraculous suspension of nature (Calvin, Gill). |
| Justice of God's judgment | God's judgment on Egypt is seen as a righteous response to Pharaoh's oppression and refusal to let Israel go. | Some struggle with the destruction of the soldiers (not just Pharaoh) and ask about God's mercy; others see this as a just punishment for hardened rebellion. |
| Relationship between salvation and judgment | The same event brings salvation to Israel and judgment to Egypt, both are aspects of God's work. | The degree to which judgment is seen as an expression of God's love for his people varies, with some emphasizing the wrath and others the rescue. |
Historical & Cultural Context
This verse sits at the climax of the Red Sea crossing narrative. Israel has passed through on dry ground (Exodus 14:22) while the Egyptians, pursuing with chariots and horsemen, are inside the sea bed. In the morning watch, God looked out from the pillar of fire and cloud and threw the Egyptian army into confusion (v.24), taking off their chariot wheels (v.25). The Egyptians realize God is fighting for Israel and try to flee. At this critical moment, God commands Moses to stretch out his hand again. The gesture recalls the earlier command in verse 16 to “lift up your rod and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it.” Now the same action brings the waters back. The Hebrew verb for “stretch out” (נטה) is the same. The timing, when the morning appeared (v.27), is significant. Calvin notes that the light of day made the miracle evident: the Egyptians could see their destruction coming. The Cambridge Bible explains that “the sea returned to its strength” (איתן) means its “perennial state” or “everflowing” condition. Barnes suggests the cessation of the east wind and a possible spring tide (since it was full moon) caused the waters to return rapidly. But all commentators agree that these natural forces were under God's sovereign command. The command to Moses shows that God works through human instruments; the same hand that brought deliverance now brings judgment.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants for Exodus 14:26. The Hebrew text is stable across manuscripts, and the verse's wording is consistently transmitted.
Reception History
Exodus 14:26 has been read throughout church history as the turning point of the Exodus. Early Christians saw the Red Sea crossing as a type of baptism (1 Corinthians 10:1-2) and the destruction of Egypt as a symbol of sin and death being conquered. The command to stretch out the hand was understood as a call to faith and obedience, God works through human agency. Reformation commentators like Calvin and Luther highlighted God's sovereignty in judgment and the certainty of his promises. In Jewish tradition, this verse marks the moment of complete deliverance, remembered at Passover. Modern readers continue to find in it a powerful picture of God's justice and saving power, though some wrestle with its portrayal of divine judgment. The verse remains central to Christian hope: the same God who parted the sea also closes it over his enemies, securing a people for himself.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- God commands Moses to stretch out his hand, the same gesture that parted the sea now signals its return. The act demonstrates God's sovereignty over creation.
- The waters come back upon the Egyptians, their chariots and horsemen. This is divine judgment on those who opposed God's people.
- Israel's salvation is completed. The same waters that provided a path now become a grave, securing deliverance.
Five-point outline
- The same hand that divided the sea now calls it back. Moses' obedience is the link between God's command and the event.
- The morning light reveals the miracle. It was night when the sea parted; now daylight exposes God's power and judgment.
- The Egyptians attempt to flee, but God shuts the way of escape. Their earlier determination to pursue is overturned.
- The destruction is complete: not one remained (v.28). God's judgment is thorough.
- Israel sees the Egyptians dead on the seashore and fears the Lord, believing him and his servant Moses (v.30-31). The outcome is faith.
Illustration hooks
- Finishing a long race and looking back to see the obstacle that almost stopped you, now gone.
- A storm that threatened suddenly passes, and you realize you were protected all along.
- The moment a courtroom verdict is read after a long trial, justice and relief come together.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Why did God harden Pharaoh's heart if he was going to destroy him? Doesn't that seem unfair?
- How does God's judgment in the Old Testament fit with his love in the New? Is he different?
- Does this story mean we should celebrate the destruction of our enemies? How do we reconcile it with Jesus' command to love enemies?
Leading a Discussion
This verse is the climax of the Exodus story. God commands Moses to stretch out his hand, and the waters return, destroying the Egyptians and saving Israel. The same hand that brought deliverance now brings judgment. As you discuss, consider how one act can have two sides, salvation for some, judgment for others.
Discussion questions
- What is Moses doing when he stretches out his hand? What does that action represent?
- Read Exodus 14:16. How does the command in verse 26 compare to the earlier command? What is similar and what is different?
- The waters “come again” upon the Egyptians. The Hebrew word “shuv” means “return.” What might it mean that the waters return?
- Why does God command Moses to do this? Could God have destroyed the Egyptians without using Moses?
- How do you feel about the destruction of the Egyptians? Is it difficult to see this as part of God's character?
- The next verse says the Egyptians were fleeing against the sea (v.27). What does their flight tell you about their mindset at that moment?
- In your own life, have you experienced a time when God's act of salvation also involved some kind of “closing” or “return”? How did that shape your faith?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Exodus 1:22 | Pharaoh commanded all his people, saying, “You shall cast every son who is born into the river, and every daughter you shall save alive.” |
| Exodus 7:19 | Yahweh said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Take your rod, and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt, over their rivers, over their streams, and over their pools, and over all their ponds of water, that they may become blood. There will be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood and in vessels of stone.’” |
| Exodus 8:5 | Yahweh said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Stretch out your hand with your rod over the rivers, over the streams, and over the pools, and cause frogs to come up on the land of Egypt.’” |
| Exodus 14:16 | Lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. Then the children of Israel shall go into the middle of the sea on dry ground. |
| Judges 1:6 | But Adoni-Bezek fled. They pursued him, caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his big toes. |
| Judges 1:7 | Adoni-Bezek said, “Seventy kings, having their thumbs and their big toes cut off, scavenged under my table. As I have done, so God has done to me.” They brought him to Jerusalem, and he died there. |
| Matthew 7:2 | For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you. |
| Matthew 8:27 | The men marveled, saying, “What kind of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
8 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes points to natural causes: the sudden drop in wind combined with a spring tide at full moon would have turned the flat sandbanks into quicksand and then deep water in moments, far too fast for any armored horseman or chariot to escape.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin stresses that the sea destroyed the Egyptians as directly as it had saved Israel, for both obeyed God's command through Moses' rod. He notes the precise timing: the Egyptians perished in broad daylight, not under cover of night, so that the sun itself would make their destruction undeniable and God's power unmistakable.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The Cambridge commentary draws attention to the Hebrew word behind "wonted flow," which literally means "perennial" or ever-flowing, a meaning recovered in the eighteenth century through Arabic studies. It also notes the vivid Hebrew phrasing: the Egyptians were fleeing against the returning sea, and God shook them off into it.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
Then the Lord sayde to Moses, Stretche thine hand vpon the Sea, that the waters may returne vpon the Egyptians, vpon their charets and vpon their horsemen.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill highlights the changed purpose of Moses' rod: the same instrument that divided the sea is now stretched out to make the waters return. The waters that had stood as walls on either side were no longer held back, but fell upon the Egyptians and their chariots.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil and Delitzsch highlight the precise sequence of events: when the east wind stopped, the sea began flowing back from north and south on the western side, and a west wind then drove the waves directly into the faces of the fleeing Egyptians. This detail explains the panic and destruction described.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange understands the crossing as neither a bare natural event nor a purely supernatural spectacle. He sees a miracle in which God intensified natural forces (an east wind, an extraordinary ebb tide) and directed them at the prophet’s word, while
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley highlights that God used the same waters which opened for Israel to become the instrument of judgment on Egypt. He notes that Pharaoh and his servants, who had hardened each other in sin, now fell together without a single survivor. For Wesley, Pharaoh's drowning is a perpetual monument of divine justice.