Exodus 14 20

Exodus 14:20 kjv

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.

Exodus 14:20 nkjv

So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other, so that the one did not come near the other all that night.

Exodus 14:20 niv

coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night the cloud brought darkness to the one side and light to the other side; so neither went near the other all night long.

Exodus 14:20 esv

coming between the host of Egypt and the host of Israel. And there was the cloud and the darkness. And it lit up the night without one coming near the other all night.

Exodus 14:20 nlt

The cloud settled between the Egyptian and Israelite camps. As darkness fell, the cloud turned to fire, lighting up the night. But the Egyptians and Israelites did not approach each other all night.

Exodus 14 verses

Exodus 14 20 Meaning

Exodus 14:20 describes the divine intervention of the pillar of cloud, which served to separate the pursuing Egyptian army from the camp of Israel. The cloud relocated from the front of the Israelite camp to its rear, forming a protective barrier. Miraculously, this single cloud functioned simultaneously as darkness to the Egyptians, hindering their advance and vision, and as a source of light to the Israelites, enabling them to navigate through the night. Its purpose was to prevent the two camps from engaging each other throughout the entire night, setting the stage for God's dramatic act of salvation at the Red Sea.

Exodus 14 20 Context

Exodus chapter 14 describes a critical juncture in the Israelites' escape from Egypt. Having just witnessed the ten plagues and experienced the Passover, they have left Egypt, led by God's pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. Pharaoh, regretting their departure and hardening his heart once more, pursues them with his mighty army, trapping the Israelites between the Red Sea and the approaching chariots. Panic spreads among the Israelites, and they accuse Moses. Verse 20 sets the stage for God's miraculous deliverance. The pillar of cloud, previously leading them, now strategically repositions itself as a protective barrier. This act of separation is the immediate precursor to the parting of the Red Sea and the subsequent drowning of the Egyptian forces, highlighting God's immediate and sovereign protection of His people just before He acts to save them. Historically, this event profoundly impacts Israel's understanding of God as their deliverer and protector.

Exodus 14 20 Word analysis

• And it moved (וַיִּסַּע - vayyissa): From the root nasa' - נָסַע, meaning "to journey, depart, move." This signifies a deliberate and directed action by the cloud, which is a manifestation of God's presence. It is not a natural occurrence but a supernatural shift. Its prior function was leading (Ex 13:21), now it assumes a defensive posture.
• from before their face: Refers to the pillar's original position, leading Israel. The re-positioning is for tactical purposes.
• and stood behind them (וַיַּעֲמֹד אַחֲרֵיהֶם - vayya'amod 'achareihem): amad - עָמַד means "to stand." The action emphasizes the pillar taking up a firm, fixed, and protective stance. The transition from "moving" to "standing" signifies a purposeful halt to form a barrier. It shifts from guiding their path to guarding their rear, highlighting God's adaptable protection.
• And it came between (וַיָּבֹא בֵּין - vayyavo ben): "Came" indicates active interposition. Ben - בֵּין meaning "between," emphasizes its role as a clear dividing line or buffer. This barrier is a physical manifestation of God's separation of His people from their enemies.
• the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel: Defines the two opposing entities that the cloud specifically separates. This highlights the clear distinction God makes between His people and their persecutors.
• And there was cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other: This is a powerful paradox within a single entity. The Hebrew construction suggests a simultaneity of functions.
  • cloud and darkness (וַיְהִי הֶעָנָן וְהַחֹשֶׁךְ - vayehi he'anan v'hachoshekh): To the Egyptians, the cloud, usually a sign of divine leading for Israel, becomes an instrument of obfuscation and confusion. Choshekh - חֹשֶׁךְ (darkness) here implies profound, incapacitating obscurity, possibly psychological dread, contrasting with their sun-god worship.
  • it gave light by night (וַיָּאֶר אֶת־הַלַּיְלָה - vayya'er 'et-hallaylah): 'or - אוֹר (light) means to give light, shine. For Israel, the cloud transforms to illuminate their immediate surroundings, granting them clear vision and dispelling fear. This demonstrates God's unique ability to manifest opposing effects from the same presence, entirely for the benefit of His chosen people. It challenges Egyptian polytheism, showing Yahweh's unparalleled sovereignty over creation's fundamental forces (light and darkness).
• so that the one came not near the other all the night (וְלֹא־קָרַב זֶה אֶל־זֶה כָּל־הַלָּיְלָה - v'lo-qaraq zeh 'el-zeh kol-hallaylah): karav - קָרַב means "to draw near." This states the immediate, practical result and purpose of the divine intervention: absolute separation, preventing any engagement or conflict between the two parties throughout the duration of the night. This allowed Israel precious time before the Red Sea crossing.

Words-group analysis:

• "moved from before their face, and stood behind them": This action signifies God's active, tactical protection. It's a strategic repositioning of the divine presence (Shekinah) from a guiding role to a defensive, rear-guard action. God does not abandon them when they are most vulnerable from behind but directly addresses that threat.
• "came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel": This phrase highlights divine separation and boundary-setting. God physically interposes Himself, preventing a direct confrontation and ensuring His people's safety before their miraculous escape. It illustrates God as the ultimate protector who actively shields His people from immediate danger.
• "cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other": This duality demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over creation, especially light and darkness, which were often deified by pagan cultures. The same divine presence serves diametrically opposite functions based on God's chosen side. It is a polemical statement against Egyptian deities; Pharaoh's gods (e.g., Ra, the sun god, or other sky gods) could not manipulate light and darkness in this partisan, specific way. Yahweh alone possesses such power, acting for and against at His sovereign will.

Exodus 14 20 Bonus section

• Divine Partiality: This verse clearly demonstrates God's deliberate partiality for His covenant people. His presence is a source of blessing, guidance, and light for Israel, but simultaneously a source of judgment, hindrance, and darkness for their enemies. This foreshadows divine judgments throughout scripture where God's presence leads to varying outcomes for different groups.
• Polemics against Egyptian Theology: The text stands as a direct theological challenge to Egyptian polytheism. Egyptians worshipped a vast pantheon, including sun gods (Ra, Aten) and sky gods. Yahweh's immediate, total, and differential control over light and darkness—making one cloudy body serve both functions according to His will—powerfully asserted His unrivaled sovereignty above all Egyptian gods, including their mightiest.
• Strategic Divine Delay: The action of the cloud created a crucial time buffer. By holding the Egyptians back "all the night," God allowed the tide to go out, creating the dry ground for the Red Sea crossing. This verse shows divine action in holding back an immediate threat to facilitate a greater act of salvation.
• Comfort and Terror: The very presence that comforted and assured Israel likely instilled terror and confusion in the Egyptian army. The "darkness" for the Egyptians was not just a lack of light but a spiritual and psychological affliction, adding to their dread.

Exodus 14 20 Commentary

Exodus 14:20 is a powerful illustration of God's active and partial presence, revealing His character as a deliberate protector and sovereign strategist. The repositioning of the cloud from the vanguard to the rear of Israel's camp signifies God adapting His divine guidance to provide immediate and critical protection from the pursuing Egyptians. This single cloud served as a literal manifestation of divine judgment and grace simultaneously: it brought hindering darkness and confusion to the Egyptians, preventing their advance, while illuminating the path and providing comfort for the Israelites. This paradoxical display highlights God's absolute control over natural elements like light and darkness, showcasing His power far beyond any pagan deity of Egypt. The ultimate purpose of this barrier was to ensure Israel's safety through the night, buying time for the next stage of divine intervention at the Red Sea. It affirms that God Himself fights for His people (Ex 14:14), standing directly between them and their enemies, assuring their safety when all hope seems lost.