Exodus 14 22

Exodus 14:22 kjv

And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

Exodus 14:22 nkjv

So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

Exodus 14:22 niv

and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.

Exodus 14:22 esv

And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

Exodus 14:22 nlt

So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!

Exodus 14 verses

Exodus 14 22 Meaning

Exodus 14:22 describes the pivotal moment where God miraculously divided the Red Sea, enabling the Israelites to walk through its depths on completely dry land. The separated waters stood firm like immense walls on both their right and left sides, illustrating divine power, protection, and provision in the face of imminent danger. This act marked a literal and symbolic passage from bondage to freedom under God's mighty hand.

Exodus 14 22 Context

Exodus chapter 14 describes the critical confrontation between God's power and Pharaoh's might at the Red Sea, following Israel's departure from Egypt after the tenth plague. Pharaoh, regretting his release of the Israelites, pursues them with his chariots and army, trapping the nation between the formidable Egyptian forces and the vast, impassable sea. Overwhelmed by fear, the Israelites despair, but Moses, guided by God, assures them of divine intervention. This verse marks the climactic moment of that intervention, where God opens a path through the very barrier that seemed to spell their destruction. It serves as a profound demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty, not only over natural elements but also over the most powerful earthly empire, thereby confirming His covenant promises and establishing Himself as the unrivaled deliverer of His people.

Exodus 14 22 Word analysis

• And the children of Israel went: Signifies the active obedience and unified movement of the entire nation. Their journey through the sea was a purposeful act, guided by faith (Heb 11:29) and divine command.

• into the midst of the sea: Hebrew: מִתּוֹךְ הַיָּם (mittoch hayyam). This phrase emphasizes that they did not merely skirt the edge of a shallow part but entered into the very heart or depths of the large body of water. This detail highlights the impossible nature of the crossing without a miracle, precluding any natural explanation.

• upon the dry ground: Hebrew: יַבָּשָׁה (yabbashah). This refers to land that is thoroughly dry, solid, and passable, not muddy or marshy. It signifies God's complete and meticulous preparation of the path, removing all impediments and demonstrating His power to create stable ground within what was once a fluid, impassable expanse.

• and the waters were a wall unto them: Hebrew: וְהַמַּיִם לָהֶם חוֹמָה (vehammayim lahem chomah). "Chomah" refers to a substantial, protective wall, often associated with a fortified city. This word emphasizes the truly vertical, standing nature of the water, not merely receding, but held upright like immense, solid ramparts. This underscores both the miraculous control God exerted over the elements and His provision of a visible, secure barrier, protecting them from both the sea itself and potentially, unseen threats.

• on their right hand, and on their left: This specifies the comprehensive and symmetrical nature of God's protection. The Israelites were enclosed and guarded on both sides, ensuring their safety throughout the entire journey across the seabed. This dual-sided enclosure visually represented God's complete oversight and perfect deliverance, leaving no side vulnerable.

• words-group by words-group analysis

  • "the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground": This phrase succinctly describes the Israelites' active participation in God's miraculous deliverance. It emphasizes their faithful progression into an otherwise impossible situation because God had supernaturally prepared the way. The dry ground detail further elevates the miracle, making it clear this was no ordinary low tide or shallow crossing, but a direct intervention on the deepest part of the seabed.
  • "the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left": This iconic imagery conveys both the immense power of God and His specific protective care. By making the fluid waters stand as solid walls, God transformed a barrier into a pathway and a source of danger into a source of security. This aspect of the miracle counters any attempt to rationalize the event as a natural phenomenon, demonstrating God's unprecedented control over creation and His provision of a safe passage enclosed on all sides.

Exodus 14 22 Bonus section

• Polemical Significance: The Red Sea miracle served as a direct and resounding polemic against the numerous water deities of Egypt (e.g., Hapi, Sobek, Nun). While Egyptian gods were associated with the life-giving (and sometimes destructive) forces of the Nile, the God of Israel, YHWH, demonstrated absolute dominion over all waters, including the vast, primeval sea. By commanding and subduing the Red Sea, He asserted His singular sovereignty over creation and rendered all pagan deities impotent.
• Typological Significance: In New Testament theology (1 Cor 10:1-2), the crossing of the Red Sea is explicitly identified as a type of Christian baptism. Just as Israel passed through water from slavery to freedom, so believers pass through baptism, signifying deliverance from the bondage of sin and entry into a new life of faith in Christ. This historical event thus prefigured a profound spiritual truth, showing God's consistent pattern of salvation through "water" and covenant.
• "Dry Ground" (yabbashah) as a Theological Marker: The repeated emphasis on "dry ground" is crucial. In biblical cosmology, water, particularly the deep, often represented chaos or cosmic threats. God's ability to turn the sea into dry land (Gen 1:9-10; Ps 104:6-9) demonstrates His ultimate power to bring order out of chaos and provide a stable dwelling/path for His people. This detail reinforces the complete mastery of the Creator over His creation.

Exodus 14 22 Commentary

Exodus 14:22 encapsulates one of the most iconic miracles in biblical history, serving as a powerful demonstration of God's omnipotence and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people. The detailed description of the Israelites walking "into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground," flanked by water "walls" on their right and left, defies natural explanation and firmly roots the event in the realm of the divine. This was not a convenient low tide or a shallow crossing; God meticulously orchestrated the event, making a path where there was none and ensuring it was perfectly dry for an unimpeded passage for an entire nation. The "walls" (chomah) of water denote stability and protection, transforming a chaotic element into a defensive barrier against the pursuing Egyptian army. This act irrevocably cemented God's identity as the mighty Redeemer for Israel and remains a timeless reminder that when human capabilities reach their absolute limit, God's power knows no bounds. For believers, this verse offers a profound message of hope and trust, illustrating that God can create a way through seemingly impossible situations, turning dangers into avenues of deliverance, and providing encompassing protection against all odds.