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.

EXODUS 14:26KJV
Know the Bible

Exodus 14:26 (KJV)

What does Exodus 14:26 mean?

Exodus 14:26 describes how God tells Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea so that the waters will return and cover the Egyptians, including their chariots and horsemen. This command sets up the moment when the parted sea closes back over Pharaoh’s army as they pursue the Israelites.

In this verse, the LORD (God) is speaking directly to Moses during the dramatic escape of the Israelites from Egypt. The Israelites have just crossed the sea on dry ground, and now the Egyptian army is following them. God instructs Moses to act, signaling the end of the Egyptians’ pursuit and showing God’s power to protect the Israelites.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 14:26

  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, emphasizing that this is a direct and authoritative command from Israel’s God, not just a general instruction.
  • "Hand" (יָד, yad): The Hebrew word for "hand" often symbolizes power or agency. Moses’ outstretched hand is a visible sign of God working through him.
  • "Again" (שׁוּב, shuv): This word means "to return" or "come back." It highlights that the waters, which had been held back, will now return to their natural place, reversing the miracle for the Egyptians.

Why Exodus 14:26 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the closing of the sea was not a natural accident but a direct act of God, carried out through Moses at a specific moment.
  • The focus on the Egyptians’ chariots and horsemen underscores the destruction of Pharaoh’s military strength, which had threatened the Israelites.
  • Exodus 14:26 connects to the larger story by showing that the same God who made a way for the Israelites also brings judgment on their pursuers, completing the deliverance.

Where else these words appear

“horsemen” Hebrew H6571 · used in 54 verses

  • Genesis 50:9 And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen: and it was a very great company.
  • 1 Kings 10:26 And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.
  • Isaiah 22:6 And Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield.

“chariots” Hebrew H7393 · used in 104 verses

  • Genesis 50:9 And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen: and it was a very great company.
  • 1 Kings 16:9 And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of his house in Tirzah.
  • 2 Chronicles 12:3 With twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand horsemen: and the people were without number that came with him out of Egypt; the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians.