And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.

EXODUS 14:31KJV
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Exodus 14:31 (KJV)

What does Exodus 14:31 mean?

Exodus 14:31 describes how the people of Israel saw the powerful act that the LORD performed against the Egyptians, which led them to fear and trust the LORD and also to have confidence in Moses as His servant. The verse highlights a turning point where the Israelites respond with awe and belief after witnessing God's deliverance.

In this scene, the Israelites have just crossed the Red Sea, escaping from the Egyptian army. The verse shows their reaction as they realize the magnitude of what has happened: God has acted on their behalf in a visible, undeniable way. This moment marks a shift from fear and doubt to reverence and faith, both in God (the LORD) and in Moses, who is recognized as God's chosen leader.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 14:31

  • "Saw" (רָאָה, ra'ah): This word means more than just noticing; it often carries the sense of witnessing something firsthand. Here, it emphasizes that the Israelites personally observed the LORD's intervention.
  • "Great" (גָּדוֹל, gadol): This word underscores the scale and significance of the act, pointing to something mighty or extraordinary.
  • "Feared" (יָרֵא, yare'): In this context, "feared" means to have reverence or awe, not just to be afraid. The Israelites' fear is a response of deep respect for God's power.
  • "Believed" (אָמַן, 'aman): This verb means to trust or have faith. The Israelites' belief is not just intellectual agreement but a newfound trust in the LORD and in Moses as His servant.

Why Exodus 14:31 matters

  • Exodus 14:31 clears up the idea that the Israelites' faith was automatic; instead, it shows that their belief was a direct response to witnessing God's deliverance.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of both reverence ("feared") and trust ("believed") in the LORD, showing that genuine faith involves both awe and confidence.
  • This verse connects to the larger story by marking a pivotal moment when the people recognize Moses as God's servant, setting the stage for his leadership throughout the journey in the wilderness.