Matthew Henry's Complete Bible Commentary

Exodus 14

The departure of the children of Israel out of Egypt (which was indeed the birth of the Jewish church) is made yet more memorable by further works of wonder, which were wrought immediately upon it. Witness the records of this chapter, the contents whereof, together with a key to it, we have, Hebrews 11:29. “They passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned;” and this they did by faith, which intimates that there was something typical and spiritual in it. Here is, I. The extreme distress and danger that Israel was in at the Red Sea. 1. Notice was given of it to Moses before, Exodus 14:1-14:4. 2. The cause of it was Pharaoh’s violent pursuit of them, Exodus 14:5-14:9. 3. Israel was in a great consternation upon it, Exodus 14:10-14:12. 4. Moses endeavours to encourage them, Exodus 14:13. II. The wonderful deliverance that God wrought for them out of this distress. 1. Moses is instructed concerning it, Exodus 14:15-14:18. 2. Lines that could not be forced are set between the camp of Israel and Pharaoh’s camp, Exodus 14:19, 14:20. 3. By the divine power the Red Sea is divided (Exodus 14:31), and is made, (1.) A lane to the Israelites, who marched safely through it, Exodus 14:22, 14:29. But, (2.) To the Egyptians it was made, [1.] An ambush into which they were drawn, Exodus 14:23-14:25. And, [2.] A grave in which they were all buried, Exodus 14:26-14:28. III. The impressions this made upon the Israelites, Exodus 14:30, 14:31. MHBCC 65.1