Exodus 14:26
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 14:26
Here God instructs Moses to stretch out his hand again so that the sea returns, bringing judgment on the Egyptian pursuers. The timing—“the Lord said unto Moses”—signals a coordinated, planned reversal that completes the deliverance. The turning of the sea back emphasizes that the victory belongs to God and that the enemies’ doom is tied to their rejection of the divine mercy shown to Israel. The broader narrative shows a God who both rescues and judges, who acts in mercy toward the oppressed and disciplines the oppressor.
This verse deepens the biblical pattern of liberation combined with judgment. It reinforces that salvation from oppression is holistic: God frees the oppressed and thwarts those who persist in wickedness. The act also underscores Moses’ leadership, yet it is always God’s power that accomplishes the deliverance. The episode contributes to a robust theology of God’s justice and mercy intersecting in history.
When you witness oppression or injustice, this verse invites you to pray for both deliverance and accountability. It also encourages trust in God’s timing: He knows when to intervene, and He uses human agents (like Moses) as instruments. Practically, you can stand with the marginalized, advocate for the vulnerable, and act with integrity while trusting God to address wrongs in His own ways and timing.
Cross-References: Psalm 76:10; Isaiah 54:17; Luke 3:9; Romans 12:19; Revelation 19:11-15