Exodus 14:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

They longed and interceded to traverse the waters, or more accurately, it was Moses who sought the Lord. Take note of how faith consistently transcends human reasoning, frailty, and insignificance. Observe that immediately upon their belief, they were rescued from disaster, both through the blood marking their doors and at the Red Sea. It is clear that it was indeed water; for the Egyptians who ventured into it perished, which confirms that it was not an illusion but a true event. Just as those who faced lions and fervent flames reveal the authenticity of their trial, here we witness a tangible occurrence that brought glory and salvation to some, while leading others to ruin. Such is the immense power of faith!

What stands out significantly, as narrated in the account of Moses, is that he divides his efforts between speaking to the Israelites and uplifting them through encouragement. He urges them to maintain hope and to pray to God for assistance in their times of fear. Guided by divine wisdom, he learns how to evade the threats before him, as God acknowledges his unspoken pleas. Whether it is Moses or any of the leaders among the people, he counters their fears with wise counsel, instilling trust in God’s support. This reassurance would not have been available had the heart of the individual seeking assurance not turned to God in prayer.

It has been previously stated that the reward for righteous deeds is the joy of everlasting life. By renouncing the pursuit of indulgence, which can be both indulgent and corrupting, as well as the dread of affliction that drains strength and courage, let us demonstrate that even within suffering there exists the potential for a blessed existence. This is easily demonstrated through the scripture: "Blessed are ye, when they revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you for righteousness' sake. Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you" (Matt. 5:11-12). Additionally, it is written: "If any man will come after me, let him take up his cross, and follow me" (Matt. 16:24).

Moses stood firm in his faith in the Sovereign Lord while others wavered.

Moses, offering comfort to the Israelites, reassured them regarding the downfall that awaited the Egyptians, stating, "By this way ye have seen the Egyptians this day, ye shall not therefore see them in eternity." In the subsequent passage of this chapter, it is clearly indicated that the Israelites beheld the Egyptians at the seashore; indeed, "the children of Israel saw the Egyptians measured at the edge of the sea." The fulfillment of Moses’ promise regarding the Egyptians was evidenced by the reality they faced. The Israelites no longer witnessed the Egyptians pursuing them as adversaries, but rather only observed their lifeless and unarmed bodies strewn at the shore.

In response to the Israelites' doubt and fear, Moses confidently articulated his faith in God, assuring them that the Lord's deliverance from their adversaries would soon be realized before their very eyes, and that they would no longer behold the Egyptians in the terrifying way that they did at that moment. The outcomes affirmed the prophet's proclamation, as mere hours later, the Hebrews witnessed the Egyptians lifeless on the shore of the sea.

This signifies that, in perpetuity, you will not experience relationships with Egypt like the ones you currently have. This expresses the broader prophecy, while its more specific fulfillment pertains directly to the Egyptian army that the Israelites observe before them, which tragically meets its end in the waves of the sea shortly thereafter.