Exodus 14:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Why should we evaluate this man’s despair based on assumptions when his grief is clearly articulated by those who have come down from above? In his silence, when he felt unable to speak, God addressed him, saying, "Why do you cry out to Me?" Through this single inquiry, He reveals the turmoil within his spirit.

Do you not recognize that Moses, who remained silent yet cried out to the Lord from the depths of his heart, was indeed heard by Him? The Lord responded to Moses, asking, “Why do you call out to Me?” Even the blood of the just, though it lacks a voice or the ability to articulate in the air, is heard by God (cf. Gen. 4:10). The expression of righteous deeds before the Lord serves as a form of communication.

The most remarkable aspect, as recounted in the narrative of Moses, is his division of effort, wherein he inspires the Israelites through words and guidance. He urges them to maintain their hope and inwardly offers prayers to God for those in fear. He receives divine counsel on how to evade danger, as God attentively responds to his silent pleas. Whether it be Moses or any other leader of the people, they counter the fear with wise counsel, uplifting the anxious heart by placing trust in divine assistance. This support would not have manifested had the heart of the one on the verge of departure not called out to God. Many in such roles focus solely on external matters, striving for favorable standing, yet they show little concern for the hidden truths known only to God.

The Lord spoke to Moses, asking, "Why are you crying out? I am prepared to act on behalf of your people even without your request."

The 'cry' mentioned in the Scriptures refers not to a vocal expression, but to a deep emotional appeal. This is illustrated when it is directed to Moses: ‘Why cryest thou unto Me?’ even though Moses had not expressed any vocal lament.

Individuals who remain apprehensive in the struggle against their desires and who are afraid of the assaults from unseen foes should refrain from speaking; they ought not to engage in a conflict that surpasses their spiritual capacity. Instead, through supplication, they should place their trust in God's guardianship, for He is attentive to their needs. The message in Exodus is relevant for them: the Lord will fight for you, and you shall be still.

The Lord is close to all who sincerely seek Him (Psalm 144:18). When Moses cried out from deep within, despite the silence that enveloped him, the One who perceives the heart responded, “Why do you cry out to me? Take the rod in your hand and strike the sea, and it shall divide, allowing the people to pass, bringing glory to myself in Pharaoh and all his forces." This holds true now as well. We experience illness and the oppression of dark forces, leading to sorrow and turmoil in our thoughts. The body suffers from weakness and is burdened by these afflictions.

The heart expresses a quiet longing, more perceptible to God than the loud appeals of the nations. As it was communicated to Moses, “Why dost thou cry unto Me?” The righteous man remarked that his heart was in dialogue with the Lord, as it appeared to be his intent to offer this very yearning.

The Lord spoke to Moses, asking, "Why do you cry out to Me?" It is believed that Moses silently pleaded for divine assistance, united in spirit though lacking vocal expression, conveying the intensity of his prayer as if caught in a desperate struggle for survival—like one who calls out for rescue with every ounce of strength on behalf of himself and the entire nation. He urged his people to proceed or prepare to move forward, for a miraculous intervention would remove the obstacles posed by the Egyptians that hindered their journey.

This illustrates that while reassuring the Israelites, Moses simultaneously offered a heartfelt supplication to the Lord, seeking His guidance on the appropriate course of action. In Moses, we observe a unique blend of steadfastness, humility, and faith. Such a character can be traced back to Abraham, as noted in Genesis.