Exodus 14:26Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When the sea was parted, it is recorded that Moses raised his hand over the waters, and when the moment came for the sea to return to its original state, it is noted that he lowered his hand. This suggests that from the time of the sea's division until all the Israelites had successfully crossed, Moses kept his hand raised, similar to what occurred later during the confrontation with the Amalekites.

The Egyptians intended to escape from the Israelites as they pursued them along the sea’s floor, but it was already too late for their retreat. They realized they were not on solid ground, as they were running beneath the surface of the water, which was held back on both sides. Meanwhile, the Israelites had successfully crossed to the opposite bank. Moses, following God’s instruction, raised his hand with the miraculous staff above the sea. The wind that had blown throughout the night, sustained by God's might to keep the waters upright, stopped. Consequently, the waters, no longer held back by the wind, surged into the opening left between them. A powerful whirlpool formed, leading to devastation for the Egyptians.

Once Israel has crossed over, the Egyptians pursuing them experience the once-dry sands transforming into treacherous waters, ensnaring those who recklessly place their trust in it. The wheels of their chariots sink deep, and they realize they are in dire peril, sparking chaos among their ranks. At the same time, the ominous cloud that stands between them and the Israelites fills them with dread, provoking an instinctual urge to retreat as they become aware of the presence of a transcendent, unknowable force.