What is the meaning of Exodus 14:10?

As Pharaoh approached

“Now it was reported to the king of Egypt that the people had fled, and Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds...” (Exodus 14:5).

• Israel had been released, but Pharaoh’s heart hardened again (Exodus 14:8).

• His approach signals a fresh act of rebellion against God’s clear commands (Exodus 9:13-17).

• Cross reference: Romans 9:17-18 shows God using Pharaoh’s stubbornness to display His power.

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The Israelites looked up

• They were encamped by the sea at God’s instruction (Exodus 14:2).

• Looking up moves the scene from routine travel to an alarming discovery, much like Peter noticing the wind while walking on water (Matthew 14:29-30).

• Cross reference: Psalm 121:1-2—looking up can either focus us on danger or on the Lord who helps.

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And saw the Egyptians marching after them

• The dust cloud of 600 chosen chariots and all Egypt’s horses bore down (Exodus 14:7).

• The army’s rapid advance contrasts sharply with Israel’s stationary position, highlighting human helplessness (Exodus 14:3).

• Cross reference: 2 Chronicles 20:12—“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”

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And they were terrified

• Terror is the natural reaction when trust shifts from God’s promise (Exodus 6:6-8) to visible circumstances.

• Fear often follows a mountaintop experience of faith; Israel had just left Egypt “defiantly” (Exodus 14:8).

• Cross reference: Isaiah 41:10—“Do not fear, for I am with you.”

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And cried out to the LORD

• Panic birthed prayer; even imperfect cries reach God (Exodus 2:23-25).

• Their cry was mixed with complaint (Exodus 14:11-12), yet God still responded graciously.

• Cross reference: Psalm 34:17—“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears.”

• God turned their fear-filled plea into a showcase of deliverance, opening the sea (Exodus 14:21-22).

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summary

Exodus 14:10 captures the tense moment when God’s people, hemmed in by the sea and pursued by Pharaoh, shift from confidence to panic. Each phrase traces a downward spiral—from external threat to internal fear—yet ends with a cry that God honors. The verse reminds believers that when circumstances intimidate, the right response is to lift our eyes from the approaching enemy to the LORD who saves.