Exodus 14:16 Meaning and Explanation
“But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Moses is to stretch his rod over the sea to divide it, creating a dry path for Israel to cross.
The Context of Exodus 14:16
God instructs Moses to use his rod to divide the sea, creating a path for Israel.
What Does Exodus 14:16 Mean?
The rod (staff) has been God's instrument throughout the plagues: turning to a serpent, striking water for blood, and summoning hail. Now it becomes the sign and means of the final, greatest deliverance. The object is simple; the act is divine.
When the sea divides, Israel will walk through it on dry ground—an act requiring both sovereign power over nature and protection of the people within the walls of water. The sea becomes both barrier (to Pharaoh) and highway (to Israel).
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 14:16
What does Exodus 14:16 mean?
Moses is to stretch his rod over the sea to divide it, creating a dry path for Israel to cross.
What is the context of Exodus 14:16?
God instructs Moses to use his rod to divide the sea, creating a path for Israel.