Exodus chapters 14 to 20 in the King James Bible (KJV) narrate Israel’s dramatic escape from Egypt, their miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, and the establishment of a covenant between God and His people at Mount Sinai. These chapters highlight God’s faithfulness, power, and the importance of obedience as Israel begins their journey toward the Promised Land. They also mark a turning point where the Israelites receive the foundational laws that will govern their lives as God’s chosen nation.
Exodus 14: The Parting of the Red Sea
In Exodus 14, the Israelites, having been freed from slavery, begin their journey out of Egypt. However, Pharaoh quickly regrets his decision to let them go. Hardened in heart once more, he gathers his army of chariots and soldiers to pursue the Israelites. As Pharaoh’s forces close in, the Israelites find themselves trapped between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army, and they panic, crying out to Moses and questioning why they had been brought out of Egypt only to die in the wilderness.
Moses reassures the people, saying, “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD” (Exodus 14:13 KJV). God then instructs Moses to stretch out his rod over the sea, parting the waters and allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. Throughout the night, a pillar of cloud stands between the Egyptians and the Israelites, preventing Pharaoh’s army from advancing.
As the Israelites cross the sea, the Egyptians follow. However, God intervenes by causing confusion among Pharaoh’s chariots, making their wheels fall off. Once the Israelites have safely crossed, Moses stretches his hand over the sea again, and the waters return, drowning the Egyptian army. This miraculous event solidifies God’s power and protection in the minds of the Israelites, and they praise Him for their deliverance.
Exodus 15: The Song of Moses and the Bitter Waters
Exodus 15 opens with the Israelites celebrating their victory over Egypt. Moses and the children of Israel sing a song of praise to God, often referred to as the “Song of Moses,” which exalts God as their deliverer and warrior. The song recounts how God “hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea” (Exodus 15:1 KJV) and expresses confidence that He will continue to lead them to the Promised Land.
After this triumphant moment, the Israelites journey into the wilderness of Shur. They travel for three days without finding water, and when they finally come to Marah, they discover that the water there is bitter and undrinkable. The people grumble against Moses, but God instructs Moses to throw a tree into the water, which miraculously makes it sweet and drinkable.
At Marah, God establishes a statute with the Israelites, promising that if they diligently obey His voice and keep His commandments, He will protect them from the diseases that plagued the Egyptians. From Marah, they travel to Elim, where they find twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees, a place of rest and refreshment.
Exodus 16: Manna from Heaven
In Exodus 16, the Israelites enter the wilderness of Sin, and once again, they begin to murmur against Moses and Aaron, complaining that they would have been better off staying in Egypt, where they had food, than dying of hunger in the wilderness. God responds by promising to rain bread from heaven to provide for their needs.
The next morning, the Israelites discover a fine, flaky substance on the ground, which they call “manna,” meaning “What is it?” God instructs them to gather only enough manna for each day, except on the sixth day when they are to gather twice as much in preparation for the Sabbath, a day of rest. Some of the Israelites disobey and attempt to gather extra manna, but it spoils by the next day. On the Sabbath, however, the extra portion remains fresh, underscoring the importance of obedience to God’s command.
God’s provision of manna continues throughout the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness, and it becomes a symbol of His faithfulness to sustain them. The chapter also marks the first mention of the Sabbath being observed in this way, emphasizing the importance of rest and reliance on God’s provision.
Exodus 17: Water from the Rock and the Battle with Amalek
In Exodus 17, the Israelites face another crisis when they arrive at Rephidim and find no water. The people quarrel with Moses, accusing him of leading them into the wilderness to die of thirst. Moses cries out to God, and in response, God instructs him to strike a rock at Horeb with his staff. When Moses strikes the rock, water flows out, providing for the people’s needs. This place is named Massah and Meribah, meaning “testing” and “quarreling,” because the Israelites tested the Lord by doubting His ability to provide for them.
Later in the chapter, the Amalekites attack the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses instructs Joshua to lead the Israelite army into battle while he stands on a hill with the staff of God. As long as Moses holds his hands up, the Israelites prevail, but when he lowers them, the Amalekites gain the upper hand. Aaron and Hur support Moses’ hands, allowing him to keep them raised until sunset, and Joshua successfully defeats the Amalekites.
After the victory, God instructs Moses to write down the events as a reminder and to proclaim that He will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek. Moses builds an altar and names it Jehovah-nissi, meaning “The LORD is my banner,” in commemoration of God’s victory.
Exodus 18: Jethro’s Advice
In Exodus 18, Moses is reunited with his father-in-law, Jethro, who brings Moses’ wife, Zipporah, and his two sons to him in the wilderness. After hearing about all that God has done for Israel, Jethro rejoices and offers sacrifices to God, acknowledging His greatness.
The next day, Jethro observes Moses spending long hours judging the people, as they come to him with disputes and questions about God’s laws. Jethro advises Moses to delegate some of his responsibilities by appointing capable men to serve as leaders and judges over smaller groups, while Moses focuses on the most difficult cases and on teaching God’s laws. Moses follows Jethro’s advice, establishing a more efficient system of governance and leadership.
Exodus 19: Israel at Mount Sinai
In Exodus 19, the Israelites arrive at Mount Sinai, where God makes His covenant with them. Moses ascends the mountain, and God speaks to him, declaring that if Israel obeys His voice and keeps His covenant, they will be His “peculiar treasure” (Exodus 19:5 KJV) and a holy nation set apart for His purposes.
God instructs Moses to consecrate the people and have them wash their clothes in preparation for His appearance on the third day. God also warns the people not to approach the mountain, as it is holy ground. On the third day, Mount Sinai is enveloped in smoke and fire, and the sound of a loud trumpet fills the air. The people tremble in fear as Moses ascends the mountain to meet with God.
Exodus 20: The Ten Commandments
Exodus 20 contains one of the most important passages in the Bible: the giving of the Ten Commandments. These commandments form the core of God’s moral law for Israel and are foundational to the covenant relationship between God and His people. They are divided into two parts: the first four commandments govern the Israelites’ relationship with God, and the last six address their relationships with one another.
- Thou shalt have no other gods before me (Exodus 20:3 KJV): Israel is to worship God alone.
- Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image (Exodus 20:4 KJV): The Israelites must not create or worship idols.
- Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain (Exodus 20:7 KJV): God’s name is to be revered and not misused.
- Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy (Exodus 20:8 KJV): The Sabbath is a day of rest, dedicated to God.
- Honour thy father and thy mother (Exodus 20:12 KJV): Respect for parents is commanded, with a promise of long life.
- Thou shalt not kill (Exodus 20:13 KJV): The sanctity of life is upheld.
- Thou shalt not commit adultery (Exodus 20:14 KJV): Faithfulness in marriage is commanded.
- Thou shalt not steal (Exodus 20:15 KJV): Respect for others’ property is required.
- Thou shalt not bear false witness (Exodus 20:16 KJV): Truthfulness in speech is commanded.
- Thou shalt not covet (Exodus 20:17 KJV): Envy and greed for others’ possessions are forbidden.
The people are terrified by the thunder, lightning, and smoke surrounding Mount Sinai and plead with Moses to speak to God on their behalf, fearing that they will die if God speaks directly to them. Moses reassures the people and approaches the thick darkness where God is, preparing to receive further instructions for the nation.
Conclusion
Exodus 14 to 20 reveals God’s mighty acts of deliverance, His provision for His people in the wilderness, and the establishment of His covenant with Israel through the giving of the Ten Commandments. These chapters mark a critical moment in Israel’s history, as they move from being a nation of slaves to becoming a people set apart for God’s purposes, bound by His law and committed to a holy and unique relationship with their Creator.