Exodus 14 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

This whole chapter is the record of an important event in the history of Israel known as the “parting of the Sea of Reeds (Red Sea).” Throughout this chapter and chapter 15, the word “sea” is used. Exodus 13:18 and 15:22 show that this is the Sea of Reeds (Red Sea). Since the text does not explicitly say that though, the ULT will only say “sea.” In your translation, it may help people to be more specific than the text if just using “sea” is confusing.

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

Pharaoh’s chariots

These chariots were a fighting force. Pharaoh took an army to kill the Hebrew people. (See: figs-explicit)

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Rhetorical Questions

The Israelites asked a few rhetorical questions of Moses. These questions were not really directed at Moses, but at Yahweh. This showed their lack of faith in Yahweh. (See: figs-rquestion and faith)