King James Version

What Does Exodus 14:24 Mean?

Exodus 14:24 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,

Exodus 14:24 · KJV


Context

22

And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

23

And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.

24

And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,

25

And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians. that they: or, and made them to go heavily

26

And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The timing 'in the morning watch' (approximately 2-6 AM, the darkest hours) marks the moment of judgment. The LORD 'looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud' combines investigation and judgment. Divine scrutiny troubles—'troubled' (hamam, הָמַם) means threw into panic, confused. God's gaze alone defeats His enemies. The same presence that guided Israel terrifies Egypt.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The morning watch was the last of three night watches. At the darkest hour before dawn, God's presence in the pillar caused panic in Egypt's forces while they were within the sea.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's scrutinizing gaze trouble the wicked while comforting the righteous?
  2. What does panic resulting from divine presence rather than military action teach about true power?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַֽיְהִי֙1 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְּאַשְׁמֹ֣רֶת2 of 15

watch

H821

a night watch

הַבֹּ֔קֶר3 of 15

And it came to pass that in the morning

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וַיַּשְׁקֵ֤ף4 of 15

looked

H8259

properly, to lean out (of a window), i.e., (by implication) peep or gaze (passively, be a spectacle)

יְהוָה֙5 of 15

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל6 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מַֽחֲנֵ֥ה7 of 15

the host

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

מִצְרָֽיִם׃8 of 15

of the Egyptians

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

בְּעַמּ֥וּד9 of 15

through the pillar

H5982

a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

אֵ֖שׁ10 of 15

of fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

וְעָנָ֑ן11 of 15

and of the cloud

H6051

a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud

וַיָּ֕הָם12 of 15

and troubled

H2000

properly, to put in commotion; by implication, to disturb, drive, destroy

אֵ֖ת13 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מַֽחֲנֵ֥ה14 of 15

the host

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

מִצְרָֽיִם׃15 of 15

of the Egyptians

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 14:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 14:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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