Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 14:26. It’s a really significant passage about God’s power and a major event in Jewish history! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is telling Moses to encourage the waters to rise up and flood Egypt. Let's unpack that a little bit: “Stretch out thine hand”: This isn’t just about him physically reaching out. It suggests a deliberate act of creation or power – like stretching out a hand to create something new. “Over the sea”: The “sea” here refers to the Nile River, which was vital for Egypt's agriculture and economy. God is saying he wants to flood the land with water. “Come again upon the Egyptians…” This means the waters will come back to flood Egypt – it’s a massive deluge. “…upon their chariots…” This refers to the Egyptian army, which was very powerful and mobile. The water would wash them away. “…and upon their horsemen?” This is a bit more figurative - it suggests the flood would be devastating for the Egyptian military as well. The Big Picture: Exodus 14:26 is part of a story about the Israelites (the Hebrews) being enslaved by Pharaoh, the Egyptian ruler. God decided to show his power and deliver them from slavery. This verse describes God’s plan to flood Egypt, which was a significant victory for the Israelites. It's a powerful image of God’s might and a demonstration of his judgment against those who oppress others. Important Note: It's important to remember that this story is part of a larger narrative of God’s deliverance of His people. It’s not just about flooding Egypt; it’s about demonstrating his power and bringing about a victory for the Israelites. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about this story in Jewish history? Discuss the symbolism behind this verse (e.g., it's seen as a foreshadowing of future events)?