Exodus 14:31

And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses.

Exodus 14:31 (KJV)

Context

This verse closes the account of Israel’s escape from Egypt. In Exodus 14, the Israelites are trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army. God parts the sea, they cross on dry ground, and the waters return upon the Egyptians. The people witness this deliverance firsthand. This event was a decisive act of salvation and judgment, confirming God’s covenant faithfulness and His sovereign control over history.

Meaning

The verse says Israel “saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians.” The Hebrew word for “work” can also mean “hand,” pointing to God’s mighty power in action. This visible act produced two responses: fear and belief. The fear is not terror but reverent awe before God’s holiness and strength. The people recognized His sovereignty and trusted Him as their protector and provider. Their belief also extended to “his servant Moses.” Moses was God’s chosen leader, the one through whom God worked. The people’s faith in Moses was not separate from faith in God; it was part of recognizing God’s appointed servant. This marked a turning point. Israel’s faith now rested on firsthand experience of God’s power, not only on promises given to their ancestors.

Biblical connections

The pattern of seeing God’s work and responding with faith appears throughout Scripture. In Exodus 14:31, seeing leads to fearing and believing. This same connection is seen in the New Testament, where faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). Here, the people saw and believed, showing that God reveals Himself through mighty acts and through His word. True faith arises from recognizing God’s mighty acts and responding with worship and obedience.

Application

This verse encourages readers to reflect on how God’s interventions inspire awe and deepen trust. When we recognize God’s hand in our lives, we respond with reverence and faith. It also reminds us that God works through chosen leaders. Believing in them, when they faithfully represent Him, is part of believing in God. We should honor those God places over us, while keeping our ultimate trust in Him. God still works through human leaders today, and our response to them can reflect our response to Him.

Reflection

Consider a time when you clearly saw God’s work. How did that experience shape your fear of Him and your belief? Like Israel, we are called to move from hearing about God to knowing Him through His acts. This verse invites us to let every display of God’s power lead us to deeper reverence, stronger faith, and grateful obedience.