Exodus 14:15
And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
תִּצְעַ֖ק
Wherefore criest
H6817
תִּצְעַ֖ק
Wherefore criest
Strong's:
H6817
Word #:
6 of 12
to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)
דַּבֵּ֥ר
thou unto me speak
H1696
דַּבֵּ֥ר
thou unto me speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
8 of 12
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
בְּנֵֽי
unto the children
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
unto the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
10 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
Joshua 7:10And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face?Nehemiah 9:9And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red sea;Exodus 17:4And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.
Historical Context
This rebuke shows prayer can become avoidance of obedience. Israel was called to move toward the sea while Moses enacted the miracle. Faith requires both prayer and obedient action.
Questions for Reflection
- When has extended prayer become an excuse to avoid obedient action God has already commanded?
- What 'sea' is God telling you to move toward despite seeing no path through?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God's question 'Wherefore criest thou unto me?' seems surprising after telling them to cry out (verse 10). The issue isn't prayer but paralysis—they're praying instead of obeying. The command 'speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward' requires movement toward the sea despite no visible path. Faith obeys before seeing the way. This distinguishes genuine faith (obedient action) from mere religious emotion (paralyzed praying).