Exodus 14:20
And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּבֹ֞א
And it came
H935
וַיָּבֹ֞א
And it came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 20
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
בֵּ֣ין׀
H996
בֵּ֣ין׀
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
2 of 20
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
מַֽחֲנֵ֣ה
and the camp
H4264
מַֽחֲנֵ֣ה
and the camp
Strong's:
H4264
Word #:
3 of 20
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
וּבֵין֙
H996
וּבֵין֙
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
5 of 20
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
מַֽחֲנֵ֣ה
and the camp
H4264
מַֽחֲנֵ֣ה
and the camp
Strong's:
H4264
Word #:
6 of 20
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
7 of 20
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וַיְהִ֤י
H1961
וַיְהִ֤י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
8 of 20
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הֶֽעָנָן֙
and it was a cloud
H6051
הֶֽעָנָן֙
and it was a cloud
Strong's:
H6051
Word #:
9 of 20
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
וְהַחֹ֔שֶׁךְ
and darkness
H2822
וְהַחֹ֔שֶׁךְ
and darkness
Strong's:
H2822
Word #:
10 of 20
the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness
וַיָּ֖אֶר
to them but it gave light
H215
וַיָּ֖אֶר
to them but it gave light
Strong's:
H215
Word #:
11 of 20
to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַלָּֽיְלָה׃
all the night
H3915
הַלָּֽיְלָה׃
all the night
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
קָרַ֥ב
to these so that the one came not near
H7126
קָרַ֥ב
to these so that the one came not near
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
15 of 20
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
Historical Context
This supernatural darkness/light barrier prevented Egyptian attack during the night while Israel prepared to cross. The pillar that guided now protected, showing God's presence meeting every need.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the same divine presence bringing light to some and darkness to others picture the gospel's dividing effect?
- What does God preventing enemy approach teach about His timing in deliverance—protection while preparing salvation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The pillar's dual function—'it gave light to them' (Israel) while 'it was a cloud and darkness to them' (Egypt)—demonstrates one divine presence producing opposite effects based on relationship. Light to believers, darkness to unbelievers. The result: 'the one came not near the other all the night' means God prevented Egyptian advance overnight. The same gospel is life to believers, death to unbelievers (2 Corinthians 2:16).