Exodus 14:24
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,
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיְהִי֙
H1961
וַֽיְהִי֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הַבֹּ֔קֶר
And it came to pass that in the morning
H1242
הַבֹּ֔קֶר
And it came to pass that in the morning
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
וַיַּשְׁקֵ֤ף
looked
H8259
וַיַּשְׁקֵ֤ף
looked
Strong's:
H8259
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, to lean out (of a window), i.e., (by implication) peep or gaze (passively, be a spectacle)
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מַֽחֲנֵ֥ה
the host
H4264
מַֽחֲנֵ֥ה
the host
Strong's:
H4264
Word #:
7 of 15
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
בְּעַמּ֥וּד
through the pillar
H5982
בְּעַמּ֥וּד
through the pillar
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
9 of 15
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
וְעָנָ֑ן
and of the cloud
H6051
וְעָנָ֑ן
and of the cloud
Strong's:
H6051
Word #:
11 of 15
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
וַיָּ֕הָם
and troubled
H2000
וַיָּ֕הָם
and troubled
Strong's:
H2000
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, to put in commotion; by implication, to disturb, drive, destroy
אֵ֖ת
H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Exodus 13:21And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:Exodus 14:25And 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.Psalms 48:5They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away.Job 34:29When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:Job 34:20In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand.Job 40:12Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's scrutinizing gaze trouble the wicked while comforting the righteous?
- What does panic resulting from divine presence rather than military action teach about true power?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.