Exodus 14:20

Exodus 14:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

so that it came between the camps of Egypt and Israel. The cloud was there in the darkness, but it lit up the night. So all night long neither camp went near the other.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

and it came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud and the darkness, yet gave it light by night: and the one came not near the other all the night.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And it came between the army of Egypt and the army of Israel; and there was a dark cloud between them, and they went on through the night; but the one army came no nearer to the other all the night.

Free Bible Version FBV

so that it was positioned between the Egyptian and Israelite camps. The cloud was in darkness on one side, but it lit up the night on the other. No one from either camp went near the other during the night.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And came betweene the campe of the Egyptians and the campe of Israel: it was both a cloude and darkenes, yet gaue it light by night, so that all the night long the one came not at the other)

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and cometh in between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel, and the cloud and the darkness are, and he enlighteneth the night, and the one hath not drawn near unto the other all the night.

World English Bible WEB

It came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel. There was the cloud and the darkness, yet it gave light by night. One didn’t come near the other all night.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Stood behind, between the Egyptians’ camp and the camp of Israel: and it was a dark cloud, and enlightening the night, so that they could not come at one another all the night.

Translation for Translators T4T

until it was between the Egyptian army and the Israeli people. The cloud caused the Egyptian army to be in the dark but it gave light for the Israelis. As a result, neither group could come near the other group during the whole night.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 14:20

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Exodus 14:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יָּבֹ֞א בֵּ֣ין מַחֲנֵ֣ה מִצְרַ֗יִם וּ/בֵין֙ מַחֲנֵ֣ה יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וַ/יְהִ֤י הֶֽ/עָנָן֙ וְ/הַ/חֹ֔שֶׁךְ וַ/יָּ֖אֶר אֶת הַ/לָּ֑יְלָה וְ/לֹא קָרַ֥ב זֶ֛ה אֶל זֶ֖ה כָּל הַ/לָּֽיְלָה

וַ/יָּבֹ֞א bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

בֵּ֣ין bêyn H996 between Prep

מַחֲנֵ֣ה machăneh H4264 camp N-cs

מִצְרַ֗יִם Mitsrayim H4714 Egypt N-proper

וּ/בֵין֙ bêyn H996 between Conj | Prep

מַחֲנֵ֣ה machăneh H4264 camp N-cs

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

וַ/יְהִ֤י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

הֶֽ/עָנָן֙ ʻânân H6051 cloud Art | N-ms

וְ/הַ/חֹ֔שֶׁךְ chôshek H2822 darkness Conj | Art | N-ms

וַ/יָּ֖אֶר ʼôwr H215 to light Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/לָּ֑יְלָה layil H3915 night Art | N-ms

וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

קָרַ֥ב qârab H7126 to present V-Qal-Perf-3ms

זֶ֛ה zeh H2088 this Pron

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

זֶ֖ה zeh H2088 this Pron

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

הַ/לָּֽיְלָה layil H3915 night Art | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 14:20

וַ/יָּבֹ֞א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

בֵּ֣ין bêyn H996 "between" Prep

Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.

Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between

Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.

מַחֲנֵ֣ה machăneh H4264 "camp" N-cs

This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.

Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people

Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.

מִצְרַ֗יִם Mitsrayim H4714 "Egypt" N-proper

This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.

Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt

Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.

וּ/בֵין֙ bêyn H996 "between" Conj | Prep

Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.

Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between

מַחֲנֵ֣ה machăneh H4264 "camp" N-cs

This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.

Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people

Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

וַ/יְהִ֤י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

הֶֽ/עָנָן֙ ʻânân H6051 "cloud" Art | N-ms

This Hebrew word means a cloud or cloudy, and is used to describe the cloud that God uses to appear to his people. It appears in the Bible to describe God's presence, and is translated as cloud in the KJV.

Definition: 1) cloud, cloudy, cloud-mass 1a) cloud-mass (of theophanic cloud) 1b) cloud Aramaic equivalent: a.nan (עֲנָן "cloud" H6050)

Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: cloud(-y). See also: Genesis 9:13; Deuteronomy 1:33; Psalms 78:14.

וְ/הַ/חֹ֔שֶׁךְ chôshek H2822 "darkness" Conj | Art | N-ms

This word refers to darkness, both physical and spiritual. It can also mean misery, destruction, or wickedness. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a state of being without light or hope.

Definition: 1) darkness, obscurity 1a) darkness 1b) secret place

Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: dark(-ness), night, obscurity. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 35:6; Psalms 18:12.

וַ/יָּ֖אֶר ʼôwr H215 "to light" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

Or means to give light, whether physically or spiritually, as in Psalm 119:105 where God's word is a light to our path.

Definition: 1) to be or become light, shine 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become light (day) 1a2) to shine (of the sun) 1a3) to become bright 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be illuminated 1b2) to become lighted up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give light, shine (of sun, moon, and stars) 1c2) to illumine, light up, cause to shine, shine 1c3) to kindle, light (candle, wood) 1c4) lighten (of the eyes, his law, etc) 1c5) to make shine (of the face)

Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break of day, glorious, kindle, (be, en-, give, show) light (-en, -ened), set on fire, shine. See also: Genesis 1:15; Psalms 67:2; Psalms 13:4.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הַ/לָּ֑יְלָה layil H3915 "night" Art | N-ms

Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.

Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.

וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

קָרַ֥ב qârab H7126 "to present" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.

Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present

Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.

זֶ֛ה zeh H2088 "this" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

זֶ֖ה zeh H2088 "this" Pron

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

הַ/לָּֽיְלָה layil H3915 "night" Art | N-ms

Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.

Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.

Study Notes — Exodus 14:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Exodus 14:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 14:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 14:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 14:20
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 14:20
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 14:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 14:20
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 14:20
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 14:20
Sermons on Exodus 14:20

Context — Parting the Red Sea

18The Egyptians will know that I am the LORD when I am honored through Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.” 19And the angel of God, who had gone before the camp of Israel, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from before them and stood behind them,

20so that it came between the camps of Egypt and Israel. The cloud was there in the darkness, but it lit up the night. So all night long neither camp went near the other.

21Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, 22and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 8:14	And He will be a sanctuary— but to both houses of Israel a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, to the dwellers of Jerusalem a trap and a snare.
2	2 Corinthians 2:15–16	For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one, we are an odor of death and demise; to the other, a fragrance that brings life. And who is qualified for such a task?
3	Proverbs 4:18–19	The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday. But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble.
4	Psalms 18:11	He made darkness His hiding place, and storm clouds a canopy around Him.

Exodus 14:20 Summary

In Exodus 14:20, we see God's protection and care for the Israelites as He places a cloud between them and the Egyptians, lighting up the night and keeping the two camps apart. This verse reminds us that God is our protector and guide, just as He was for the Israelites, and that we can trust in His care, as promised in Psalm 91:1-2. The cloud in this verse also symbolizes God's presence, which is a comforting reminder that He is always with us, even in difficult times (as seen in Matthew 28:20). By reflecting on this verse, we can deepen our trust in God's goodness and provision for our lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of the pillar of cloud in Exodus 14:20?

The pillar of cloud served as a barrier between the Egyptians and the Israelites, protecting the Israelites from their enemies, as seen in Exodus 14:20, and also as a guide for the Israelites, as mentioned in Exodus 13:21-22.

Why did the cloud lit up the night in Exodus 14:20?

The cloud lit up the night to provide light for the Israelites, while also being a symbol of God's presence and protection, similar to the description in Psalm 105:39, where God spread a cloud for a covering.

What can we learn from God's protection of the Israelites in Exodus 14:20?

We can learn that God is our protector and provider, just as He was for the Israelites, and that He will guide and care for us in times of uncertainty, as promised in Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 41:10.

How does Exodus 14:20 relate to the broader narrative of the Exodus story?

Exodus 14:20 is a pivotal moment in the Exodus story, as it sets the stage for the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus 14:21-22, and demonstrates God's power and care for His people, as seen in Exodus 14:18, where God says He will be honored through Pharaoh and his army.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that God has protected me in my own life, and how can I be more aware of His presence and care?
How can I apply the principle of trusting in God's protection, as seen in Exodus 14:20, to challenging situations in my own life?
What does the image of the cloud lighting up the night in Exodus 14:20 reveal about God's character, and how can I reflect on this in my own devotion time?
In what ways can I, like the Israelites, trust in God's guidance and provision, even when the path ahead seems uncertain?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 14:20

And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel,.... That is, the pillar of cloud, and the Angel of God, or Jehovah, in it, whereby the camp of Israel was secured from being

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 14:20

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 14:20

It was a cloud and darkness to the Egyptians, to whom it brought their former horrible darkness to mind, and did both exceedingly affright them, and altogether hinder them from motion or action, as that also did for three days. But it gave light by night to the Israelites, as the opposition showeth.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 14:20

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.Ver. 20. A cloud and darkness to them.]

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 14:20

(19, 20) The angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel—The “Jehovah” of Exodus 13:21 becomes here “the angel of God,” as “the angel of Jehovah” in the burning bush (Exodus 3:2) becomes “God” (Exodus 14:4), and “Jehovah” (Exodus 14:7). The angel is distinguished from the cloud, and represented as antedating its movements and directing them. It is clear that the object of the movement now made was double: (1) to check and trouble the Egyptians by involving them in “cloud and darkness;” and (2) to cheer and assist the Israelites by affording them abundant light for all their necessary arrangements. Although there is nothing in the original corresponding to our translators’ expressions, “to them,” “to these,” yet those expressions seem to do no more than to bring out the true sense. (Comp, the Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan, the Syriac Version, and the Commentaries of Rosenmüller, Maurer, Knobel, and Kaliseh.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 14:20

Verse 20. It was a cloud and darkness to them, c.] That the Israelites might not be dismayed at the appearance of their enemies, and that these might not be able to discern the object of their pursuit, the pillar of cloud moved from the front to the rear of the Israelitish camp, so as perfectly to separate between them and the Egyptians. It appears also that this cloud had two sides, one dark and the other luminous: the luminous side gave light to the whole camp of Israel during the night of passage and the dark side, turned towards the pursuing Egyptians, prevented them from receiving any benefit from that light. How easily can God make the same thing an instrument of destruction or salvation, as seems best to his godly wisdom! He alone can work by all agents, and produce any kind of effect even by the same instrument; for all things serve the purposes of his will.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 14:20

20. and he came] viz. the ‘angel of God’ (v. 19a). ‘Came’ follows ‘went’ (v. 19a) better than ‘stood’ (v. 19b). and there was, &c.] The rend. (in ‘yet’) is forced; the Heb. would naturally be rendered, and it lit up the night, viz. so as to deter the Egyptians from approaching the Israelites. There must be some error in the text. ‘And when it was dark, the cloud lit up the night’ (We.) would in itself yield a suitable sense: but the existing Heb. text is not an easy corruption of it. According to Joshua 24:7 (E) Jehovah ‘put thick darkness [ma’ǎ ?phçl] between’ the Egyptians and the Israelites.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 14:20

19, 20. The Angel of God — That is, the manifestation of God in the pillar of cloud and fire. See Exodus 3:2; Exodus 3:6.

Sermons on Exodus 14:20

	Sermon	Description
	Do Three Things by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes God's command to Israel during their trials: 'Fear not. Stand still. See the salvation of the Lord.' He reassures believers that God fights for them, sen
	One Strange Stone by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept that some good things can have a negative impact on people. He gives examples of how ambulances, which save lives, can also bring
	1 Peter 2:8 by John Gill	John Gill expounds on 1 Peter 2:8, illustrating how Christ serves as a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to those who disbelieve, particularly the Jews who could not accept
	A Ministry of the Significance of Christ by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks preaches about the profound meaning of Christ's presence in our lives, emphasizing that encountering Christ will lead to a deeper understanding of His significance
	Jesus Christ, the Only Foundation by Samuel Davies	Samuel Davies preaches about Jesus Christ as the only foundation, emphasizing the importance of building our hopes and eternal happiness on Him alone. He explains how the stone lai
	John the Baptist's Last Message to Our Lord Luke 7:18-35 by R.A. Torrey	R.A. Torrey explores John the Baptist's moment of doubt while imprisoned, questioning whether Jesus is truly the Messiah. Despite his earlier confidence, John's circumstances led h
	Unto the Measure of the Stature of the Fullness of Christ by A.B. Simpson	Greek Word Studies for a sermon on stumbling spiritually, focusing on the literal and figurative meanings of 'proskopto' (to stumble against an obstacle). The preacher delves into