What Did Moses Tell the People Not to Fear?
When the Israelites reached the shores of the Red Sea and saw Pharaoh’s army rapidly approaching, they were struck with overwhelming terror. Their journey out of Egypt had barely begun, yet danger was already closing in behind them. In this critical moment of crisis, Moses delivered one of the most powerful messages of faith and assurance in Scripture. He told the people not to fear, grounding his command in God’s presence, protection, and promise.
1. The Context of Fear: Israel Trapped Between Sea and Army
After leaving Egypt, the Israelites arrived at a location facing the Red Sea. Suddenly, they saw Egyptian chariots, horsemen, and soldiers racing toward them. Humanly speaking, they had no escape. This moment revealed their deep dependence on God—and also their tendency to doubt.
The people cried out in fear, complaining to Moses and assuming death was imminent.
2. Moses’ Message: “Do Not Be Afraid”
In Exodus 14:13, Moses boldly told the people:
“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the salvation the LORD will bring you today.”
This command was not simply a call to be brave; it was an invitation to trust God’s power at a moment when fear seemed unavoidable.
3. What Moses Told Them Not to Fear
Moses specifically told them not to fear the approaching Egyptian army.
Their fear was rooted in:
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The strength of Pharaoh’s forces
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Their own lack of weapons
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The apparent impossibility of escape
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Their belief that returning to slavery was preferable to dying in the wilderness
Moses redirected their attention away from these fears and toward God’s deliverance.
4. Moses’ Three-Part Assurance
A. “Stand Firm”
Moses instructed them not to run, panic, or retreat. They simply needed to stand their ground and trust God’s forthcoming intervention.
B. “You Will See the Salvation of the LORD”
Moses promised a divine rescue that would be visible and undeniable. This was not going to be a hidden miracle—Israel would watch it unfold with their own eyes.
C. “The Egyptians You See Today You Will Never See Again”
He assured them that Pharaoh’s army, which terrified them, would be completely removed from their future.
This was both a promise of protection and a prophecy of final deliverance.
5. The Basis of Moses’ Command: God Fights for His People
Moses concluded with a powerful statement in Exodus 14:14:
“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Here Moses reminded Israel that:
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God, not Israel, would defeat the Egyptians.
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Their part was faith, not force.
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God had brought them out of Egypt and would not abandon them now.
This assurance transformed the fear of the moment into an opportunity to witness God’s power.
6. The Outcome: God Confirms Moses’ Words
After Moses spoke:
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God parted the Red Sea
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Israel crossed on dry ground
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Pharaoh’s army followed and was drowned
Everything Moses declared came true. Israel never saw that army again, exactly as promised.
Conclusion
Moses told the people not to fear the Egyptian army.
Instead, he urged them to trust God’s salvation, stand firm in faith, and allow the Lord to fight on their behalf. His message remains a timeless reminder that fear fades when faith rises and that God’s deliverance often becomes visible at the moment we feel most trapped.