**Whom Did They Believe?
The question “Whom did they believe?” refers to a significant moment in the story of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, particularly after the Red Sea crossing recorded in Exodus 14:31. This verse captures a turning point in Israel’s understanding, faith, and loyalty after witnessing God’s mighty intervention.
1. The Context of the Question
After centuries of slavery, Israel had just experienced one of the most dramatic rescues in human history. They saw the Red Sea part, they walked between walls of water on dry ground, and they watched the powerful Egyptian army drown behind them. The event left no room for doubt—this was the work of the living God.
Following this miraculous deliverance, Scripture gives a profound statement of Israel’s reaction:
“And Israel saw the great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.”
— Exodus 14:31
This verse identifies two objects of their belief.
2. They Believed the LORD
First and foremost, the people believed the LORD, the God who had remembered His covenant and fulfilled His promise to deliver them.
A. Why They Believed God
Their belief was grounded in what they had seen with their own eyes:
-
The ten devastating plagues that humbled Pharaoh
-
The miraculous protection given only to Israel
-
God’s visible presence in the pillar of cloud and fire
-
The parting of the Red Sea
-
The total destruction of their enemies
God had proved Himself to be sovereign, mighty, faithful, and nearer than they had ever realized.
B. What Their Belief Meant
Believing God was not merely acknowledging His power—it meant:
-
Trusting His leadership
-
Accepting His authority
-
Submitting to His commands
-
Recognizing Him as their deliverer and King
This faith was foundational for the covenant relationship God was about to establish with them at Sinai.
3. They Believed His Servant Moses
In addition to believing God, the people also believed Moses, God’s chosen leader.
A. Moses’ Leadership Vindicated
Throughout the journey, Moses had faced distrust, complaints, and suspicion from parts of the people. But the Red Sea miracle vindicated his leadership fully.
God had:
-
Spoken through Moses
-
Acted through Moses
-
Empowered Moses to lead
-
Confirmed Moses as His appointed servant
The destruction of Egypt removed any remaining doubt about Moses’ divine commission.
B. Why Believing Moses Mattered
Believing Moses meant accepting:
-
God’s instructions delivered through Moses
-
Moses’ authority as the mediator
-
Moses’ guidance for their future
This belief prepared them for receiving the Law, building the tabernacle, and forming the identity of God’s covenant people.
4. A Moment of Unity in Faith
Exodus 14:31 describes one of the rare moments when the entire nation:
-
witnessed the same miracle
-
responded with the same awe
-
and agreed in the same faith
They feared the LORD,
they believed the LORD,
and they believed His servant Moses.
This unity would shape their worship, obedience, and journey toward the promised land.
5. Conclusion
Whom did they believe?
According to the Scriptures, the Israelites believed both the LORD and His servant Moses after witnessing the great work God performed at the Red Sea.
This belief was not only a reaction to a miracle but the beginning of their identity as God’s redeemed people—following Him by faith and accepting His chosen leader.
Comments are closed.