Exodus 14:28 - Divine justice drowns oppressors.

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Hebrew Text

וַיָּשֻׁבוּ הַמַּיִם וַיְכַסּוּ אֶת־הָרֶכֶב וְאֶת־הַפָּרָשִׁים לְכֹל חֵיל פַּרְעֹה הַבָּאִים אַחֲרֵיהֶם בַּיָּם לֹא־נִשְׁאַר בָּהֶם עַד־אֶחָד׃

English Translation

And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Par῾o that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.

Transliteration

Vayashuvu hamayim vayechasu et-harechev ve'et-haparashim lechol cheil Par'oh haba'im achareihem bayam lo-nish'ar bahem ad-echad.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּשֻׁ֣בוּ הַמַּ֗יִם וַיְכַסּ֤וּ אֶת־הָרֶ֙כֶב֙ וְאֶת־הַפָּ֣רָשִׁ֔ים לְכֹל֙ חֵ֣יל פַּרְעֹ֔ה הַבָּאִ֥ים אַחֲרֵיהֶ֖ם בַּיָּ֑ם לֹֽא־נִשְׁאַ֥ר בָּהֶ֖ם עַד־אֶחָֽד׃

Parasha Commentary

The Destruction of Pharaoh's Army

The verse describes the culmination of the miracle at the Yam Suf (Red Sea), where the waters returned to their natural state, drowning Pharaoh's entire army. Rashi (Shemot 14:28) emphasizes that this was a precise divine judgment—just as the Egyptians sought to destroy "even one" of Bnei Yisrael (Shemot 1:22), so too, not "even one" of them survived.

Divine Justice in the Details

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 21:8) notes that the verse specifies three groups—chariots, horsemen, and all of Pharaoh's host—to teach that each component of the Egyptian force received measure-for-measure punishment:

Chariots: Symbolized their arrogance and pursuit of power (Rambam, Moreh Nevuchim 3:36).
Horsemen: Represented their speed in oppressing Israel (Talmud, Sotah 11a).
All Pharaoh's host: Indicates collective accountability for their cruelty (Mechilta d'Rabbi Yishmael, Beshalach 7).

The Finality of Their End

The phrase "there remained not so much as one of them" is interpreted by the Sifrei (Devarim 343) as underscoring that even those who initially survived the drowning were later struck down by heavenly fire or consumed by the earth (Targum Yonatan). This aligns with the principle that when Hashem executes judgment, it is absolute (Talmud, Sanhedrin 39b).

Lessons in Emunah

Ramban (Shemot 14:29) highlights that this event was a public demonstration of Hashem's complete control over nature and history, reinforcing Bnei Yisrael's faith as they witnessed the utter annihilation of their oppressors. The Mekhilta (Beshalach 6) adds that this miracle was so definitive that no nation dared challenge Israel's exodus thereafter.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 36b

The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the miracle of the splitting of the Red Sea and the subsequent drowning of Pharaoh's army, emphasizing the completeness of their destruction.

📖 Megillah 10b

The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the downfall of the wicked, using Pharaoh's army as an example of divine justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 14:28 mean?
A: Exodus 14:28 describes the final moment of the splitting of the Red Sea, where the waters returned and drowned Pharaoh's entire army—his chariots, horsemen, and soldiers—leaving none alive. This was the culmination of the miracle that saved the Israelites from Egyptian pursuit.

Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse is important because it marks the complete downfall of Pharaoh's forces, demonstrating Hashem's absolute power and justice. The Talmud (Sotah 11a) teaches that this event was a fulfillment of divine justice, as the Egyptians who had drowned Israelite boys in the Nile (Exodus 1:22) were now drowned in the sea.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 14:28?
A: The verse teaches that Hashem protects His people and ensures justice. Rashi explains that not a single Egyptian survived, showing that when divine retribution comes, it is complete. This reinforces the idea that evil will not prevail against Hashem's plan.

Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse reminds us of Hashem's ongoing protection and justice. Just as He saved the Israelites, we trust in His deliverance in difficult times. The Midrash (Mechilta) also teaches that the splitting of the sea was a lesson in faith—just as the Israelites had to step into the sea before it split, we must sometimes take the first step in faith.

Q: Why did the waters return so suddenly?
A: According to the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 21:6), the waters returned suddenly to show that nature itself obeys Hashem's will. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah) explains that miracles are temporary suspensions of natural law to demonstrate divine intervention in history.