Definition: And 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Exodus 14:25. It’s a really powerful and significant passage about God’s power and protection. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: In ancient Egypt, Israel (the Israelites) were facing a terrible crisis. They were being oppressed by the Egyptians – they were enslaved and weren't allowed to roam freely. The Egyptians were building walls around their cities, making life incredibly difficult for them. What Happened in This Verse? “Took off their chariot wheels…” : This is a dramatic metaphor. “Chariot wheels” represent the Egyptian army – their powerful forces and ability to control the Israelites. “…that they drave them heavily…” : This means God started actively fighting against the Egyptians, using his power to make it difficult for them to move around. It’s like a huge, relentless storm. “So that the Egyptians said…” : This is the key part. The Egyptians were worried! They realized that God was actively opposing them and making their situation unbearable. What Did God Do? God used his power to stop the Egyptian army from moving freely. He deliberately made it so that the Egyptians had no choice but to flee from Israel, fearing for their safety. It's a clear message of divine protection and intervention. The Significance: This verse is considered one of the most significant in the Old Testament because it illustrates God’s active role in protecting his people. It shows: God is powerful: He doesn’t just sit back and watch; he actively intervenes to defend those he has chosen. He’s a protector: It emphasizes that God is always working for those who trust him. He’s willing to fight: It demonstrates a willingness to use his power to overcome adversity. In short, this verse describes God using his strength to stop the Egyptians and encourage Israel to flee to him as a sign of their reliance on Him. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of the story? Discuss the symbolism behind the “chariot wheels”? Talk about why this verse is important in Jewish tradition?