09/11/2024
Exodus 14 – Crossing of the Red Sea
14 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baalzephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea.3 For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in.4 And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord. And they did so.5 And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?6 And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him:7 And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them.8 And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand.9 But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon.10 And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord.11 And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.14 The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.15 And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.17 And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.18 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.19 And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: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.21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.23 And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,25 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.26 And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.27 And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.28 And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.29 But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.30 Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore.31 And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses.
(Exodus 14:1-31)
God draws Pharaoh to come out against Israel. (cf. Verses 1-4)
You shall camp before it by the sea. This moment can be seen as God setting a trap for Pharaoh. Despite the devastation from the death of the firstborn, Pharaoh’s change of heart was fleeting; he was quick to seize any opportunity to pursue the Israelites.
“They are bewildered by the land” is the impression God wanted Pharaoh to have. God commanded Moses to lead the Israelites aimlessly. This deliberate confusion was part of God’s plan to gain glory over Pharaoh, showcasing His power and purpose through seemingly chaotic actions.
Pharaoh forces Israel back to Egypt. (cf. Verses 5-9)
Why did we allow Israel to break free from serving us? This question from Pharaoh is perplexing, especially considering the many obvious reasons—specifically, the ten mighty plagues—that compelled him to let them go. It reminds us of our tendency to overlook the incredible acts of God in our lives.
Perhaps Pharaoh mistakenly believed that the plagues were the full extent of God's power and thought he could now act against Israel without consequence. This scenario mirrors our spiritual journeys; we often underestimate the tenacity of Satan, thinking he will release us or forget about us once we leave his influence. Yet, like Pharaoh chasing after Israel, Satan relentlessly pursues us, aiming to keep us tethered to his domain and hoping to bring about our destruction.
Pharaoh readied his chariot—not just any chariot, but six hundred carefully chosen ones, along with all the military chariots of Egypt. These represented the pinnacle of military technology at that time, while Israel marched forward with nothing but their boldness.
Hebrew phrase translated as "with boldness" (ruwn yad) includes nuances of rebellion against authority (cf. 1 Kings 11:26-27). This spirit of rebellion was commendable against Pharaoh and his tyranny, but it became troubling when directed against the LORD, Moses, and their divine mission. The crux of the issue for many rebels is that they often rise against the things that seek to guide and protect them.
The response of the children of Israel. (cf. Verses 11-12)
Why did we allow Israel to break free from serving us? This profound question from Pharaoh is especially striking when we consider the undeniable reasons—most notably, the ten mighty plagues—that forced him to let them go. It serves as a compelling reminder of our tendency to overlook the extraordinary acts of God in our lives.
Pharaoh may have mistakenly thought that the plagues were the full extent of God's power, believing he could now act against Israel without repercussions. This scenario is akin to our spiritual journeys; we often underestimate the relentless nature of Satan, thinking he will release us or forget about us once we escape his grip. But, like Pharaoh pursuing Israel, Satan never relents. He aims to keep us bound to his domain, seeking our ultimate destruction.
Pharaoh equipped his chariot—not just any chariot, but six hundred specially selected ones, alongside Egypt's military chariots. These represented the pinnacle of military might at that time, while Israel moved forward with nothing but their courage.
The Hebrew phrase translated as "with boldness" (ruwn yad) embodies a spirit of defiance against authority (cf. 1 Kings 11:26-27). This boldness was commendable when directed against Pharaoh's tyranny, but it turns troubling when aimed at the LORD, Moses, and their divine purpose. The essential dilemma for many rebels is that they often rise against the forces designed to guide and protect them. This underscores a vital truth: true liberation comes not from rebellion against divine guidance but from embracing it.
Moses responds with great courage. (Verses 13-14)
At this moment, Moses was uncertain about how God would help them, but he knew God would. The gravity of their situation made it clear to Moses that divine intervention was essential.
When we acknowledge God as our sole source of help, we open ourselves to greater trust in Him. Surprisingly, the small challenges we mistakenly think we can manage alone may overwhelm us rather than the significant obstacles we recognise only God can handle.
Moses commanded the people of Israel to halt. Sometimes, the Lord counsels us to be still and remain calm during dire times. Despair can weigh us down and hinder our ability to stand firm. Fear may push us to retreat. Impatience can prompt us to act hastily. Presumption might lead us to plunge into the Red Sea before it parts. However, just as God instructed Israel, He often calls us to be still and remain calm while He unfolds His plan.
Moses may not have known what God would do but was confident in the outcome. He believed that God would rescue His people and defeat their enemies. He assured Israel, "The Lord will fight for you."
You Shall See Them No More Forever: This statement suggests something deeper than it may initially appear. Moses was likely speaking about their immediate situation and hinting at eternal significance.
God leads Israel across the Red Sea.
God’s instructions to Moses are to stop praying and start doing. (Verses 15-18)
Why do you cry out to Me? Moses displayed great faith before the people but cried out in desperate prayer before God. This was important because Moses needed to demonstrate confidence in the nation to encourage their faith.
Why do you cry out to Me? There is a time for prayer and a time for action. It may contradict God's will to cease acting and only pray in certain situations. This was a time for action, and Moses could pray while he worked.
"Lift your rod and stretch out your hand." These were simple instructions tied to a mighty miracle. In the same way, the greatest miracle of salvation occurs through simple actions on our part. Just as Moses' rod did not perform the miracle, we cannot save ourselves through our efforts; rather, we connect with God's saving miracle.
"Then the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD." God was still addressing Pharaoh's question from Exodus 5:2 when Pharaoh asked, "Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice to let Israel go?" God used the miracle of parting the Red Sea to speak to Israel and convey His power to Egypt.
This dimension of spiritual life should be considered. Yet, as Ephesians 3:10-11 states, God uses His people to teach angelic beings. When God delivers us from temptation or crisis, it is a testimony to us and our unseen adversaries. Each victory we experience informs these unseen enemies of God's power and His ability to work through our frail lives of humanity.
God neutralises the Egyptian army with fire. (Verses 19-20)
The Angel of God, leading the Israeli camp, moved and went behind them. The pillar of the cloud transitioned from leading them to standing behind them, coming between the Egyptian army and the Israeli camp. This pillar became darkness for the Egyptians while providing light to Israel throughout the night, preventing either side from approaching the other.
The Angel of God moved behind them to create a barrier between Israel and the pursuing Egyptian army. God protected Israel from the Egyptian attack until the way through the Red Sea was made. We often underestimate how much God does to safeguard us from unseen enemies. While we may feel overwhelmed in a spiritual struggle, we may not realise the extent of what would happen if the LORD withdrew His protection.
The pillar stood between the Egyptians and Israel. Unbeknownst to the Egyptians, the same pillar that blocked their pursuit of Israel also offered them protection, at least temporarily. They might have been spared their eventual destruction if they surrendered to the LORD, who obstructed their path with His presence. Thus, it was a cloud of darkness to the Egyptians but a light source to Israel. This illustrates how God's glory and work can be perceived as light by one group and darkness by another.
The waters of the Red Sea are parted, and the children of Israel cross over safely on dry ground. (Verses 21-22)
Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. Other passages, such as Exodus 13:18 and 15:14, identify this body of water as the Red Sea. The Hebrew phrase for the Red Sea is “yam sup,” which translates to “Reed Sea.” Scholars and archaeologists have positively attempted to identify this body of water for years.
We don’t know exactly where the crossing took place or what the exact geography was. This uncertainty is especially true because areas like this can change significantly with each flood or drought season. However, we do know there was enough water to trap the Israelites and later drown the Egyptians. It can be surmised that there was perhaps around 10 feet of water. Additionally, there appeared to be enough width at the crossing for the large group of Israelites to cross in one night.
The Lord caused the sea to recede with a strong east wind all night, making the sea into dry land and dividing the waters. Some people believe this is simply an ancient legend that has yet to happen. However, modern research has shown that such an event is plausible.
Sophisticated computer calculations suggest that the biblical parting of the Red Sea, which is described as allowing Moses and the Israelites to escape from bo***ge in Egypt, could have happened exactly as the Bible describes. Due to the peculiar geography of the northern end of the Red Sea, researchers reported in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society that a moderate wind blowing consistently for approximately ten hours could have caused the sea to recede by about a mile and lowered the water level by ten feet, revealing dry land in the area where many biblical scholars believe the crossing occurred.
It’s important to note that this research does not prove that the crossing of the Red Sea happened at any specific location mentioned in the study. Instead, it highlights natural phenomena that God may have used to part the waters and provide an exit for Israel from the Egyptian army. Even if God employed natural phenomena, it would still be regarded as a great miracle.
The waters were a wall to them on their right and left. (cf. Psalm 77:16-20) poetically describes the events of the Red Sea crossing, depicting how it rained, thundered, and lightning struck during this miraculous event.
God troubles the Egyptian army, and they are drowned. (Verses 23-28)
He took off the wheels of their chariots, demonstrating the fierce power of God working on behalf of Israel against the Egyptians. The LORD troubled the Egyptian army until Israel crossed the Red Sea, allowing the Egyptian forces to pursue them through the parted waters.In a stunning display, the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the sea. While some regard this as merely an ancient legend, modern research indicates that such an event is feasible.
“Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may return upon the Egyptians,” God commanded Moses, linking his action to the movement of the ocean. It is essential to recognise that it was not Moses’ hand that held back the sea or brought it crashing down upon the Egyptian army; it was the immense power of God at work.
God could have performed this miracle independently, but He delights in involving people in His divine plans. Many miraculous works await realisation simply because no one has answered the call to “stretch out their hand.”
Furthermore, this act was God’s way of vindicating Moses. The Israelites had previously doubted his intentions, accusing him of having the most sinister motivations (Exodus 14:10-12). Through this miraculous event, God revealed to the nation that Moses was their appointed leader.
Not one Egyptian remained. The deliverance at the Red Sea marked a pivotal moment in Israel’s journey. Despite the many challenges ahead, Pharaoh and his army would never again threaten them.
Summary: another act of redemption on Israel’s behalf. (Verses 29-31)
Israel saw the lifeless bodies of the Egyptians washed up on the seashore, and this served as a powerful confirmation that their deliverance from Egypt was both genuine and final. An oppressed people find it difficult to believe they are truly free while their oppressors remain. God wanted Israel to grasp the reality: their tyrants had been defeated.
On that remarkable day, the Lord rescued Israel from the Egyptians, illustrating His unwavering faithfulness even in seemingly impossible situations. As a result, the people came to fear the Lord and placed their trust in Him and His servant Moses, which was precisely what God intended. Sadly, however, this deep respect and faith did not last; Israel quickly moved away from their initial reverence, demonstrating more of a temporary emotional response than true, lasting faith.
The deliverance of Passover and the miracle of the Red Sea are intricately connected. Without the triumph at the Red Sea, the redemption celebrated during Passover would have been meaningless. Yet, it was through the miraculous redemption at Passover that they reached the Red Sea. Similarly, the redemption of the cross would only be possible with the miracle of the resurrection. The two acts of deliverance are essential and must be understood as a complete narrative of salvation.
Neil McBride (Living Word Ministries; Evangelism and Media Lead)
Living Word Ministries - Deptford
Living Word Ministries - Rochester
"Original people with the heart of Jesus"
