READ: Ex. 14:10–31: … Thus Israel saw the great work which the Lord had done in Egypt …
The approaching Egyptians cause panic among the Israelites. They cry out to the LORD. But even worse is what they say to Moses: “Were there no graves in Egypt, that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness?” They ask to be left alone. These are expressions of unbelief. But Moses, who knows God’s plan (v.4), reassures them: “The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace” (v.14).
Then comes the great miracle: the LORD makes a path through the Red Sea. First, Moses must stretch out his staff to signify that this is God’s plan and work. Everything is led by Him: the arrival of the Egyptians, the hardening of their hearts to pursue the people, and the time and place where they will perish.
It must all follow God’s counsel, leading to the salvation of His people, the destruction of His enemies, and the glorification of His name.
The LORD announces all this in verses 17 and 18 — before the people march forward, before Moses stretches out his staff, and before the Egyptians reach the Israelites. That very night, the LORD begins to act. The Angel of God — the Old Testament form of the Son of God, who has led the people thus far — now moves to the rear to stand between the Israelites and the Egyptians. The pillar of cloud, in which the LORD Himself is present, also shifts to the rear, forming a barrier. All night, Egypt cannot reach Israel.
Meanwhile, Moses stretches out his staff, and a path appears in the middle of the sea, with walls of water on either side. The Egyptians pursue, but God causes their chariots to sink. All their soldiers, horses, and chariots drown in the sea, while Israel crosses on dry ground. A mighty miracle.
The people now fear the LORD and believe in Him and in Moses.
Why is this story still important today (1 Cor. 10:1,2)?
Sing: Ps. 106:3,4