Read Exodus 14
Helpful Background Information:
This passage takes place during the Israelite exit from their captivity in Egypt. The Israelites were led by Moses, the writer of the book of Exodus. This event takes place after the ten plagues in chapters 7-12.
The Sea which the Israelites crossed is the “Sea of Reeds” which is sometimes translated as the “Red Sea” due to the early Greek translation of the Bible. The exact location of where the crossing of the sea happened is debated among scholars, but it was clearly large enough and powerful enough to kill Pharoah’s army.
This passage bears significant theological significance because of God’s statement in verse 4, that the Egyptians will “know that I am the Lord,” or “YHWH.” In this, God made Himself known to the nations by publicly delivering His people. In Joshua 2:8-11, Rehab makes it known that she feared the Lord because of what she had heard had happened at the Sea of Reeds. Then again in Joshua 5:1, 9:9-10 and 1 Samuel 4:8. God did all of this so that His name would be proclaimed in all the earth.
This passage also bears significance because of God’s rescue in impossible circumstances. This miracle showed God’s people that He is good and able to liberate His people in His own way. The Israelites were assured by this that God was able and willing to save His people by extraordinary means.
Reflection Questions:
How does God’s hardening of Pharoah’s heart and His desire to gain glory over Pharoah and his army shape your understanding of God’s sovereignty? Does it challenge you or comfort you that God orchestrated this event to reveal His power?
The Israelites cried out in this passage out of fear without faith. What does it look like to cry out in faith and certainty of God’s sovereignty?
In this passage, God saved His people by extraordinary means, bringing them out of captivity. How does this foreshadow the work of Christ’s atonement on the cross? What does this understanding reveal about God and His love?