Exodus 14 - A Path Through the Sea

LINK:  Exodus 14

BACKGROUND

Pharaoh let the people go, but God hardened his heart again (9:12; 10:1, 20, 27; 11:10; 14:4,7). This is a hard concept for some to understand, but God did it in order to display His mighty power and make His name known throughout the whole earth!

Pharaoh and his army pursued the Israelites, and this caused them to fear and blame Moses for deceiving them (something they will continue to do throughout the wilderness journey). Moses showed his strong leadership and faith by assuring them that God would deliver (15:3; Nehemiah 4:20; Psalm 35:1). The angel of God protected them (14:19-20), and God displayed His mighty power by allowing the sea to part and the Egyptians to be swallowed up in the sea.

I will be pointing out throughout Scripture the top and bottom line of these Bible stories. The top line is that God is powerful to save, and He wants His people throughout all generations to believe and trust in Him:

When Israel saw the great power 
which the Lord had used against the Egyptians,

the people feared the LORD, and they believed 
in the LORD and in His servant Moses. 
(14:31)

But God's bottom line is this:

Then the Egyptians will 
know that I am the LORD, 

when I am honored through Pharaoh, 

through his chariots and his horseman.
(14:18)

He wanted this Gentile nation to stand and take notice that there is one God, and He was it! He stood up against all the gods and goddesses of the Egyptians through the plagues. This final display was meant to put an exclamation point to it! His heart was for the whole earth and all peoples from the beginning!


There is an excerpt of a video with archaeological evidence for the Red Sea crossing HERE. It is cool to see the chariot wheels! Start at about 15:00. I do not know how significant it is, but I watched the full version a few years ago, and it sure seemed convincing to me. 

REFLECTION/APPLICATION

I see God's power in this passage! How will you respond in faith to the reality of God's power? Can you recall a time when God displayed His power to you? Share this story with someone! It will build up and edify His followers and challenge the thinking of those who do not (yet) follow Him!

PRAYER

I praise You for Your might and awesome power displayed in the parting of the Red Sea. God show us Your power today. Open our eyes to see You in all our activities today. Amen.