The crossing of the Red Sea is recorded in Exodus 14. After the ten plagues and the death of the firstborn, Pharaoh finally allowed the Israelites to leave Egypt. However, shortly after their departure, Pharaoh regretted letting them go and pursued them with his army (Exodus 14:5–9).
The Israelites, encamped by the sea at Pi Hahiroth opposite Baal Zephon, were terrified when they saw the Egyptian army approaching. They cried out to the Lord and complained to Moses, fearing death in the wilderness. Moses answered, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord” (Exodus 14:13).
God instructed Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea, and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all night, making the sea into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the midst of the sea on dry ground, with the waters forming walls on both sides (Exodus 14:21–22).
The Egyptians pursued them into the sea, but the Lord troubled them by removing their chariot wheels and causing confusion. Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea,” and the waters returned, covering Pharaoh’s army and drowning them all (Exodus 14:26–28). Not one of them survived.
The Israelites saw the great work the Lord had done and feared the Lord, believing in Him and in His servant Moses (Exodus 14:31). Exodus 15 records the song of Moses and the children of Israel, praising God for His power, deliverance, and judgment.
The crossing of the Red Sea was a decisive act of divine deliverance, marking the true beginning of Israel’s journey as a free nation. It demons/”>demonstrated God’s power over nature and His faithfulness to His promises. It also foreshadows salvation through Christ, who delivers His people from bondage and brings them into new life by the power of God.
