Day 36

Happy Monday morning! It’s nice to see the sun again, and not necessarily the most normal feeling in February. Well today we read of the crossing of the Red Sea, the Song of Moses, and also complaining by the Israelites. What sticks out the most is this confrontation between Pharaoh and the Israelites, but it’s more so a confrontation between Pharaoh (a false God) and Yahweh (the true God).

Pharaoh had let the Israelites go, but then had second thoughts as their slave labor would no longer be available. So they pursue Israel and believe they have them cornered between their army and the sea. And the Israelites are thinking the same thing:

10 As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the LORD, 11 and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? 12 Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!’”

13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. 14 The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” (14:10-14 NLT)

Why is it that the Israelites are so fearful?

What did Moses tell them and what does this tell the people?

I think it’s helpful to look at the ESV of verses 13 & 14.

And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” (14:13,14 ESV)

How does Isaiah 30:15 add to your thinking?

What does this whole episode tell us about our God?