Day 31 · Part 3: Out of Egypt
Through the Sea
In the Story
In context
Pharaoh changes his mind and chases Israel with six hundred chosen chariots and all the chariots of Egypt (Exodus 14:5–7). Israel is camped by the sea near Pihahiroth, Migdol and Baal Zephon, places that can’t be located with certainty today (14:2). The pillar of cloud moves between the two camps, a strong east wind blows all night, and Israel walks through the sea on dry ground (14:19–22). When morning comes, the water returns over Pharaoh’s army, not one of them is left, and Israel sees the Egyptians dead on the seashore (14:27–30).
Moses and Israel sing to the Lord (15:1–18), and Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, leads the women with tambourines and dancing (15:20–21). Revelation describes people singing “the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb” (Revelation 15:3). Three days on, the water at Marah is bitter (Marah means bitter) until the Lord shows Moses a tree to throw in; there God says, “I am Yahweh who heals you” (15:22–26). Then they camp at Elim, by twelve springs and seventy palm trees (15:27).
Your way was through the sea, your paths through the great waters. Your footsteps were not known. You led your people like a flock, by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
Psalms 77:19–20 · Psalm 77 looks back on this crossing: “Your way was through the sea,” and God led his people like a flock by Moses and Aaron.
In the Bible
World English Bible, as published by eBible.org (public domain).
Exodus 14
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Exodus 15
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A hymn for today
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God · words by Martin Luther
- A mighty fortress is our God,A bulwark never failing;Our helper He, amid the floodOf mortal ills prevailing:For still our ancient foeDoth seek to work us woe;His craft and pow'r are great,And, armed with cruel hate,On earth is not his equal.
- Did we in our own strength confide,Our striving would be losing;Were not the right Man on our side,The Man of God's own choosing:Dost ask who that may be?Christ Jesus, it is He;Lord Sabaoth His name,From age to age the same,And He must win the battle.
- And though this world, with devils filled,Should threaten to undo us,We will not fear, for God hath willedHis truth to triumph through us:The prince of darkness grim,We tremble not for him;His rage we can endure,For lo, his doom is sure;One little word shall fell him.
- That word above all earthly pow'rs,No thanks to them, abideth;The Spirit and the gifts are oursThrough Him who with us sideth:Let goods and kindred go,This mortal life also;The body they may kill:God's truth abideth still;His kingdom is forever.