“Crossing the Red Sea: How Moses Led Israel to Freedom”

“Crossing the Red Sea: How Moses Led Israel to Freedom”

From Exodus 14:1-31

Pharaoh’s Pursuit of Israel

 (Exodus 14:1–4 KJV) God draws Pharaoh into a trap

 “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baal-zephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea. For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in. And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD. And they did so.”

“Ye shall encamp by the sea”

God set the stage perfectly, like setting a trap. Even though Pharaoh had just lost his firstborn son and allowed Israel to go, his heart was not truly changed. As soon as he saw an opportunity, he went after them again. God knew this and used Pharaoh’s pride and stubbornness for His own glory.

 “They are entangled in the land”

God had Israel camp in a place that looked like a mistake. It looked like they were lost, confused, and cornered by the sea. But this was all part of God’s plan. He told Moses to lead the people foolishly, because He would use that situation to show His power. What looked like confusion was divine strategy. Through this, God would gain honour over Pharaoh, and everyone would see He alone is the LORD.

(Exodus 14:5–9 KJV) Pharaoh Goes After Israel Again

“And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us? And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him: And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them. And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand. But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pi-hahiroth, before Baal-zephon.”

“Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go?”

It’s a strange question for Pharaoh to ask. After ten plagues, blood, frogs, darkness, and even the death of the firstborn, Pharaoh should’ve known exactly why he let them go. But just like many people, he quickly forgot what God had done. His heart turned hard again, and pride clouded his memory.

Maybe Pharaoh thought God had done all He could, and now the danger had passed. He was wrong.

In the same way, when someone turns to follow God, the enemy does not give up easily. Just like Pharaoh chased Israel, Satan often tries to pull people back into bondage. He does not let go without a fight.

Pharaoh got his chariots ready, not just one, but a whole force. When it says he “made ready his chariot,” it likely means he mobilised his full army, not just his ride.

“Six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt”

 

Pharaoh did not hold anything back. Chariots were the most powerful weapons of that day, like tanks in ancient warfare. Israel, on the other hand, had no guns, no army, nothing but faith. But they went out “with a high hand”, bold and confident.

That phrase, with a high hand, in Hebrew, speaks of acting boldly, even rebelliously. It meant Israel was shaking off Egypt’s rule.

 

That kind of rebellion was good when it was against Pharaoh. But later, that same spirit would turn against Moses and God. That’s the problem with many rebels: they fight but don’t always know what’s worth fighting for.

 

It reminds us: boldness is powerful when it’s pointed in the right direction—against sin, against slavery, against the enemy. But boldness without obedience becomes pride.

 

(Exodus 14:10–12 KJV) The People Panic at the Red Sea

“And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD. And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.”

“They were sore afraid”

 

Israel looked up and saw an army of chariots rushing toward them. The Red Sea blocked their path forward, and Pharaoh’s army blocked the way back. It is no wonder they were terrified.

God had led them to this very place. From a human point of view, they were trapped, surrounded by the sea and soldiers.

 As one writer said, they could not fight, run, or hide. They looked like sitting ducks.

Spurgeon once pointed out that there was only one path forward, which was through the sea. Sometimes, God puts us in situations where we have no option but to trust Him completely.

 “The children of Israel cried out unto the LORD”

Despite their fear, they did the right thing first; they prayed. When we face overwhelming trouble, crying out to God is always the right move. As Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Their panic was natural; these were recently freed slaves, not trained warriors. But fear doesn’t mean we are faithless. It just means we need to bring that fear to God.

“Because there were no graves in Egypt…?”

But then came the sarcasm. They turned their fear into bitterness and began accusing Moses. “Did you bring us out here to die? Were there not enough graves back in Egypt?”

Egypt was famous for its pyramids, tombs, and monuments. Their complaint was biting and bitter.

Of course, Moses never said anything about leading them to die. But fear often makes people forget facts and assume the worst.

Instead of remembering the power of God in the plagues, they let panic rewrite the story.

“Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians”

Now their memory twisted things. They claimed they’d wanted to stay in Egypt, but that’s not what the Bible records. When Moses came, they cried for freedom. But now, just a few days out, they said slavery was better.

Fear made them prefer bondage over bravery.

They saw their past through rose-coloured glasses. Although Egypt had been hard, cruel, and deadly, at that moment, it seemed safer than walking by faith.

This moment shows how quickly people can go from praising God to doubting Him. When pressure comes, forgetting past victories and focusing on current fear is easy. But God’s plan had not changed, and neither had His power. He brought them to the sea, not to destroy them, but to deliver them in a way no one would ever forget.

(Exodus 14:13–14 KJV) Moses Responds with Bold Faith

“And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”

“Fear ye not”

 

Moses had no battle plan, no boats, no bridge, just faith. He didn’t know how God would save them, but he was sure God would. The situation was so impossible that it could only be solved by God Himself.

 

• Sometimes, the smaller problems we think we can handle trip us up. But when we know we’re powerless, like Israel here, it’s easier to depend on God fully.
• Moses’ words remind us that even when there is no way forward and nowhere to turn, God is still enough.

“Stand still”

Moses told the people to stop moving and panicking and be still. That’s not always easy when you’re surrounded by fear, but it is often God’s command in times of crisis.

• Despair tells us to give up.
• Fear tells us to run.
• Impatience says, “Do something, anything!”
• Pride says, “Fix it yourself.”
• But faith says, “Be still, and trust God. 
• Sometimes the hardest step of faith is to stop trying to fix everything and wait for the Lord to move.

 “See the salvation of the LORD”

 Moses did not know what miracle was coming but knew the outcome: God would save them. God had brought them out of Egypt, and He was not about to abandon them now.

• The word salvation here means rescue—real, physical deliverance. Later in Scripture, it takes on a spiritual meaning, too, but to Israel at that moment, it meant, “God is going to save our lives right now.”
• “The LORD shall fight for you”—this wasn’t their battle. It was God’s. And he never loses.

 “Ye shall see them again no more forever”

 This promise went deeper than just the moment. Moses wasn’t only talking about the Egyptians; they could see he was declaring an end to their slavery, oppression, and fear that had haunted them for generations.

• God would not just remove the danger; they would never see it again.
• It reminds us that when God sets us free, He does it completely. The enemies that once chased us have lost all power in the presence of the Lord.

Moses’ words were not based on what he saw but on who he knew. He knew God was faithful and powerful. And he knew that when God is fighting for you, all you have to do is stand still, be quiet, and watch the victory unfold.

God Leads Israel Through the Red Sea

 (Exodus 14:15–18) God Tells Moses: Stop Crying, Start Moving

And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.
And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

“Why criest thou unto me?”

Moses stood strong in faith in front of the people, but he cried out in prayer before God. That’s not a bad thing. Leaders sometimes have to be brave outwardly while being honest with God inwardly. Still, God told Moses, “Now’s not the time to keep praying, tell the people to move forward!”

 There is a time to pray, and a time to act.

Prayer is powerful and right, but sometimes we stop doing what we should and only pray. God wanted Moses to keep moving while praying, not to stop everything and wait.

• As Spurgeon said, “Prayer is right for nearly every season, but sometimes action must come first.”
• Trapp added, “Don’t just ask for help, walk in the way that help is coming.”
• Spurgeon also gave this wisdom: “Some people have a sin they will not let go, and they say they willl pray about it. But God says, ‘Why cry to me? Let go of that sin!’ Yes, ask for repentance—but start repenting too.”

 “Lift thy rod.”

Moses was given simple instructions, but they were tied to a mighty miracle. Just like Moses’ rod did not part the sea by itself, we do not save ourselves by our power, but by trusting and obeying God. When we act in faith, He does the miracle.

• Clarke said, “The rod wasn’t magic, and Moses didn’t do the miracle. But God wanted the people to see that He had chosen Moses as His servant.”

“Then the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD.”

God still answered Pharaoh’s proud question in Exodus 5:2, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey him?” God was about to show all of Egypt exactly who He was.

But this miracle was not just for Israel, it was also a message to Egypt and the invisible spiritual world.

• Ephesians 3:10-11 says that God teaches angelic beings through His people. When He brings us through a hard time, it’s not only to help us—it’s to show the unseen world that He is mighty, even through weak people like us.
• Every time God gives us victory, it speaks loudly to heaven and hell that He is the LORD.

(Exodus 14:19–20) God Blocks the Enemy with His Presence

And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:
And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night

“The angel of God… went behind them.”

Through His angel and the pillar of cloud, God Himself stood between His people and their enemies. This was not just a pretty sign in the sky but a divine shield. Until the sea was parted, God stood guard.

• Often, we have no idea how much danger God holds back from us. We might feel overwhelmed in a battle, but if God ever removed His protection, we would truly see how much He has been fighting for us behind the scenes.

 “It came between the Egyptians and Israel.”

The same presence that blocked the Egyptians also protected them, for a time. If they had humbled themselves and turned back, they might have lived. But they kept charging forward, not knowing they were running straight into judgment.

• God often puts up barriers, not just to stop people, but to give them time to think, to turn around, and to be spared.

 “Cloud and darkness to them, but light to these.”

 The pillar that lit the night for Israel was a wall of darkness for Egypt, one presence, two very different effects.

• God’s glory shines bright to those who follow Him, but it can seem like darkness and confusion to those who resist Him.
• One writer said, “This shows both sides of God’s glory: salvation and judgment.”
• Even today, the Word of God, the Gospel, and Christ Himself are full of light and hope for believers, but to those who refuse Him, the same truth can seem hard, even offensive.

(Exodus 14:21–22) God Parts the Red Sea and Israel Walks Through on Dry Land

And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

“Moses stretched out his hand over the sea.”

The sea mentioned here is the Red Sea; in Hebrew, it’s called “Yam Suph,” meaning “Sea of Reeds.” Bible scholars and archaeologists have tried to locate where the crossing happened for many years.

• Some believe it happened in the lake regions north of the Gulf of Suez, near Lake Timsah or the Bitter Lakes. Others say it could’ve been near Lake Sirbonis. These areas have shifting land and water levels from floods and droughts, so the exact location is hard to pinpoint.
• What we do know is that there was enough water to trap the Israelites and enough to drown Pharaoh’s army later. It may have been ten feet deep or wide enough for a large crowd to cross in one night.
• Others suggest a completely different route—placing Mount Sinai in Arabia and crossing at the Gulf of Aqaba (perhaps at Nuweiba Beach, Ezion Geber, or the Straits of Tiran). Wherever it was, God made a way where there was no way.
• “The LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind.”

All night, God worked, sending a mighty wind to push the waters back and dry the sea floor. Some call this a myth. But even modern research shows it’s possible.

• A 1992 Los Angeles Times article explained that, based on computer models and geography, a steady east wind blowing for 10 hours could have parted the sea for up to a mile, lowering the water level about 10 feet, making a path of dry land.
• That doesn’t remove the miracle, it shows how God may have used natural forces at just the right time. Even if the wind was natural, the timing, power, and purpose were supernatural.
• Clarke once said, “To deny the miracle is more foolish than believing it. Poor unbelief, how pitiful are thy excuses!”

“The waters were a wall on their right and left.”

This wasn’t a muddy escape—it was a path through the sea, with the waters standing like walls on both sides.

Psalm 77:16 20 tells us more—it says there was thunder, lightning, rain, and trembling earth during the crossing. Nature itself shook as God delivered His people.

God not only makes a way, He makes it in the middle of what seems impossible. The sea was a barrier, but with one stretch of obedience and a breath from heaven, it became a highway. What was once a trap becoming a testimony.

(Exodus 14:23–28) God Destroys the Egyptian Army in the Red Sea

“And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians. And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen. And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.”

“He took off their chariot wheels.”

God Himself stepped in and began to fight against Egypt. As they charged into the sea, the LORD confused their army. Their chariots broke down, wheels came off, and they struggled to drive forward.

• The enemy did not realise it at first, but it was too late by the time they did. They cried out, “The LORD fights for Israel!”—even Egypt had to admit who was truly in control. 

“So the LORD overthrew the Egyptians.”

This was not a fairy tale or legend. Even scientists admit that a sudden shift in strong winds could cause water to rush back in, as the Bible says.

• As the Los Angeles Times once reported, a sudden wind change could cause a flood to surge in moments, drowning anything in its path.
• Still, this was no accident of nature—it was the hand of God, at the exact moment when Israel had crossed and Egypt was still in the sea. 

“Stretch out thine hand over the sea.”

God told Moses to raise his hand again, and when he obeyed, the sea returned with all its power.

• It was not Moses’ power, but God working through Moses’ obedience.
• God could have done it alone, but He chose to include Moses. Many of God’s miracles today still wait for someone willing to step up and stretch out a hand in faith.

“Stretch out thy hand”—a simple act, yet mighty when done in faith.

• This was also God vindicating Moses. The people had doubted him, even accused him of bringing them out to die (Ex. 14:10-12). But now, by God’s hand through Moses, the people saw who God had truly chosen to lead them.

“Not so much as one of them remained.” 

This was a total defeat. Not one soldier of Pharaoh’s army made it out alive. The Red Sea became the final resting place of Egypt’s pride.

• This was a turning point in Israel’s story. Egypt had been their captor, their fear, their oppressor. But after this day, Pharaoh never troubled them again.
• Yes, they would still face battles ahead—but this enemy was forever behind them.

God not only makes a way through the sea, He also closes it behind you. What once chased you will never chase you again. God fights for His people, and no enemy can stand when He fights.

(Exodus 14:29–31) God Completes His Deliverance—Israel Walks Free

But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.

“Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the seashore.”

God gave His people a visible sign of their full and final deliverance. No more fear. No more chains. The army that once ruled over them now lay lifeless on the shore.

• Freedom is hard to believe when your enemy is still standing. God made sure Israel saw for themselves that their captors were gone forever.
• One writer said, “This is like the end of a chapter. The soldiers lying dead were proof that the old life of slavery was over.”
• And as Meyer said, “Though trials seem unbearable now, a day will come when you shall look back and see them slain like Egypt’s army.”
• Meyer also compared this to our eternal hope, that on the morning of resurrection, we will rise to see death, sin, and sorrow cast down forever.
• Clarke even suggested that the Israelites took weapons from these fallen soldiers—tools they would later use in battles ahead. What once threatened them now became a means of victory.

 “So the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians.”

God brought His people through impossible odds, showing His love and faithfulness to His own name.

• Spurgeon told of an old saint who, on her deathbed, was asked: “What if Jesus doesn’t keep His promise to save you?”
• She answered, “Then he would be the greater loser. I would lose my soul—but He would lose His word, name, and glory.”
• God’s faithfulness is not only for our good but also for His glory. He saves us because He loves us, yes, but also because He will not lie.

 “If God began this work of salvation in us,“ Spurgeon said, “and left us to die in the wilderness, He would lose His glory, the Son would lose His title as Saviour, and the Spirit would lose His name as Finisher of the work.”

“The people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and His servant Moses.”

This moment stirred deep awe and belief in Israel. They feared God, trusted Him, and finally recognised Moses as His chosen leader.

• Sadly, this faith was short-lived. It may have been more a feeling than a firm trust, as they would soon murmur again. But in this moment, God had their hearts and their attention.
• Like Passover and the Red Sea went hand in hand, so did the cross and the resurrection. Without the Red Sea, Passover’s freedom meant nothing. And without the resurrection, the cross would not bring eternal life.
• Deliverance is a journey—God begins it with the blood (Passover) and confirms it by defeating the enemy (Red Sea). In our lives, Jesus saves us by His blood and confirms it by rising from the dead and crushing sin, death, and hell.

 “Israel walked through a path that should have led to death, but instead, it led to life. And they walked in Jehovah’s full power and presence, from whom they could not escape.”

Real freedom means your enemy lies behind you, not beside you.

God did not just bring Israel out, He brought them through. On the other side, they saw the proof: God saves completely, and He keeps every promise, for His glory and for our good.

“Crossing the Red Sea: How Moses Led Israel to Freedom”

DTA – Neil McBride

(CEO and founder of Downtown Angels)