Topical Bible: Israel: Pass Through the Red Sea

◄ Israel: Pass Through the Red Sea ►

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The event of Israel passing through the Red Sea is a pivotal moment in biblical history, marking the deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and demonstrating the power and faithfulness of God. This miraculous event is recorded in the Book of Exodus, primarily in chapters 13 and 14.

Background and Context

The Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for several centuries, and their cries for deliverance reached God. He appointed Moses as their leader to confront Pharaoh and demand their release. After a series of plagues that devastated Egypt, Pharaoh finally relented, allowing the Israelites to leave. However, as they journeyed toward the Promised Land, Pharaoh's heart was hardened once more, and he pursued them with his army.

The Crossing of the Red Sea

As the Israelites camped by the Red Sea, they found themselves trapped between the sea and the approaching Egyptian forces. In their fear, they cried out to Moses, questioning why they had been brought out of Egypt only to die in the wilderness. Moses responded with faith, saying, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again" (Exodus 14:13).

God instructed Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea, and He caused a strong east wind to blow all night, dividing the waters and creating a dry path through the sea. The Israelites walked through the midst of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and left (Exodus 14:21-22).

The Destruction of the Egyptian Army

As the Israelites safely reached the other side, the Egyptians pursued them into the sea. At God's command, Moses stretched out his hand once more, and the waters returned to their place, engulfing the Egyptian chariots and horsemen. "Not one of them survived" (Exodus 14:28). This miraculous deliverance demonstrated God's sovereignty and protection over His chosen people.

Significance in Israel's History

The crossing of the Red Sea is a foundational event in Israel's history, symbolizing God's power to save and His faithfulness to His promises. It is celebrated annually in the Jewish festival of Passover, which commemorates the broader Exodus narrative. The event is frequently referenced throughout Scripture as a testament to God's mighty acts and His covenant relationship with Israel.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the crossing of the Red Sea is seen as a type of baptism, representing the believer's passage from slavery to sin into the freedom of new life in Christ. The Apostle Paul alludes to this in 1 Corinthians 10:1-2, where he writes, "For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea" .

Legacy and Influence

The account of Israel's passage through the Red Sea has inspired countless generations, serving as a reminder of God's deliverance and the importance of faith and obedience. It underscores the theme of redemption that runs throughout the Bible, pointing ultimately to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

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Exodus 14:19-22
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:
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Deuteronomy 11:4
And what he did to the army of Egypt, to their horses, and to their chariots; how he made the water of the Red sea to overflow them as they pursued after you, and how the LORD has destroyed them to this day;
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Psalm 78:1
Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
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Psalm 105:1
O give thanks to the LORD; call on his name: make known his deeds among the people.
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Psalm 106:1
Praise you the LORD. O give thanks to the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endures for ever.
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Psalm 136:1
O give thanks to the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endures for ever.
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Library

Israel at the Red Sea
... instruct you, and teach you." And it came to pass that the Lord led the children
of Israel about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red Sea, till they ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/israel at the red sea.htm

Of Israel's Bondage in Egypt, their Deliverance, and their Passage ...
... signs of holy baptism, by which the faithful pass into the ... "In this manner, then,
through many varied ... that earthly kingdom of the people of Israel, King David ...
/.../on the catechising of the uninstructed/chapter 20 of israels bondage in.htm

Why they Call Themselves Perat??; their Theory of Generation ...
... in these matters), we alone are competent to proceed through and pass beyond
destruction ... To those, then, he says, who of the children of Israel were bitten ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter xi why they call themselves.htm

Whether Christ Should have Been Baptized in the Jordan?
... river Jordan that the children of Israel entered into ... the Holy Ghost, to those who
pass through the waters ... 1: The crossing of the Red Sea foreshadowed baptism ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ should have been 4.htm

John Chapter xiii. 5-Jan
... in their flight from Egypt, they passed over the Red Sea. ... the perdition awaiting
this world, as Israel from the ... the sea]; but they did not pass through the sea ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate lv john chapter xiii.htm

Israel in Egypt
... at the last great day, is because God's Israel are in ... but when once they shall have
passed through, the parted ... all this universe of ours would pass away, never ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/israel in egypt.htm

Psalm LXXXI.
... "And Israel did not listen to Me!" For they are baptized and pass through the Red
Sea: but on the way they murmur, gainsay, complain, are stirred with seditions ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxi.htm

Where is the Lord?
... and level, and he does not stumble, so were the hosts of Israel led through the
Red ... glory of his power, and smoothed the way for the ransomed to pass over. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/where is the lord.htm

The Sixth vision "In Heaven"
... defined as those who had come out of and through the great ... may be a witness for me
against the children of Israel. ... (21) And it shall come to pass, when many ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision in heaven.htm

Following the Cloud.
... people lived in the land which they must pass through, but they were led at first
through a country ... and divide it, and the children of Israel should go on ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xii following the cloud.htm