Topical Bible: Prayer: Answered: from Pharaoh's Army

◄ Prayer: Answered: from Pharaoh's Army ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The deliverance of the Israelites from Pharaoh's army is a profound example of answered prayer in the Bible, showcasing God's power and faithfulness in response to the cries of His people. This event is primarily recorded in the Book of Exodus, where the Israelites, having been freed from slavery in Egypt, find themselves pursued by Pharaoh's formidable forces.

Context and Background

After enduring centuries of bondage in Egypt, the Israelites, under the leadership of Moses, were finally granted freedom following a series of divine plagues that culminated in the Passover (Exodus 12). However, Pharaoh's heart was hardened once more, and he regretted letting the Israelites go. As a result, he mobilized his army to recapture them, leading to a dramatic confrontation at the Red Sea.

The Israelites' Desperation

As the Israelites camped by the sea, they saw Pharaoh's army approaching and were filled with fear and despair. In their distress, they cried out to the Lord and expressed their fear to Moses, questioning why they had been brought out of Egypt only to die in the wilderness (Exodus 14:10-12). This moment of crisis prompted a fervent plea for divine intervention.

Moses' Assurance and God's Response

Moses, standing firm in faith, reassured the people with a powerful declaration: "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still" (Exodus 14:13-14). This assurance was not merely a call to calm but a profound statement of trust in God's imminent action.

God responded to the Israelites' plight with a miraculous deliverance. He instructed Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind, turning it into dry land. The Israelites crossed the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and left (Exodus 14:21-22).

The Defeat of Pharaoh's Army

As Pharaoh's army pursued the Israelites into the sea, God intervened once more. He caused confusion among the Egyptian forces, clogging their chariot wheels and throwing them into disarray. At God's command, Moses stretched out his hand over the sea again, and the waters returned to their place, engulfing the entire Egyptian army (Exodus 14:26-28).

Significance of the Answered Prayer

This event is a testament to God's sovereignty and His ability to deliver His people against overwhelming odds. The answered prayer at the Red Sea is celebrated as a pivotal moment in Israel's history, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting in God's deliverance and the efficacy of prayer in times of dire need.

The Israelites' song of praise in Exodus 15, often referred to as the Song of Moses, encapsulates their gratitude and recognition of God's mighty hand in their salvation: "The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father's God, and I will exalt Him" (Exodus 15:2). This song reflects the joy and relief of a people who have witnessed firsthand the power of answered prayer.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 14:10-30
And when Pharaoh drew near, 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 to the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Rod that Troubled Egypt.
... go out of the land, and the Lord answered his prayer ... from, "this death only," and,
at Moses' prayer, a mighty ... But again the heart of Pharaoh turned against God ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xi the rod that.htm

Before Egypt's Throne
... "Even so," he answered with a short laugh ... "Speak.". "My father asked an Israelite
maiden at the hands of the Pharaoh a year agone ... "Thy prayer seeketh to come ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxix before egypts throne.htm

Entangled in the Land
... my cross?" When, after hours of anguish and prayer, you have ... had been left to perish
when Pharaoh said they ... and you were to be lost?" She answered, "He would ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/entangled in the land.htm

The Son of the Murket
... is the expression of mine own ideas," he answered roughly ... The Pharaoh is sadly torn
between the twain ... paternal Prince," he said, "repeat us a prayer of exorcism ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xvii the son of.htm

The Incomparable Bridegroom and his Bride
... which his thoughts were engaged, and he answered, "I am ... You are conscious that you
have restrained prayer, that you ... to a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the incomparable bridegroom and his.htm

The Bible and the French Revolution.
... in the name of the Lord, Pharaoh proudly answered, "Who is ... be manifest the atheism
of the Pharaoh and the ... and helpless, they fell upon their knees in prayer. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /15 the bible and the.htm

The Bible and the French Revolution
... in the name of the Lord, Pharaoh proudly answered: "Who is ... be manifest the atheism
of the Pharaoh and the ... and helpless, they fell upon their knees in prayer. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 15 the bible and.htm

The First Book
... if he were not sure that God hearkens to prayer. ... the commission of his crime, he
answered that he ... Pharaoh repented, gathered his army, overtook the fugitives ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the first book.htm

Book iii.
... times in a day?" The Lord answered and said ... Jacob says in his prayer, [5304] "If
the Lord ... Wherefore, also, dreams were suggested to Pharaoh's attendants, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book iii.htm

A Discourse
... and therefore to use all means, as Pharaoh did, to ... of goodness, as of faith, love,
prayer, holy conversation ... set up in his temple, and is fitly answered by that ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm