Question 1

What is happening in this passage where Israel crosses the sea?

Accepted Answer

In this passage, Israel has just left Egypt and is camping by the sea with nowhere to go. God tells Moses to lead them to a place that looks like a trap, so Pharaoh thinks they are stuck and chases them with his chariots. The people see the Egyptian army and panic, complaining that it would have been better to stay slaves. God tells Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea. God sends a strong wind, parts the waters, Israel walks through on dry ground, and the Egyptian army is drowned when the waters return.

Question 2

Why did God lead Israel to camp in such a vulnerable place by the sea?

Accepted Answer

God tells Moses to turn the people back and camp where the sea is in front, wilderness around, and Egypt behind. From a human view, it looks like poor planning, but God explains His purpose. He will let Pharaoh think Israel is trapped so that Pharaoh will pursue them. Then God will step in, save His people, and bring judgment on Pharaoh’s army. By doing this, God shows that He is in control even when His people feel shut in, and He makes both Israel and Egypt see that He alone is the Lord.

Question 3

What does it mean that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart in this story?

Accepted Answer

In this passage, God says several times that He will harden Pharaoh’s heart so that Pharaoh will chase Israel to the sea. Pharaoh has already resisted God again and again. Here, God gives him over to his pride and stubbornness, so he decides to go after Israel even after all the plagues. This shows that no ruler can stand against God’s plan. God uses even Pharaoh’s rebellion to bring about His judgment on Egypt and His rescue of Israel, so that the Egyptians will know that He is the Lord.

Question 4

Why were the Israelites so afraid, and how did Moses respond?

Accepted Answer

When the Israelites see Pharaoh and his army coming, with the sea in front of them, they feel trapped and terrified. They cry out to God, but they also complain to Moses, saying it would have been better to stay in Egypt than die in the wilderness. Their fear makes them forget God’s recent wonders. Moses answers with calm faith. He tells them not to fear, to stand still, and to see the salvation of the Lord. He promises that God will fight for them and that they will never see these Egyptians again, calling them to quiet trust instead of panic.

Question 5

What does “stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord” mean here?

Accepted Answer

“Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord” comes when the people are panicking. Moses is not telling them to be lazy, but to stop their fearful arguing and watch what God is about to do. They cannot save themselves from chariots or split a sea. Their part is to trust God’s promise, stop complaining, and be ready to move when He commands. This shows that real faith often means resting our hearts while God works, then obeying when He says, as He later tells them to go forward through the opened sea.

Question 6

Why does God later tell Moses to stop crying and tell Israel to go forward?

Accepted Answer

After Moses encourages the people, God speaks to him and says, “Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.” This shows there is a time to pray and a time to act on God’s promise. God has already said He will deliver them and has told Moses to lift his rod over the sea. Now the people must walk forward in faith, even though the way looks impossible. It teaches that trust in God is not only waiting, but also obeying when He opens a path, however unlikely it seems.

Question 7

What is the pillar of cloud and fire doing in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The angel of God and the pillar of cloud, which had been leading Israel, move to the back of the camp when the Egyptians approach. The cloud stands between Israel and Egypt. To the Egyptians it brings darkness, but to Israel it gives light. All night, the two camps cannot come near each other. At the same time, God uses a strong east wind to drive back the sea. The pillar shows God’s close presence, protection, and guidance. He can block danger, confuse enemies, and at the same time give light and a clear way for His people.

Question 8

Why were the Egyptians judged in the sea while Israel was saved?

Accepted Answer

Both Israel and Egypt enter the sea, but their hearts and purposes are very different. Israel goes in because God told them to, trusting His word as they walk between the walls of water. The Egyptians go in to destroy them, ignoring all the signs that God is fighting for Israel. God troubles the Egyptian army, makes their chariot wheels come off, and then brings the waters back over them. This shows God’s justice against stubborn oppression and His mercy to those He has chosen to rescue. He uses the same sea to be a path of life for Israel and a grave for their enemies.

Question 9

What does this passage teach about God’s character and power?

Accepted Answer

This story shows God as ruler over kings, nature, and history. He directs where His people camp, knows what Pharaoh will think, and even uses Pharaoh’s stubborn heart to bring about His plan. He controls wind and sea, opening a dry path through deep water. He protects His people with the pillar, fights for them, and brings down a strong army in a moment. At the end, Israel sees the Egyptians dead on the shore and fears the Lord. The passage shows God’s power, justice, faithfulness, and care for those He saves.

Question 10

How can the Red Sea account help someone facing fear or trouble today?

Accepted Answer

This passage does not promise that God will always remove problems in the same way, but it does show His heart and power. Israel was trapped, afraid, and tempted to give up and go back to slavery. God led them there on purpose so that He could rescue them in a way no one could deny. When we feel cornered, this story reminds us that God may be working in ways we cannot see yet. It encourages us to cry out to Him, to stop feeding fear with complaints, to trust that He is with us, and to be ready to move when He opens a way.

Exodus 14:1

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

Pharaoh Pursues the Israelites

Pharaoh in Pursuit

The Sea Is Divided

Parting the Red Sea

Pharaoh Pursues the Israelites

Pharaoh in Pursuit

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Exodus 14:1

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

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Pharaoh Pursues the Israelites

Pharaoh in Pursuit

The Sea Is Divided

Parting the Red Sea

Pharaoh Pursues the Israelites

Pharaoh in Pursuit

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