Question 1

Why did God tell Israel to camp by the sea in such a dangerous place?

Accepted Answer

God told Israel to turn and camp in a spot where they were boxed in by the sea, the wilderness, and, as it turned out, Pharaoh’s army. From a human point of view, it was a bad military choice, but God was in control of the situation. He placed them there so that when He rescued them, everyone would see that it was His work, not their clever planning. This hard place became the stage where God would show His power to save and teach His people to trust Him even when His leading seems confusing.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

When the passage says God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, it shows that God allowed Pharaoh’s stubborn pride to run its course and used it as part of His plan. Pharaoh had already resisted God many times. Here, God lets Pharaoh’s anger and regret over losing Israel as slaves push him to chase after them again. God then uses that pursuit to judge Egypt, rescue Israel, and make it clear to both nations that He alone is Lord. It shows God’s rule even over those who oppose Him.

Question 3

Why were the Israelites so afraid when they saw the Egyptians coming?

Accepted Answer

The Israelites were newly freed slaves, unarmed and standing with the sea in front of them and Pharaoh’s army behind them. When they lifted up their eyes and saw the Egyptians marching after them, they felt trapped and thought they were about to die. Fear pushed out the memory of what God had already done for them. Instead of trusting His promises, they focused only on the danger they could see. Their terror shows how easily people forget past help when present trouble feels overwhelming.

Question 4

Why did the Israelites complain to Moses about graves and slavery?

Accepted Answer

When panic hit, the Israelites spoke harshly to Moses, asking if he brought them out because there were no graves in Egypt. Egypt was known for its graves, so their words were bitter and sarcastic. They even claimed it would have been better to stay slaves than die in the wilderness. This complaint shows how fear can twist our thinking, making the past look better than it really was. It also shows impatience with God’s timing and a struggle to believe that freedom with God is better than comfortable bondage.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God guides His people on purpose, even into tight and painful places. He tells Moses that He will be honored over Pharaoh and his army so that the Egyptians will know He is the Lord. God is not weak or surprised by human plans. He uses even the stubbornness of a king to reveal His power, judge evil, and protect His people. At the same time, He is patient with Israel’s fear and complaints, preparing to show them again that He can save when they have no way out.

Question 6

What was happening in Israel’s story when these words were spoken?

Accepted Answer

These words come right after God brings Israel out of slavery in Egypt. The people have left in joy, but they have not yet crossed the sea. God tells them to change direction and camp near Pi-hahiroth by the sea. Pharaoh then regrets letting them go and gathers his chariots and army to bring them back. As the Egyptians draw near, Israel suddenly finds itself trapped between the sea and the soldiers. That is the moment when fear, complaint, and God’s plan all meet in this passage.

Question 7

How can this passage about Israel and Pharaoh help someone facing fear today?

Accepted Answer

This passage reminds us that being in a hard place does not mean God has left us. Israel was exactly where God told them to be and still felt trapped and afraid. Our first reaction, like theirs, may be panic, blame, or wishing we could go back to an easier but unhealthy past. Yet God was about to act for them in a way they could not imagine. Remembering this story can help us pray instead of only complaining, wait for God’s help, and trust that He can open paths we do not yet see.

Question 8

Why does the passage say Israel went out with a “high hand”?

Accepted Answer

When it says the children of Israel went out with a “high hand,” it means they left Egypt boldly and with a sense of joy and freedom. After years of slavery, they finally walked out as a free people, not sneaking away but going out openly under God’s care. This makes the later scene even more striking. The same people who went out with confidence quickly became terrified when trouble came. It shows how changeable our hearts can be and how much we need steady trust in God, not just a moment of courage.

Exodus 14:1

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

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

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