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Crossing the Red Sea

Illustration of Crossing the Red Sea
Era
Exodus & Conquest
Date
c. 1446 BC โ‰ˆ Approximate
Reference
Exodus 14:21-31
Trapped between an army and an ocean, Israel watched as God did the impossible.

Following their exodus from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites found themselves trapped between the Red Sea and the approaching Egyptian army led by Pharaoh. In response to Moses' obedience, God miraculously parted the waters of the sea, allowing the people to cross on dry land while the waters stood as walls on either side. Once the Israelites had safely passed, the sea closed back upon the pursuing Egyptians, destroying their forces and securing the Israelites' freedom. This event holds profound significance in Scripture as a testament to God's sovereign power and faithfulness in delivering His chosen people, frequently referenced as a pivotal act of redemption that foreshadows themes of salvation throughout the Bible.

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Did You Know?

1

In response to Moses' obedience, God miraculously parted the waters of the sea, allowing the people to cross on dry land while the waters stood as walls on either side.

2

Once the Israelites had safely passed, the sea closed back upon the pursuing Egyptians, destroying their forces and securing the Israelites' freedom.

3

This event is dated to approximately c. 1446 BC in biblical chronology.

4

Key figures involved: Moses, Miriam, Pharaoh Of Exodus.

5

This took place at or near Red Sea.

Key Passage

Crossing the Red Sea

Exodus 14:21-31

A21nd 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.

22 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. 23 And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaohโ€™s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. 24 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, 25 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. 26 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. 27 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. 28 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. 29 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. 30 Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. 31 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.

Read full chapter: Exodus 14 โ†’

Meanwhile in the World

Egypt is at the height of its New Kingdom power under pharaohs like Thutmose III and Ramesses II. The Hittite Empire controls Anatolia. The Late Bronze Age collapse is approaching. Troy exists as a real city. This is the time of the Amarna letters and international diplomacy.

When: c. 1446 - 1375 BC

Key Civilizations: New Kingdom Egypt, Hittite Empire

Biblical Parallels: Exodus 1-40 , Joshua 1-24