Exodus 13:17 - 15:21

We reach, in this section, the 'Exodus' itself. Some brief but significant information is given in 13:17-22. First, we are told that God directed the people away from the Philistines (though it was a shorter route) because war would pose a temptation for His people that they might not be able to bare. This reminds us of 1 Corinthians 10:13 where it says God won't allow us to face any temptation that we aren't able to resist. It also reminds that short-cuts aren't always (or even usually) the preferably means to the end. Second, we are told that Joseph's wish in Genesis 50:25 is fulfilled as Moses took his bones with the in the Exodus. Third, we are told that God's presence led them via a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.

And so the Israelites were escaping from Egypt along the coasts of the Sinai peninsula, but after reaching the souther tip and turning toward the north-east, they were instructed by the Lord via Moses to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth between Migdol and the Sea directly opposite Baal Zephon. Where, in fact, this was is hotly debated, but I believe it to have been on the southeast tip of the Sinai peninsula. Whatever the case, Pharaoh interpreted the encampment as a sign of weakness and confused leadership. He and his people decided to chase the Israelites down.

At this point, the Israelites show some of their true colors.
1. Fear of the Egyptians (10)
2. Blaming Moses (11)
3. Regret over step of faith (12)

Moses countered all 3 concerns
1. There was still hope in the Lord (13)
2. Remember that the enemy is Egypt (13)
3. The step of faith was worth it (14)

But Moses himself, it seems, was concerned about how the Lord would rescue them (15). The Lord instructed him to raise his hand to divide the water, providing a means of escape. There is also much debate about the nature of the Exodus. Though some attempt to find 'naturalistic' explanations for this event, it seems obvious to me from a few statements that it was supernatural in nature (ie, 'wall of water' on both sides, 22). The Egyptians tried to follow the Israelites through the passageway, but the Lord through them into confusion and they began to realize that the Lord was in this for the Israelites. The sea went back to its place, burying the Egyptian army. Not one of them survived.

News of this miraculous event caused the Egyptians to know the power of God (14:4) and the Israelites to worship (14:31). Chapter 15 may be the world's oldest recorded song, celebrating the occasion.