The account of the Hebrews' Exodus would be incomplete without the parting of the Red Sea described in chapter 14. Yes, Pharaoh had finally buckled and "let the people go" after ten devastating plagues wracked his nation. But as long as Egypt remained a strong military power while the Jews were en route to the Promised Land, their new-found freedom would always be threatened. There remained one final miraculous act of judgment to truly accomplish the people's deliverance.
God, leading the people by a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, instructs Moses to make it appear as though the people are lost and wandering aimlessly in the wilderness. This strategy is meant to entice Pharaoh and his officials to come after the people in an attempt to re-enslave them.
Pharaoh takes the bait. He unleashes chariots to pursue the Hebrews (vs 9). The Egyptian army drives the people to the shore of the Red Sea.
A number of interesting things happen there. First, the people turn on Moses (for what wouldn't be the last time!) in verses 10-12. They whine that they never wanted their freedom in the first place, and they complain that they are now certain to die. Moses, apparently unsure of exactly what God's plan is, tells the people to do nothing, to only stand firm and witness their divine deliverance (vs. 13). God has something else in mind, however - He wants the people to move! (vs. 15) God instructs Moses to lift up his staff over the sea and divide it for the Israelites to travel through on dry ground (vs. 16). In a scene worthy of Charlton Heston and Cecil B. DeMille, that is precisely what happens (vs. 21-22).
The Egyptian chariots try to follow; however, they become trapped. When the sea closes in over them, the battle is over (vs. 28). The people realize that their long nightmare of slavery is finally over, there will be no going back, and they are delivered!
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