And as for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. And as for youThis phrase is directed specifically to Moses, highlighting his role as the leader and mediator between God and the Israelites. In the Hebrew text, the word "you" is emphasized, indicating a personal command and responsibility. Moses is called to act in faith, trusting in God's power and promise. This sets a precedent for leadership in the Bible, where leaders are often called to act in obedience to God's commands, even when the task seems impossible. lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egyptian bondage. In this verse, Moses is instructed by God to perform a miraculous act. 2. The Israelites The descendants of Jacob, who are escaping slavery in Egypt. They are the recipients of God's deliverance through the parting of the Red Sea. 3. The Red Sea The body of water that stands as a barrier to the Israelites' escape from Egypt. It becomes the site of a miraculous event where God demonstrates His power and faithfulness. 4. Pharaoh and the Egyptians The oppressors of the Israelites, who pursue them even as they flee. Their pursuit sets the stage for God's deliverance and judgment. 5. God The sovereign Lord who commands Moses and orchestrates the events leading to the Israelites' escape, demonstrating His power and faithfulness. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and PowerThis passage highlights God's supreme authority over nature and His ability to perform miracles. Believers can trust in God's power to overcome any obstacle. Faith and Obedience Moses' obedience in lifting his staff and stretching out his hand is a model of faith in action. Believers are called to trust and obey God's instructions, even when the path seems impossible. Deliverance and Salvation The parting of the Red Sea is a powerful symbol of God's deliverance. It foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who leads us from bondage to freedom. God's Faithfulness The event underscores God's faithfulness to His promises. Believers can be assured that God will fulfill His promises, no matter how daunting the circumstances. Facing Challenges with Confidence Just as the Israelites faced the Red Sea with the Egyptian army behind them, believers often face seemingly insurmountable challenges. This passage encourages us to face such challenges with confidence in God's provision and guidance. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Moses' action in Exodus 14:16 demonstrate faith and obedience, and how can we apply this in our own lives when facing difficult situations?2. In what ways does the parting of the Red Sea serve as a symbol of God's deliverance, and how does this connect to the deliverance offered through Jesus Christ? 3. How can the Israelites' experience at the Red Sea encourage us to trust in God's faithfulness and power in our own lives? 4. What are some "Red Sea" moments in your life where you have seen God make a way where there seemed to be no way? 5. How does the account of the Red Sea crossing connect with other biblical accounts of God's miraculous interventions, and what do these accounts collectively teach us about God's character? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 1:9-10The creation account where God separates the waters, showing His control over nature, similar to the parting of the Red Sea. Joshua 3:13-17 The crossing of the Jordan River, another miraculous event where God parts waters for His people, echoing the Red Sea crossing. Psalm 77:16-20 A poetic reflection on God's power over the waters, recalling the Red Sea event as a demonstration of His might and guidance. Hebrews 11:29 The New Testament reflection on the faith of the Israelites as they passed through the Red Sea, highlighting the importance of faith in God's deliverance.
People Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, Pharaoh, ZephonPlaces Baal-zephon, Egypt, Etham, Migdol, Pi-hahiroth, Red SeaTopics Cleave, Divide, Dry, Ground, Israelites, Lift, Lifted, Midst, Parted, Rod, Sons, Staff, Stretch, Stretched, TowardsDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 14:16Library A Path in the Sea'And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: 20. And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night. 21. And 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, … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Entangled in the Land Epistle Lxiii. To Brunichild, Queen of the Franks. They who have not Been Promoted to that Office. ... The Personality of Power. The Faults Committed in this Degree --Distractions, Temptations --The Course to be Pursued Respecting Them. Answer to Mr. W's Sixth Objection. The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture. Blessed are they that Mourn Epistle iv. To Cyriacus, Bishop. The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in the Soul. Exodus Links Exodus 14:16 NIVExodus 14:16 NLT Exodus 14:16 ESV Exodus 14:16 NASB Exodus 14:16 KJV Exodus 14:16 Commentaries Bible Hub |