By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph. D.
Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Mobile
POWER REVEALED
Exodus 14:19–31
God’s power is revealed through natural and supernatural means, through general revelation and special revelation. The author of Psalm 19 clearly recognized this, as he pointed to the work of God in astronomy (v. 1) and the Word of God in the Torah (v. 7). The Apostle Paul affirmed this in Romans 1:18–20.
After God demonstrated His authority over Pharaoh (Ex. 9:16) and over all the gods of Egypt (12:12), He led Israel into an impossible situation where they would have to trust Him completely. Unless the Lord delivered them, the people of God had no way to escape the Egyptian army.
The Escape (19–22)
Protection. Through the night, the angel of God and a pillar of cloud separated Pharaoh’s forces from the families of Israel. No matter how large an army they were, the Egyptians could not reach the Israelites. God protected His people from this fickle pharaoh.
Provision. Moses’ outstretched hand. A mighty east wind. Walls of water standing on either side as the Israelites walked across the sea floor on dry ground. It’s hard to imagine exactly what they looked like, although Hollywood has attempted to envision it. However it looked, God’s provision of escape accompanied His protection for them so that the pursuing army was unable to detain them.
The Defeat (23–28)
Disaster. Throughout the night, the Israelites crossed the sea bed unscathed. As the new day was dawning, the Egyptian army pursued them, only to face disaster. Chariot wheels came off and horses and riders became disoriented. They were enveloped as the sea walls collapsed and the water returned to its normal levels. Pharaoh’s army was defeated.
Debate. Scholars have long argued the location of the crossing. Some point to the name “yam suph” (sea of reeds, 13:18), suggesting a marsh. This addresses the reeds, but it does not explain the drowning of the army. Others argue for a crossing through the Gulf of Suez. Still others believe that there is better evidence for the Gulf of Aqaba.
Details. Swedish marine biologist Lennart Moller and others have argued that there is a ridge across the sea floor with physical evidence of Egyptian chariot wheels in the Gulf of Aqaba. In “The Exodus Explored,” a film series produced by La Mirada Films, they point out that if Sinai is in Arabia (Gal. 4:25) rather than on the so-called Sinai Peninsula, then Aqaba is the portion of the sea that was split.
The Powerful One (29–31)
Firsthand knowledge. What a contrast! The entire company of Israelites — tribe by tribe, clan by clan, family by family — passed through the split sea safely on dry ground. Pharaoh’s eastern army — every man in every unit — drowned in the sea. Israelite parents and children witnessed the power of God over their enemies.
Fear. Death brings out fear in people. Seeing dead bodies on the shore reminded the Israelites of the brevity of life and their own mortality. It also reminded them of the power of God and their own accountability before Him.
Faith. Israel believed God, having seen His power over Egyptian deities and the Egyptian army. They had watched Him protect them as a trained army pursued them. They witnessed God’s provision of an exodus from Egypt and an escape through the sea. Yet Israel would prove to have a short memory. Over and over again, they would complain against God, Moses and their other leaders.
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