POWER REVEALED
Exodus 14:19–31
I have read this passage many times in my Christian experience. I confess that when I read it, the image I have in my mind is Charlton Heston in the movie “The Ten Commandments.” Yet I believe that the mighty miracles of God leading His people out of bondage cannot be adequately portrayed in film. The actual Exodus account is more dramatic than the movie.
The Escape (19–22)
It will help to set the background of our passage. Earlier in the chapter, God communicated a series of commands through Moses to prepare the people for passing through the sea, telling them to “stand firm and see the Lord’s salvation.”
When God doesn’t act on our behalf immediately, do not perceive it as His lack of ability or willingness to guide His people. God led the people through rugged terrain. No doubt the Hebrews were afraid. The Lord rebuked Moses. “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to break camp” (v. 16).
God parted the waters of the sea so that His people could cross on dry ground, but He hardened the hearts of the Egyptians so they would pursue the Hebrews. God did this so the Egyptians would know that Jehovah God was mightier than the gods of the Egyptians. The Exodus, therefore, was a contest between Yahweh and the gods of the Egyptians. God would receive glory through the defeat of the Egyptians (v. 18).
The angel of God went before the Hebrews and then moved behind the people to protect their rear flank. God used a powerful east wind as a means of drying the sea in order for the Hebrews to escape on dry land.
When have you seen God unexpectedly open doors?
The Defeat (23–28)
The Egyptian pursuers were a large, well-trained army of horses, chariots and horsemen. As slaves, the Hebrews lacked military training and equipment. They were no match for perhaps the mightiest army in the Mediterranean area.
God is described many times in the Bible as a warrior. For example, Exodus 15:3 states, “The Lord is a warrior.” God’s battle plan included confusing the Egyptian forces as well as causing the Egyptian chariots to swerve and become difficult to handle.
The Egyptians realized their battle was not against the fleeing Hebrews but against the God of the Hebrews, and they recognized that they would not be able to defeat Him. “‘Let’s get away from Israel,’ the Egyptians said, ‘because the Lord is fighting for them against Egypt’” (v. 25).
With the Egyptians temporarily discontinuing their pursuit of the Hebrews, God commanded Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea so the water would drown the Egyptians. There is no mention of any Hebrews drowning, but not one member of Pharaoh’s army survived.
How does it influence our faith to know that God is always in control?
The Powerful One (29–31)
While the Egyptians drowned, the Israelites had walked through the sea on dry land. “From the standpoint of what happened to Egypt, we see what happens to a people who resist and reject God. They abandon both wisdom and morality,” writes Duane A. Garrett in “A Commentary on Exodus” (p. 387).
When has your faith been strengthened as a result of seeing God’s power?
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
By Mark Rathel
Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in DeFuniak Springs, Florida
