Tuesday: Crossing the Red Sea
Daily Lesson for Tuesday 5th of August 2025
Read Exodus 13:17-22; Exodus 14:1-12. How did God guide the Israelites when they left Egypt, and what happened next?
Following God’s instructions to Moses, the Israelites left Egypt as a well-organized army. The Hebrew terms tsaba’ and makhaneh testify to that description, namely, “army,” “division,” “camp,” and “hosts” (Exodus 6:26; Exodus 7:4; Exodus 12:17,41,51; Exodus 14:19-20; compare with Exodus 13:18). They were divided into units and marched like an army. Later Balaam saw from Moab’s hills that Israel was “encamped tribe by tribe” (Numbers 24:2, NIV).
Image © Review & Herald Publishing at Goodsalt.com
Meanwhile, “Moses took the bones of Joseph with him” (Exodus 13:19, NIV). This is a very important detail in the text, and it reveals the fulfillment of Joseph’s faith in God’s promises. Joseph never lost sight of the Promised Land, even though he lived in the splendor and privileges of Egypt. He requested that his bones be taken to the land of Canaan (Genesis 50:24-25). He believed that the Lord would surely visit Israel in Egypt and bring them to the land, as He had sworn (Hebrews 11:22). On Israel’s arrival in Canaan, Joseph’s bones were “buried at Shechem” (Joshua 24:32, NKJV).
The pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire were the visible signs of God’s presence among His people. The Lord dwelt there and spoke also from the cloud (Exodus 14:24; Numbers 12:5-6).
Meanwhile, Pharaoh reveals the true motives of his heart. He is not converted, and he never truly repented. His asking God to bless him was a farce, perhaps a deception in his own heart. He gathered his army, and they went after their escaped slaves. How totally blinded by sin this man really was.
When the people saw Pharaoh’s army coming, they spoke words and expressed sentiments that would be echoed by them more than once: “ ‘Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt?’ ” (Exodus 14:11, NKJV).
That is, having already seen such dramatic manifestations of God’s power, which included the sparing of their own firstborn sons, the people still displayed a stunning lack of faith.
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Think of the last time you faced a terrible situation. What was your first reaction: faith in God or a lack of faith? What lessons should you have learned from that situation that could help you the next time another comes (and come it will)? |
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"Moses took the bones of Joseph with him" (Exod. 13:19, NIV).
If Moses was a Seventh Day Adventist, who is grounded in the teaching of the “State of the Dead”, would he have bothered to honour Joseph’s request (Genesis 50:24-25) for his bones to be buried in the Promised Land? How did Moses remember to carry Joseph’s bones since he was not alive when he made the request? What are some of the spiritual lessons that one can gather from this passage of scripture?
1. Joseph had taken an oath of the Children of Israel (Genesis 50:25) and therefore this was a national promise which was passed down through the generations. This reminds us that we must keep our promises no matter how old they are.
2. Joseph’s request was rooted in unshakable faith that God would fulfill His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 12:7; 15:13–16). Faith transcends even the grave (1 Cor. 15:52-55). God does what He promises (Numbers 23:19).
3. Regardless of his privilege position in Egypt, Joseph knew that Egypt was not his permanent. He knew he was simply a pilgrim. As believers, we must have the “pilgrim mentality”. We should not fix our hopes on the earthly comfort but on God’s eternal kingdom (Hebrews 11:13,16; 1 Peter 2:11).
4. Joseph’s bones carried through wilderness was a constant reminder to these freed slaves that they belonged to a better home. We should live a faithful life that inspires our lineages.
5. Joseph’s bones carried to the Promised land foreshadowed the resurrection hope. The blessed hope of the heavenly Canaan will surely come. "He who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23).
Joseph’s bones rekindled a new hope for these freed slaves. Likely wise we need our hope of the coming of our Lord to be rekindled.
“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26, ESV).
Thank you Omwega, and if Moses would have had the same faith at the beginning that Joseph had he never would have doubted that God was going to indeed deliver His people.
Interesting before Moses lifted his staff and the red sea parted he told the congegation, God will provide a way, we will cross the red sea. And sure enough the red sea parted and the pilor of fire by night and a pilor of cloud by day, formed a prorection(and keep your distance Pharoah)in the rear of the people, and guidence in the forefront of the Israelites as they crossed the sea, through a dry path. I must say there was joy welling up in their hearts as thy saw deliverence once again taking their lives from slavery to freedom.
If you get a chance, listen to Whitney Phelps Amazing Grace on youtube. Just type in the last 4 capatilized words I gave you into the youtube search.
When Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, God deliberately chose not to take them by the shortest route through Philistine territory, “lest they change their minds and return to Egypt” when faced with war (Exodus 13:17). Instead, He led them by the longer path through the wilderness to prepare them mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for the battles ahead. The miraculous crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14), where God parted the waters and then closed them over the pursuing Egyptians, served not only as deliverance but also as a powerful lesson: their past had been cut off, and retreat was no longer an option. In our own lives, God often takes us the “long way” to strengthen our faith and readiness, knowing that we may not yet be equipped to face the challenges along the shorter, seemingly easier path.
We sometimes underestimate the logistics of moving the Israelites from Egypt to the land of Canaan. I grew up in the era when Arthur Maxwell's ten-volume set was being published, and our family bought them one at a time as they were published. They were liberally illustrated with the artwork of Harry Anderson. I can still see the pictures of the columns of people moving between walls of water with kids picking up stones and throwing them playfully at the fish swimming in plain view beside them.
It was only when I grew older that I realised how fanciful some of this artwork was. I live on the edge of a city with a population of approximately 600,000, and just to the north of the city is the Hunter River. It would be a huge effort to get that population across the river by walking, even if it was dry. I am also reminded that these Israelites were not just men, but women and children, sheep, goats, oxen, donkeys, and carts.
The nearest modern equivalent is the Oregon Trail migration to the West in the United States. This took place between 1840-1860 and involved, by some estimates, nearly half a million people.
I mention these examples, not to cast doubts on the Exodus story, but to remind us that sometimes we have a very limited picture of these events. For instance, my guess at the width of the path (not its length) through the Red Sea, would have been about 30 kilometres.
May I add another illustration? I live oh I would say 4-hour 37 minutes without road construction, drive to Pikes Peak. One time I had the opportunity to drive to the top in a Ram pickup. And enjoy the view from 14,112 feet. I bought a tee shirt on the top, that read, "Got Oxygen, Pikes Peak, 14,112 feet", commemorating the event. I read the placard at the top which stated that General Pike walked with his young men all the way to the top preparing them for battle seeing to that there were no straggler's. In those days there was no trolly or paved road.
I was fortunate enough to drive to the top instead of walking or taking the bus for the last 4 miles, for you see there is limited space on top to park. Some how I had the instinct to go later in the afternoon. Yes, indeed, I was able to survive 45 minutes at the top without O2 supplement. And was smart enough to go down to 10,000 feet when the breathing got a little labored. Just think 14,112 feet is base camp for those Everest climbers.
Your point is well made Professor Maurice, with all due respect. Oh, did you see on Youtube that some divers found what is believed to be Pharoah's or one of his soldier's chariot wheels at the bottom of the Red Sea at the calculated spot of the crossing? I believe God gives evidence.
Thank you for the message and this encouragous me that christian walk is not easy way we will struggle on the way but hold on to God for hes the source lives journey. Praise God
Then I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, so that he will pursue them; and I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord.” And they did so. And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the children of Israel; and the children of Israel went out with boldness. Exo. 14:4,8
We see here again God hardening Pharaoh's heart to pursue the Israelite and the reason was given - " that the Egyptian may know that I am the Lord". This ministers to me that the major reasons for Egyptians destruction is based upon the following after centuries of refusal to recognise the Creator.
1. Failure to recognise the Creator Exo.5:1,2;14:4
2. Centuries of worshipping various gods and goddesses. Exo.12:12, 18:10,11
3.Justice for the oppressed abd afflicted Israelite. Gen.15:13-14.
While facing "huge and insoluble" problems, our hearts shake. Crying and despair are common reactions. But we sure learn that God is marvelous, His solutions are excellent and perfect. I believe we have to go through experiences like that; otherwise, our faith does not grow.
Would someone be able to send me to send me the link for easy reading?
Here it is:
Easy Reading 2025 Q3
The question: “Think of the last time you faced a terrible situation. What was your first reaction: faith in God or a lack of faith?” To remain steadfast and faithful to God is of paramount importance when attempting to maintaine a close relationship with God and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ – 1 Peter 5:7.
If we neglect to stay close in good times, our faith will not be strong enough to steady us when going through challenging times. Good times are filled with praise and thanksgiving, difficult times are filled with praise, prayer for guidance, and thanksgiving - at all times we hold on and never letting go of the hand of God – Psalm 136:12; 2 Cor.1:3-4; Prov.3:5-6; Psalm 23; Rom.8:28; John16:33.
The children of Israel’s reaction at the Red Sea (Exodus 14) is a powerful illustration of our natural human tendency to focus on the problem—or to blame others—rather than look to God, our ultimate Deliverer.
The children of Israel focused entirely on the immediate threat and turned their frustration toward Moses, the one God had used to lead them to freedom. This reaction is deeply human. When trials come, especially those that feel overwhelming or unjust, our instinct is often to focus on:
• The problem itself (the army, the sea),
• The people we think are responsible (Moses),
• Or our own limitations (we can’t fight or swim our way out).
The Red Sea story reminds us that:
• We will face “impossible” situations.
• Fear is a natural response—but it’s not the final one.
• God calls us to trust Him, even when we don’t yet see the way through.
In our own lives, when we are hemmed in by pressures, conflicts, or fears, may we resist the urge to lash out, despair, or blame—and instead, turn our eyes to Jesus, the Way Maker, who still parts seas and leads His people to victory.