Thousands of Israelites made camp after a long journey that was still not finished. Bright colors mingled with dull colors as the tents, clothing, and animals settled down for a rest. On the edge of the group stood Moses looking over the Red Sea, the blue a sharp contrast to the dust and sand of the desert. He contemplated the journey from the bondage of Egypt and the journey to the Promised Land ahead of them. He did not know what would happen or where they would go. All he knew was that God would guide him and show him the way.
A murmur rose from the other edge of the group farthest from the Red Sea. The murmur spread and the whole camp was soon in panic at the sight of Pharaoh’s army of chariots coming their way. The colors of the camp began to move erratically as people tried to escape, however futile it was. There were cries of horror and people cried out to Moses for comfort.
Dathan was on the lookout from the beginning of the journey to find ways to sabotage Moses and the fleeing of the Israelites. If he could get all the slaves back to Egypt, he was sure there would be a great reward waiting for him. Seeing the opportunity, he shouted, “Is this why you brought us out here, Moses? To die under the wheels of Pharaoh’s chariots?”
Moses stood on a rock high above the crowd to address them. People drew closer as if is nearness would give them protection. “Ten times you have seen the miracles of the Lord and still you have no faith!”
“He is a false prophet who delivers you to death!” cried Dathan as he pointed an accusing finger at Moses. People cried out for Moses to be stoned until a woman shouted above them that Moses spoke God’s word.
Meanwhile, the chariots drew closer and while the Israelites remembered Moses’ position, they were still afraid and restless. Behind Moses, a storm began brewing out of nowhere. There were dark clouds that were gathering behind him and the wind whistled through the people and on the sea. Moses put his hands up in the air and cried out, “Fear not! Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord!” As he did so, the sea grew choppier and the wind grew fiercer.
People looked behind them at the approaching chariots wondering what Moses’ God would do to save them. From the sky came a pillar of fire that blocked the Egyptian’s way to the Israelites. It branched out from the pillar to a fence of fire around the chariots. They could not pass through the fire and the Israelites were granted a reprieve. People on both sides stared in amazement at the sight and the timing. They had seen the work of God many times before, but it still surprised and amazed them.
“Gather your things, we shall leave immediately,” ordered Moses.
“Where shall we go? To the sea?” mocked Dathan.
“From this day forth, you will never see the chariots of Pharaoh.”
“Yes, because you’ll be dead under them!”
Moses went back to his spot at the top of the rock as the clouds behind him grew even darker to a grey that was almost black. His robe flapped violently from the wind. Again he held up his arms and said, “The Lord of Hosts will do battle for us. Behold his mighty hand!”
Moses turned around to face the sea with his arms outstretched. The clouds he was now facing merged and became one giant force. The sea churned for several moments before it began to separate. A path was revealed between the two sides of the sea as the water cycled backwards. The Israelites again were astonished at the work of God and His ways of deliverance. The Egyptians were amazed as well and Pharaoh’s Commander of the Host begged to return to Egypt, but Pharaoh’s heart was still hardened and he would not give up yet.
After allowing the people time to absorb what had happened and for the path to be entirely cleared, Moses commanded Joshua to lead the people to the other side. On his horse, Joshua led the way and people happily poured onto the path behind him. Their joy was so evident the were almost dancing their way across. People stared at the water on either side of them in wonder. It was traveling upwards like an overturned waterfall. With so many people and such a long path (for one could not see the end of it at the beginning), it took a long time for people to cross. The colors slowly moved from one side to the other as they made their way across. Finally, Joshua’s group made it to the end and people started collecting on the other side, but there were still many more that hadn’t made it all the way yet.
The Egyptian’s wait was over as the fire that blocked their path and began to die. They continued in pursuit of the Israelites and came to the beginning of the path. Pharaoh was to stay behind, but sent his other chariots out to the Israelites. The group that had not made it to the other side safely yet was small. A child pointed out the chariots that were coming behind them, and a woman screamed a warning to everyone to hurry up and get to the other side.
Dathan was next to Moses on the other side and made a last attempt to turn the hearts of the Israelites. “Better to serve the Egyptians than die!”
The Israelites had all finally made it to the other side and Moses once again spread out his arms and cried, “Who shall withstand the power of God?”
There was a moment of silence before the roar of the water began. The path closed in the middle and fell upon the soldiers in chariots below. The horses reared and made futile attempts to escape the water while the soldiers did the same. From his side, Pharaoh could see the water coming and watched his army gradually disappear before his eyes. After the sea had at last become level with his soldiers under it, he looked up to the sky as if he was going to ask what had just happened. He felt the full impact of the loss and the shame that came with it. He brought his elbows and fists together and buried his head under his hands.
On the other side, Moses thanked God, “Thou didst blow with thy winds, and the sea covered them. Who is like unto Thee, oh Lord? From everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God.”
The people repeated their thanks to God, “Thou art God! Thou art God!”
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