The Crossing of the Red Sea

INTRODUCTION: The Israelites are delivered from Egypt but they are not yet delivered from the Egyptians. So it often is with us today. We are delivered from the world but the world follows us into the wilderness. In fact, the wilderness time is a time to cast off the remaining vestiges of the world. And sometimes, as with the Israelites, it is a slow and difficult process. Yet, God is always available to conquer the foe—if we will only trust in Him.

1. THE ISRAELITES LEAVE EGYPT (Exodus 13:17-22)
1. Bypassing the Land of the Philistines (Exodus 13:17-18)
1. Around the land of the Philistines (Exodus 13:17)
1. Although the nearest way
2. The way for which Israel was unprepared
2. Through the way of the wilderness (Exodus 13:18)
1. The way led by God
2. The way in which they were harnessed
2. Taking the Bones of Joseph (Exodus 13:19; Genesis 50:24-26; Joshua 24:32)
1. According to the prophecy of Joseph
2. According to the request of Joseph
3. To the Edge of the Wilderness (Exodus 13:20; Exodus 14:2)
1. From Rameses to Succoth (Exodus 12:37)
2. From Succoth to Etham (in the edge of the wilderness)
4. Led by the Hand of the Lord (Exodus 13:21-22)
1. A visible guidance (Exodus 13:21)
1. A pillar of a cloud by day
1. The cloud was to lead (Psalm 78:14).
2. The cloud was for protection (Exodus 14:19-20; Psalm 105:39).
2. A pillar of fire by night (Nehemiah 9:12; Psalm 78:14; Psalm 105:39)
2. A faithful guidance (Exodus 13:22)
2. THE EGYPTIANS PURSUE THE ISRAELITES (Exodus 14:1-9)
1. Gods Plan for Pharaoh and the Egyptians (Exodus 14:1-4)
1. Israel to encamp by the sea (Exodus 14:1-2)
1. The people to encamp before Pihahiroth
2. This location was between Migdol and the sea, and against Baalzephon.
2. Pharaoh to assume them trapped (Exodus 14:3; cp. Revelation 12:6)
3. Pharaoh to pursue them (Exodus 14:4a)
4. God to be glorified (Exodus 14:4b; cp. Ezekiel 39:17-22)
2. Pharaoh Decides to Pursue the Israelites (Exodus 14:5).
1. The departure of Israel was told to Pharaoh.
2. The heart of Pharaoh and his servants hardened concerning the release of the people of God.
3. Pharaoh Gathers His Army Together (Exodus 14:6-7).
1. His people (Exodus 14:6)
2. His chariots (Exodus 14:7)
1. Six hundred chosen chariots
2. All the other chariots of Egypt
3. Captains over every one of them
4. Pharaoh Overtakes the Israelites (Exodus 14:8-9).
1. The Egyptians pursue (Exodus 14:8a).
2. The Israelites flee (Exodus 14:8b).
3. The Egyptians overtake (Exodus 14:9).
3. GOD BRINGS THE ISRAELITES THROUGH THE RED SEA (Exodus 14:10-22)
1. The Israelites Express Their Fear (Exodus 14:10-12).
1. They cried out to the Lord (Exodus 14:10).
2. They complained to Moses (Exodus 14:11).
3. They wished for the old life (Exodus 14:12).
2. Moses Proclaims the Salvation of the Lord (Exodus 14:13-14).
1. He commands the people (Exodus 14:13a).
1. Fear not.
2. Stand still.
3. See the salvation of the Lord.
2. He proclaims victory (Exodus 14:13b).
1. God will show His salvation.
2. The Egyptians will be seen no more.
3. He exalts the Lord (Exodus 14:14).
1. He shall fight for you.
2. Before Him hold your peace.
3. The Lord Proclaims His Deliverance (Exodus 14:15-18).
1. The Israelites to go forward (Exodus 14:15)
2. Moses to use his rod (Exodus 14:16)
3. The Egyptians to follow in pursuit (Exodus 14:17a)
4. The Lord to be honored (Exodus 14:17b-18)
4. The Lord Fights for the Israelites (Exodus 14:19-22).
1. The protection of the cloud (Exodus 14:19-20)
2. The opening of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21)
3. The passage of the Israelites (Exodus 14:22)
4. GOD BRINGS JUDGMENT ON THE EGYPTIANS (Exodus 14:23-31)
1. The Lord Troubles the Egyptians (Exodus 14:23-25).
1. The Egyptians pursue (Exodus 14:23).
2. The Lord troubles them (Exodus 14:24).
3. The Egyptians fear (Exodus 14:25).
2. The Lord Drowns the Egyptians (Exodus 14:26-28).
1. Moses stretches out his hand (Exodus 14:26-27a).
2. The waters return and the Egyptians drown (Exodus 14:27b-28).
3. The Lord Saves His People (Exodus 14:29-30).
1. He protects them in the Red Sea (Exodus 14:29).
2. He delivers them from the Egyptians (Exodus 14:30).
4. The Israelites Glory in Their Deliverance (Exodus 14:31).
1. They saw.
2. They feared.
3. They believed.

CONCLUSION: The Israelites believe the power of God—although they will fail in this belief in future trials. How glorious it is when we are delivered by the Lord! May we always look to Him to fight our battles (Exodus 14:14).