Exodus 13:17—14:31: From Crisis to Triumph
IMPOSSIBLE JAMS CONVERGE on us at the most unlikely moments. One minute we're cruising down the freeway at 60 m.p.h., and the next instant we slam on the brakes. For the next two hours we're stuck. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could wave a magic wand and unclog the whole mess? Life is like that. God leads us in and out of jams to test our mettle. In this study, Israel's moment of glorious freedom was shattered by an advancing army. Seemingly, disaster loomed. But God had some things to prove to Egypt, Israel and Moses. Painful lessons indeed.
Warming Up to God
Think of a miracle you've experienced. Respond from your heart to the God who loves to surprise you with his tremendous power and creativity.
Read Exodus 13:17—14:31. »
Discovering the Word
- Why did God not take Israel the shortest route to Palestine?
- What plan does God reveal to Moses (14:1-4)?
- How did the Israelites react to the onslaught of the Egyptians and why (14:10-12)?
- Compare each part of Moses' commands (14:13-14) with the Israelites' conditions and attitudes (14:10-12).
- What did God's plan for escape require of Moses and the people (14:15-18)?
- What was the outcome of this hair-raising experience for the Egyptians, Moses and Israel (14:17-18, 30-31)?
Applying the Word
- Faith operates both long-range (Joseph) and short-range (following the cloud pillar). What areas of your life require long-range or short-range trust in God?
- Think about times when you have felt like Israel, trapped between the Egyptians and the Red Sea. What did you do and why?
Responding in Prayer
Thank the Lord for the ways he has miraculously delivered you—either physically or spiritually—from "the Egyptians" in your life.
For Further Study
Exodus (Tyndale Old Testament Commentary) by R. Alan Cole