EXODUS CHAPTER FOURTEEN ----------------------- NOTE: This event at the Red Sea is one of the most remarkable miracles in connection with the history of Israel. Compare: Isa 51:15 But I [am] the LORD thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The LORD of hosts [is] his name. ( This was spoken 800 years later ) Nah 1:4 He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. Josh 24:6 And I brought your fathers out of Egypt: and ye came unto the sea; and the Egyptians pursued after your fathers with chariots and horsemen unto the Red sea. 7 And when they cried unto the LORD, he put darkness between you and the Egyptians, and brought the sea upon them, and covered them; and your eyes have seen what I have done in Egypt: and ye dwelt in the wilderness a long season. Neh 9:9 And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red sea; 10 And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as [it is] this day. 11 And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters. Ps 106:7 Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked [him] at the sea, [even] at the Red sea. 8 Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. 9 He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. 10 And he saved them from the hand of him that hated [them], and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. 11 And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left. Pink says that this miracle holds a special place in the Old Testament as does the resurrection of Christ does in the New. No wonder the non-believing world has tried to explain this miracle away. However believers have no problem accepting this miracle as a literal fact. Verses 1-2, Notice that the LORD placed them at a location where there was no way to escape from Pharaoh's army. So too with the saved sinner, he is brought to a place where he is shut up to grace and must trust in his God. The sinner who is in need of salvation also experiences this. Though our situation here is dealing with an already delivered people and their walk of faith. Pi-hahiroth = "place where sedge grows" Pink says that it can mean "Place of Liberty." They were to be liberated from the grip of Pharaoh forever. Migdol = "tower" or "fortress" The Lord was their fortress and tower of strength. Baal-zephon = "lord of the north" Pink says that the north is frequently associated with judgement. And Jehovah appeared as the Lord of Judgement against Pharaoh. Example: Isa 14:31 Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, [art] dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none [shall be] alone in his appointed times. Jer 1:14 Then the LORD said unto me, Out of the north an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land. Jer 4:6 Set up the standard toward Zion: retire, stay not: for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction. Jer 6:1 O ye children of Benjamin, gather yourselves to flee out of the midst of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and set up a sign of fire in Bethhaccerem: for evil appeareth out of the north, and great destruction. Ezek 1:4 And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness [was] about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire. The sides of the north: Ps 48:2 Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, [is] mount Zion, [on] the sides of the north, the city of the great King. Isa 14:13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: Eze 46:19 After he brought me through the entry, which [was] at the side of the gate, into the holy chambers of the priests, which looked toward the north: and, behold, there [was] a place on the two sides westward. Verse 3, Pharaoh will view it a ignorance on Israel's part. He thinks that they are "sitting ducks" but the very thing that he thinks is his victory will be his destruction. Just as Satan thought he was victorious by killing Christ, yet it turned out to be his defeat. The Lord placed Israel there for this very purpose, that they might be trapped and that He might deliver them and destroy Pharaoh with Israel's deliverance. So to the believers deliverance, Jesus Christ, will destroy Satan in the end. Verse 4, Again we see that the LORD hardens Pharaoh's heart. So far, Egypt's great army had not been focused upon by the great plagues, but now it will be judged by the Great Judge. Verse 5-9, Just as the Lord told Moses, it happened. Pharaoh's heart was hardened and he pursued Israel. Israel's position enticed him that he pursued after them. Perhaps he thought that their God had blundered. Man can not out think God! Never! Not only was Pharaoh brought into the trap, but his servants also, the very ones who had pushed him to let Israel go (10:7), were urgent that they pursue Israel while they are encamped against the Sea. Verses 10-12, This was a great trial of faith. Israel failed here in their hour of testing, but how often do we too fail when we are tested with an impossible situation, yet the Lord has mercy. Notice in verse 10 that their eyes were upon the Egyptians, and then were they sore afraid. So too, when our eyes are upon the world and not upon the Lord, then the world's problems will overcome us and we will act as Israel did here. To be occupied with our circumstances and surroundings is fatal to our having peace. Peter took his eyes off of Christ and focused upon the situation (the waves and wind) and began to sink. They cried out unto the Lord, but from verses that follow 10, we see that it was a cry of complaint and despair, rather than a cry of faith and hope. There would not have been a thing wrong with crying out to the LORD for deliverance, believing that He would deliver them. Their reasoning in unbelief was absurd. Why would God deliver them from Egypt to end up dying by the hands of the Egyptians? Those who teach falling from grace are just as absurd. Why would the Lord deliver us from the hand of Satan, just to end up in his hand again? Notice that their unbelief did not undo what the Lord had promised. Pink says, "But where faith is not in exercise, the promises of God bring no comfort and afford no stay to the heart." Remember, it was the Lord who led them to this place. A place where their faith would be tested. We must not expect the path of faith to be an easy one. Faith MUST be tested, and Pink says, severely. That we may learn that our sufficiency is of and in our God. That we may prove through experience that He is able to supply our every need. and make a way of escape from every temptation (trial). It is not until after we are saved that Satan hurls his darts at us. When we are in his kingdom there was no need. Pharaoh did not pursue Israel until after that had been delivered from his hand. It is here that we see in allegory form the utter failure of Satan. "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Ro 8:31) This is the great lesson of Exodus, chapter 14. How often, after we are saved, are we put to the test. Pink says, "The young believer is tempted now as he never was in his unregenerate days; his mind is filled with evil thoughts and doubts, and he is terrified by the roaring of the 'lion,' until he wonders who is really going to gain possession of his soul -- God or Satan. This was precisely the issue raised here at the Red Sea. It LOOKED as though Jehovah had deserted His people. It SEEMED as though they must fall victims to their powerful and merciless foes. But how deceptive are appearances! How quickly and how easily the Lord Almighty reversed the situation! The sequel shows us ALL Israel SAFE on the other side of the Red Sea, and ALL the Egyptians DROWNED therein!" When we get our eyes off of Christ and look at our lives and our works, it will bring doubt and despair, and our peace will be taken from us. Our only hope is in the Passover Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ. Verses 13-14, Fear not - The first word mentioned to the people. The opposite of fear is peace. Be at peace. We are at peace when we stand still and focus upon Christ. Over and over again, the Lord tells His people "to fear not." Remember again, it was the Lord that brought them to this place that their fear may be overcome in faith. So too the Lord brings us to places where our faith is put to the test and if not exercised we will fear, but the Lord says, "fear not" and trust in Him. Christ said, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Lu 12:32) The Psalmist said, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (Ps 23:4) How are we to have perfect peace in such a situation? Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee. 4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength: The next word is "stand still" - All activity of the flesh and self-help must stop. Pink says that this is the right attitude of faith in the presence of a trial. The person who is drowning will fight against the person trying to save him. The natural man must be doing something to remedy his situation, but true faith "stands still." Pink says, "Unbelief CREATES or magnifies difficulties, and then sets us about removing them by our own bustlings and fruitless actions, which, in reality, do but raise a dust around us which prevents our seeing God's salvation. Faith however, God given, conquers this tendency and looks above the difficulty and looks to God Himself. Mt 6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? "and see the salvation of the LORD" - this was a spiritual sight, though the sea was parted and was to be observed, yet the salvation in it was a spiritual sight. Even their passing through was an act of faith and not works. Heb 11:29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry [land]: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. Just seeing with the physical eye the sea parted was no security, because the Egyptians say the same thing and it ended in their destruction. So they crossed by faith, trusting that God would not let the waters fall back on them. Faith looks at things NOT seen (1Co 4:18). It is the evidence of things NOT seen (Heb 11:1). Even though they were walking, yet in a sense they were still standing still, because they were exercising faith and not crossing in the energy of the flesh. They crossed in faith with peace and not in the flesh with fear. Ps 46:10 Be STILL, and know that I [am] God: Notice the future tense and it's certainty - "which he WILL shew to you to day" "ye SHALL see them again no more for ever" "The LORD SHALL fight for you" "ye SHALL hold your peace" (or shall keep silence) Verse 15, Go forward - that is in faith. This is the order. To go forward in faith we must first stand still in faith. Notice also that they were commanded to go forward before the sea was opened. However the promise that they would see the salvation of the Lord was given before they were told to go forward. Pink thinks that it opened before them as they went forward. Verses 16-21, Compare Heb 11:29 Heb 11:29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry [land]: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. Pink says that since it was done by faith that the sea must have opened before them as they went. If there was a clear shot through to the other side, then it would have been by sight. He says that as they walked forward the sea opened before them as they went. We see that the Lord prevented the Egyptians from coming near to them, so that no harm could come to them. Verses 22, We see from this verse that it was not the tide going out, but the waters were a wall of water on each side. It was deep, such that it could be said that Israel was baptized in the Red Sea (1Co 10:2). The ground under their feet was dry ground. Verses 23, The Egyptians pursed on and attempted to do the same thing. The difference was that they did it not by faith. The very thing that was Israel's safety was Egypt's destruction. What brought peace to one brought eternal death to the other. Heb 11:29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry [land]: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. Verses 24-25, The Lord, in the morning watch, took off the wheels from the Egyptian's chariots. This shows that the LORD was watching out for His people. There is never a time that the LORD is not watching out for His people. He knew that the Egyptians were in pursuit. The Egyptians realized that they were fighting a loosing cause. It was not till they were in the midst of the sea that they realized this. The way that seemeth right to a man will not give him any strength when it comes time to face death. Verses 26-28, We see that the LORD drowned the Egyptians in the midst of the Sea. It happened when the "morning appeared" which suggests that the children of Israel crossed when it was dark, which would require more faith. "Death's dark chilly waters" the song says. Verse 29, The children of Israel WALKED, not ran. When we have faith and are at peace, there is no hurry. God will take care. Verses 30-31, Israel was safe on the other side and their enemy was dead; destroyed by the very thing that saved them. Typically: Pink says that this scene is typical of death. The Red Sea is a figure of death. They were all baptized in the sea, and our baptism is symbolic of our being buried with Christ; "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death" (Ro 6:4). What is death?: The separation of the spirit from the body of flesh. Ja 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. It is the dissolving of this earthly tabernacle (tent). It is a folding up of the tent. 2Co 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of [this] tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2Pe 1:13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting [you] in remembrance; 2Co 5:4 For we that are in [this] tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Just as a tent is easily brought to the ground, so too, life is fragile. One peg removed, one cord cut, one pole removed, and the whole thing FALLS to the GROUND. There are a thousand ways for death to come. It comes to them who are young and old, rich and poor, week and strong. It has no respect to their persons. We read of a "silver cord" that is loosed. Ecc 12:6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. 7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. 8 Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all [is] vanity. All that Pharaoh had accomplished in life was vanity. His great kingdom and army could not get him to the other side. Death swallowed him up. It is a going the way of all the earth (Josh 23:14). None shall escape it. We know of two in the Bible that were taken, and the Christians who are alive at Christ's coming will be changed that they see not death; but besides these all will face death. Men try and put a pleasant face on death, but there is nothing pretty about it, in and of itself. God is the Sovereign in death. Just as it was here that the LORD brought Israel into the Red Sea, so too he also brought the Egyptians into the same sea. Though Satan brought about death in the garden, yet he is not sovereign over it. The Lord may even use him, such as the persecution brought on His people, but the issues of it belong unto the LORD. Ps 68:20 [He that is] our God [is] the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord [belong] the issues from death. De 32:39 See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand. 1Sa 2:6 The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. Death has a sting - to the unbeliever 1Co 15:56 The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law. Death is a result of the curse: Ga 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: Ro 6:23 For the wages of sin [is] death; Death of the wicked: Without hope: Pr 11:7 When a wicked man dieth, [his] expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust [men] perisheth. In their sins: Joh 8:21 Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come. It is followed by eternal punishment: Lu 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. It was brought into the world by one man: Adam Rom 5 A thing that ought to be feared: Heb 10:31 [It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Heb 10:27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. Isa 33:14 The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? Mt 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. The Egyptians died the death of the wicked. Death was no successful crossing to the other side for them. They perished. Don't bring the flowers out for the death of the wicked!!! ---------------------------------------------------------- Death of the righteous: This very sea that was so feared by Israel, and which symbolized death became their defense. It separated them from the Egyptians once and for all. So death separates the Christian from the presence of this evil world and just as Pharaoh was destroyed through death, so too Satan is destroyed through death. Heb 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; What was a sting and horrible thing became precious. What was a curse was swallowed up in victory. Ps 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD [is] the death of his saints. Isa 25:8 He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken [it]. 1Co 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. Contains an unknown: We know not what it is like. We must approach it in faith. (The BELIEVER) Christ is our hope in this matter. Fear of it brings a bondage: Heb 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Not to be feared: Re 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Ps 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Hope in death: Pr 14:32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death. Great gain: Php 1:21 For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain. But for the unbeliever the opposite is true. It is great loss. What was great gain to Israel in the sea was a great loss to the Egyptians. A blessing: Re 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed [are] the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. A departure to be with Christ: Php 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Death, in and of itself is ugly, the body returns to the dust. There is nothing pretty about a dead body. The Egyptians tried to preserve the body, but at their best, it was all together ugly. It is only when we view it in faith, knowing what Christ has done for us, that death is swallowed up in victory. How could something so ugly and final become so victorious. How could something so dark and deep become such a blessing? THROUGH CHRIST! Oh to die in Christ! 1Th 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. "Blessed [are] the dead which die in the Lord" (Rev 14:13) Oh to die in faith! Heb 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. -------------------------------------------------------- Works will not give us peace to cross these deep waters! -------------------------------------------------------- Isa 51:10 [Art] thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over? 11 Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy [shall be] upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; [and] sorrow and mourning shall flee away. Evangelically: For the unbeliever, "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement." (Heb 9:27) But our judgement was on Christ our substitute back at the passover and thus death hath no power over us as it had none hear at the Red Sea with Israel. Doctrinally: It shows the believer's union with Christ. "I am crucified with Christ" (Gal 2:20) Ro 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Practically: The deliverance here shows the absolute sufficiency of our God. Situations happen in life in which we need God's deliverance. Isa 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Dispensationally: The sea also represents the Gentiles. Compare Rev 17:15; Dan 7:2-3 (4 gentile kingdoms); Ps 65:7 Israel has been scattered amongst the Gentiles so that it would appear that they have been completely swallowed up by them, yet the sea has not consumed them because they have been preserved as a people by God almighty. Israel will again emerge from the sea as a nation.