"See the Salvation of Jehovah"

Next, there is an amazing turn of events.  Jehovah tells Moses:  "Speak to the sons of Israel, that they should turn back and encamp before Pihahiroth between Migdol and the sea in view of Baal-zephon."  As they follow these instruction, this great multitude find themselves hemmed in between the mountains and an arm of the Red Sea.  There seems to be no way out.  However, Jehovah knows what he is doing.  He tells Moses:  "I shall indeed let Pharaoh's heart  become obstinate, and he will certainly chase after them and I shall get glory for myself by means of Pharaoh and all his military forces; and the Egyptians will certainly  know that I am Jehovah." -Exodus 14:1-4.

Pharoah, feeling that he has made a mistake in allowing the Israelites  to leave Egypt, sets off in hot pursuit with 600 chosen war chariots.  As the Egyptian army comes into sight, the Israelites become terrified and cry out to Moses:  "Is it because there are no burial places at all in Egypt that you have taken us here to die in the wilderness?"  Confident in Jehovah's salvation, Moses replies:  "Do not be afraid.  Stand firm and see the salvation of Jehovah, which he will perform for you today. . . .Jehovah will himself fight for you, and you yourselves will be silent.: -Exodus 14:5-14.


True to Mose' words that Jehovah himself  would fight for the Israelites, superhuman forces now take over.  Jehovah's angel miraculously moves to their rear the pillar of cloud that has been a source of darkness to the Egyptians, that same pillar gives light to the Israelites.  (Exodus 1321, 22; 14:19, 20)  In obedience to God's command, Moses now stretches his hand out.  The account continues:  "Jehovah began making the sea go back by a strong east wind all night long . . .At length the sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on dry land, while the waters were a wall to the left."  The Egyptians take up the pursuit, but Jehovah is on the side  of his people.  He throws the camp of the Egyptians  into confusion, and then he tells Moses:  "Stretch your hand out over the sea, that the waters may come back over the sea, that the waters may come back over the Egyptians, their war chariots  and their cavalrymen."  so complete is the destruction of Pharaoh's armies that not a single soldier is left alive! -Exodus 14:21-28; Psalm 136:15.

Next time: Learn From Israel's Salvation

The Watchtower, 2007