"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 instructions, this great multitude find themselves hemmed in between  the mountains and a arm of the Red Sea.  There seems  to be no way out. However, Jehovah knows what he is doing.  He tells Moses:  "I shall 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. 

Pharaoh, feeling that he has made a mistake in allowing the Israelites to leave Egypt, sets off in hot pursuit with 600 chose 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 Moses' words that Jehovah would fight for the Israelites, superhuman forces now take over. Jehovah's angel miraculously moved to their rear near the pillow of the cloud that has been leading the camp of Israel. While it becomes a source of darkness to the Egyptians, that same pillar gives light to the Israelites.  (Exodus 12:21, 22; 14:19, 20)  In obedience  to God's command, Moses now stretches out his hand.  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 them on the right hand and on their 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 out your hand over the sea, that the waters  may 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

From the Watchtower magazine, 2007