Why, is this important, you ask?

           Well, the Israelites in a span of several days had already complected their journey through the wilderness and was on the verge of marching through the sandy desert, where the Egyptian’s chariots could no longer pursue them.

            Though, the following Hebrew word for turn "shuwb," means "to return to the starting point." I alluded to this fact, because just when the children of Israel had marched through the wilderness and was on the verge of being out of Pharaoh reach. The Lord of all things, instructed Moses to turn back to the starting point. Why?

         Well, the Lord wanted, all of Egypt to know that He is Lord. {Ex 14:4} Though, according to the sages, the Lord turned the children of Israel, away from the Promise Land for another reason also. What was it, you ask?

        Well, the Lord had informed Abraham hundreds of years earlier that his’ offsprings would become slaves in a strange land meaning Egypt, but after 400 years had past. He would deliver them out of their bondage. Gen 15: 13 - 14

         I alluded to this fact, because according to the sages, when 400 years had past, a group of Epheraimites, {a descendants of Joseph} without any instruction from the Lord, packed up their belongings and journeyed to the Promise Land. Though, once arriving in the Promise Land, the Philistines slaughtered every last one of them! Then in stead of berrying their bodies, the Philistines lift them exposed, in order to discourage any future invaders.

        Thus, according to the sages, one of the reason why, the Lord turned the children of Israel away from the Promise Land at this time, was that in the Lord’s foreknowledge, He knew once the children of Israel, had witnessed the scatter bones of their brothers, lying exposed on the ground. They would become discourage. So, the Lord in His’ wisdom, instead of allowing the children of Israel to enter in the Promise Land, turned them back into the wilderness. If this story is true, then what can we gleam from it?

        Well often what appears to be a promising opportunity, may suddenly close shut in our lives, then we fright and wonder why? Thus, I’m remindful "the steps of a good man are ordered shut? {Ps 37:23}

        Meaning knowing what lies on the other side the door, the Lord may closed a door, for our own safety. Though, if we persist and open the door against His will, then we are left expose to the unforseen dangers.

         Returning to the text the Lord said, "I will harden Pharaoh's heart, so that he will pursue them; and I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD." {Ex 14:4} Briefly when the Lord heaps vengeance on the wicked, the Lord’s name is glorified. Ezek. 38:22 - 23

          When Pharaoh was informed that the people had fled, the heart of Pharaoh and his servants was turned against the people; and they said, "why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?" So he made ready his chariot and took his people with him.  Ex 14:5-6

        When the children of Israel did not return after worshiping the Lord in the wilderness after three days. Pharaoh was informed, the people had fled. In turn Pharaoh had a change of attitude towards the children of Israel and in anger, harnessed his own chariot and made it ready.

          Then the texts says that Pharaoh took six hundred select chariots, and all the other chariots of Egypt with officers over all of them. And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he chased after the sons of Israel as the sons of Israel were going out boldly. Ex 14:7-8

           Now, we were told that all of the Egyptian livestock, was killed by the plagues. {Ex 9:6} So, where did the Egyptians get the horses, to pull their chariots? Well according to the sages, the horses belonged to individuals namely Egyptians, who feared the Lord and had sheltered their animals behind a doorpost, mark with lamb’s blood on it. What can we gleam from this fact? Well we are redeem from the sin of death, by the blood of "the Lamb of G-d." Eph 1:7

           So, Pharaoh with a calvary of chariots, chased after the children of Israel with all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen and his army, and they overtook them camping by the sea, beside Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon. And as Pharaoh drew near, the sons of Israel looked, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they became very frightened; so the sons of Israel cried out to the LORD. Ex 14:9-10

          Remember in describing the sounds of the locust at the end of the age. The prophet Joel depicts the day, as being darkened. In turn people will tremble, upon hearing the sound of locusts, which sounds like thundering or galloping horses. Joel 2:5

           I alluded to this fact, because as Pharaoh and his chariots were advancing, on the children of Israel. They heard the sound of the Egyptian’s hard charging chariots, from miles away. Add to this fact, the Israelites were entrapped to the east by the Red Sea and to the south and west by high mountains. Then, there was the Egyptians bent on their destruction, to their north. In turn when the Egyptians finely came within sight, "the spirit of fear" overcame them.

          Hence I’m remindful, "the spirit of fear, isn’t from G-d, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." {2 Tim 1:7 } I alluded to this fact, because not only did the Israelites face a physical enemy in the Egyptians, but an intangible enemy as well. With that said, often it is "the spirit of fear" in which a person falls victim too, rather than physical destruction.

           Oddly enough, the bondage of slavery in Egypt had it’s benefits, for example. When a person died of the bondage of slavery in Egypt, they was assured a grave plot. I alluded to this fact, because "the spirit of fear," compelled some of the people to say unto Moses, "is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you dealt with us in this way, bringing us out of Egypt?" {Ex 14:11} What can we gleam from this?

           Well, the Hebrews dwelling in bondage in Egypt, were assured a grave. This is meaningful, because a person, who opt to dwell in the bondage of sin, rather than accepting Yeshua as Lord and Savor, is assured of a grave site too. Though to there dismay, their graves site is in "she’ol or hell.

           Yes, slavery in Egypt had it’s benefits, for example. Along with slavery came the assurance of food and water, in order to work. Though, upon being set free, came the realization of not knowing how, the Lord would furnish their next meal. Faced with this uncertainly, several people opted for slavery in Egypt, instead of freedom. These people you might say, were willing to sell their own souls, for the security that Egypt had to offer.

               Thus I’m remindful there is coming a day, when no one will be able to buy or sell, except they have the mark of the beast in their right hand, or forehead. { Rev. 13:17 }

            Though, the draw back is anyone, who receives the mark of the beast, will drank of the wine of G-d’s wrath and will be tormented with fire and brimstone, in the presents of the Lamb day and night. {Rev 14: 9 - 10} However in spite of this fact, there will be numerous individuals, who will sell their own souls, for the security of food.

         On this note, I’m remindful that Yeshua said, "it is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone , but by every word of God." {Luke 4:4 } It should be pointed out though, when Yeshua said,"it is written." He was alluding to the fact that He was quoting from the torah.

              He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone ; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD. Deut 8:3

            Returning to the text, the people continue on by saying, "is this not the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, 'Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness." Ex 14:12

           This statement only highlights the people’s, cowardness state of despair. For it was only after the oppression increased, did they despair. {Ex 5:21} Although, at first they accepted Moses, with open arms. Ex 4:31

            According to the sages, the Israelites at this stage had broken up into four groups. The first group lobbied for the Israelites, to commit suicide by jumping into the Red Sea. While a second group, lobbied for the Israelites to all get on their knees and surrender to the Egyptian. While the third group against enormous odds, elected to fight. Finely the last group said, "let us cry out to G-d."

           Prompting Moses to answer each group by saying, "do not fear! Stand still and see the salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever." Ex 14:13

Why is Moses statement noteworthy?

          Well I know a preacher, who upon reading my weekly’s lessons stated, from the pulpit that his Savor’s name, is Jesus and not Yeshua, which is a Mexican name. I took this as a slap in the face. So, why do I persist in calling "the Lamb of G-d," Yeshua?

          When Hebrew parents named their new born babe, they did so by choosing a name with a meaning. Expecting in someway the life of the child, will assume the meaning of it’s name, for example.

           The name Solomon means, "peace." I mention this fact, because the reign of Solomon, was marked by peace. On the other end of the spectrum, the name Balaam means, "destruction." And as we all know, Balaam’s life was marked for destruction.

           That said, the New Testament was originally written in Greek. I mention this fact, because when the King James translators, came Yeshua’s name. In stead of using Yeshua’s original Hebrew name, which means "salvation." They inserted the Greek word, Jesus. Why is this significant?

          Well when you plug in Yeshua’s original Hebrew name into Moses’ statement. When Moses said, "stand still and see the salvation of the LORD." He was alluding to Yeshua, because the name Yeshua means, "salvation." And we all knew, Yeshua was and is the Savor of the world. In turn when a person allude to Yeshua, by His original Hebrew name, they are specking of Yeshua’s persona.

            On this note it should be pointed out, at the end of the age. When G-d had made Yeshua’s enemies, His footstool, {Ps 110:1} mankind will once again stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. Rev 19:11 - 15

         Moses then ended his statement by saying, "Yahweh {the Lord} will fight for you." {Ex 14:14} Remember that the Lord made it plain to Moses at the burning bush, that it was by His hand that He would redeem, the children of Israel. This is significant, because neither Moses nor the children of Israel, were to fight the Egyptians. In turn neither Moses nor the Israelites, were to have no part in the honor of defeating the Egyptians, because that’s honor belonged to the Lord entirely. Ex 14:4

          It should be pointed out, to those who said, "let us cast ourselves into the sea. Moses answered them by saying, "fear not; stand by and see the salvation of G-d." To those who said, "let us return to Egypt." Moses answered them by saying " you shall not see them again any more forever." To those who said, "let us wage war against them." Moses said, "G-d shall fight for you." Finely to those who said, "let us cry out to G-d."Moses answered them by saying "and you shall be silent."

         Now, there comes a time when instead of prayer, action is required. I mention this fact, because the Lord then asked Moses, "why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward." {Ex 14:15 }

         This is one of those verses that the Jewish rabbis have taught on throughout the centuries and their teaching goes something like this. Once the Egyptians appeared, the Lord was pleased that the Moses and the Israelites had cried out to Him, in times of trouble. Although, there came a point in time, when the Lord expected Moses and the Israelites to quit crying to Him and step forward in faith and this was that moment in time. Thus, I’m remindful that "one word from G-d acted in faith, will eliminate any desperate situation."

            Returning to our text, before Moses could say anything, the Lord added, " and as for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land. And as for Me, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them; and I will be honored through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. Then the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD, when I am honored through Pharaoh, through his chariots and his horsemen." Ex 14:16-18

       So Moses was commanded to stop praying and tell, the people to go forward. Then Moses was to lift up his staff and stretch it over the sea, which would result in the sea parting or dividing.

        While all of this is going on, the Lord stated, He would harden Pharaoh and the Egyptians’ hearts, in order for the Egyptians to chase after the Israelites. All of this would happen, in order for the Egyptians to know, the true and the living G-d.

         Then we are told, the angel of God, who had been going before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them. So it came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud along with the darkness, yet it gave light at night. Thus the one did not come near the other all night. Ex 14:19-20

          Briefly the pillar of cloud moved from the front of the Israelites, to their rear. Placing the Egyptians in darkness, while at the same time, giving light to the Israelites. Thus, there must have been a gulf, where the darkness and light met.

         I find this fact interesting, because Yeshua in telling the story of the rich man and Lazarus, taught there is a fixed gulf, between Heaven and she’ol, {hell} and no one can transverse over this gulf. {Luke 16:26 } That said, remember to those who said, "let us return to Egypt." Moses answered them by saying " you shall not see the Egyptians again."

         This significant because for those individuals, who are sentenced to she’ol {hell.} They are cast out into utter darkness, where individuals in heaven will never see them again. In turn you might say, the moment pillar of cloud moved from the front of the Israelites, to their rear. The Lord cast the Egyptians into outer darkness, to be never seen again. Why do I say this? Well, Yeshua in depicting she’ol, depicts it as a place of darkness. Matt 8:12

      Else where the scriptures refer this angel in question, as being the angel of the Lord. But here Moses in alluding to this angel, was divinely inspired to allude to this angel, as being the angel of G-d. Why do I find this fact interesting?

        Well, the Hebrew word for G-d used here, is "Elohiym." Having said that the name "Elohiym" is plural. Why is this significant?

         Well when Yeshua said, "I and the Father are one." {John 10: 30 } The Pharisees wanted to stone Him death, for equating Himself to G-d. Though, had they believed in Moses, they would have believed in Him, because Moses wrote of Him. {John 5:46 } Why do I say this? Well the name "Elohiym" alludes to the fact that Yeshua and the Father are One.

          It should be noted, the Lord commanded the people to go forward, before the sea was parted. {Ex 14:16-18} I alluded to this fact, because while the Egyptians chariots were thundering closer, the people were face with a dilemma. Should they obey the Lord’s commandment, and walk in the sea and drawn, or should they ignore the Lord’s commandment and be slaughter by the hard charging Egyptians?

         Hence, according to the sages, when Nachshon from the tribe of Judah, heard Moses command, to go forward. Nachshon assumed that the Lord, would permit him to walk on water.

         So assuming this, Nachshon proceeded to walk into the sea up, until his ankles. Though, at this point, Nachshon discovered, the water hasn’t parted. However, Nachshon continue on walking, until the water was up to his knees, the water still hasn’t parted yet. Though this didn’t discourage Nachshon, because he forge even deeper into the sea, up until his chest, still the water hasn’t parted.

         Thus Nachshon's wondered, "should I return to Egypt?" Then he thought, how life is about growing ... leaving the place of confinement behind, moving forward into the unknown. But the alternative is to stay in place of warmth and comfort. However choosing to stay, ultimately leads to death.

          By now the water has reached Nachshon’s neck. Yet he continues on walking, into the sea. Then just as the water reached his nostrils, at the last possible second. Moses stretched his staff over the water, parting the Red Sea.

       Upon witnessing the water split, the sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. {Ex 14:22}  So, an east wind blew and as a result, a wall of water formed on Nachshon’s right and left. That said, the Almighty throughout the scriptures, has used an east wind in the form of judgement, upon the wicked. {Gen 41:6 , Gen 41:23 , Ex 10:13} Hence I’m remindful when the Son of man return as Judge, lightning will come out of the east and shine into the west so, shall the coming of the Son of man be. Matt 24:27

        In the darkness, the Egyptians heard the Israelites fleeing. In turn the Egyptians took up pursuit after them, Pharaoh’s chariots and all of his horsemen, followed in hot pursuit after them. Then the Lord looked down on the on the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud, and caused utter confusion among the Egyptians army. Ex 14:23 - 24         

        With that said, you should bear in mind, when the pillar of cloud moved from the front of the Israelites, to their rear. Darkness fell over the Egyptians. Hence it is possible, when the Egyptians pursued after the Israelites. They did so without the knowledge of knowing, they were in the midst of sea. Hence they may have concluded, they were on the ground, leading up to the seashore.

          Though, this is how it is with people in spiritual darkness, because in the midst of spiritual darkness. They are perceive into thinking, they are walking in light, all because the light isn’t in them. John 11:9

           Then the Lord, caused their chariot wheels to swerve, and He made them drive with difficulty; so the Egyptians said, "let us flee from Israel, for the LORD is fighting for them against the Egyptians."

{Ex 14:25}  Remember one of the Lord purpose, in redeeming the Israelites from bondage, was to attest to the Egyptians, that He is Lord. {Ex 10:2} I mention this fact, because here is an Egyptian just before his death, testifying of the Lord’s existence. Thus I’m remindful that every knee, will bow and testify that Yeshua is Lord. Phil 2:1

          When the Egyptians were in the midst of the sea, the Lord commanded Moses "to stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may come back over the Egyptians, over their chariots and their horsemen." So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal state at daybreak, while the Egyptians were fleeing right into it; then the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. Ex 14:26-27

       When Moses stretched out his staff over the sea, once again. The walls of water that were on the Egyptians’ left and right, fell upon them. Thus the waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen, even Pharaoh's entire army that had gone into the sea after them; not even one of them remained. Ex 14:28

        According to the Jewish historian Josephus, Pharaoh’s army consisted of fifty thousand horses, and two hundred thousand solders. Though not one of them remained alive, in order to carry the news of their defeat back to Egypt.

            While the Egyptians, were drowned by the sea. The Israelites walked though, the midst of the sea, on dry ground. Thus, the LORD saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. And when Israel saw the great power which the LORD had used against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in His servant Moses. Ex 14:30-31

               According to the sages, every mourning the Israelites, awaking to find the tide had washed ashore, chariots embossed with diamonds and precious stones, attached to them. With such riches washing ashore each mourning, the people didn’t want to leave. In turn Moses had to order the people to leave the sea shore. I find this interesting, because if true, no doubt some of this booty, was used in making the golden calf.

           In closing remember out of two hundred thousand Egyptian solders, not one of them remained alive, in order to testify of their resounding defeat. Though news of their divesting defeat, carried far and wide and is still reverberating unto this very day, for example.

              The harlot Rahab in hiding the two Hebrew spies, in her house in the city of Jericho stated, "We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the LORD your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath." Josh 2:10-11

          Rehab attested, when all of the land of Canaan had heard, how the Lord had dried up the Red Sea, and drained the Egyptians, their heart’s melt inside them. Though more importantly it should be added, Rehab feared and believed, in the Lord as a result of this event, and was welcome into the tribes of Israel.

           This is significant, because according to Matthew, Rahab is an ancestor of Yeshua. {Matt 1:5 } Having said that, it was by the parting of the Red that the Lord redeem, all of Israel. I mention this fact, because the parting of the Red, played a role Yeshua’s birth, which led to our redemption.

        The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, 'This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them: May the LORD bless you and keep you. May the LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you. May the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace." Num 6:22- 26