Exodus

Exodus 14: The LORD fights for Israel

Begin in prayer

Before the sea blocks Israel’s road and the chariots draw near, let us ask the Lord to strengthen faith. Pray that we will see His power to save and turn our fear toward trusting Christ.

Your way was through the sea; your paths through the great waters. Your footsteps were not known.

Psalm 77:19

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Show us Your power to save where people have no escape. Teach us to trust Jesus and obey Your word. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

At God’s command Israel camps by the sea, and Pharaoh pursues with his chariots and army. Terrified, the people cry out and accuse Moses of bringing them to die. Moses tells them that the LORD will fight for them, and God commands them to move forward. The cloud separates the camps while God drives the sea back with a strong east wind all night. Israel crosses on dry ground, but the pursuing Egyptian army is thrown into confusion and covered by the returning waters. Seeing the LORD’s great work, the people fear Him and believe in Him and His servant Moses.

As you read Exodus 14, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

The LORD saves His people by defeating the enemy they cannot overcome.

God directs the camp toward a place Pharaoh will think is a trap. His announced hardening draws the Egyptian army after Israel, so that His name will be known through its defeat. The people see the approaching army and wish for the bondage they have left. Moses answers their fear with God’s promise to fight for them. Yet they must still obey the command to go forward. The pillar moves behind Israel, separating the camps while the LORD drives the sea back by an east wind all night. Israel walks through on dry ground between walls of water. The same water returns over the pursuing army, leaving none of those who entered alive. The rescue moves the people from fear of Egypt to fear of the LORD and belief in Him.

How does Exodus 14 show us that the LORD saves His people by defeating the enemy they cannot overcome?

God’s plan stands when His people see no escape.

The camp is where God commanded it to be. Pharaoh pursues as God foretold, while Israel is afraid and complains. God’s promise of rescue rests on Him, beyond what the frightened people can see.

The LORD opens a road through the sea.

Moses stretches out his hand, and the LORD drives back the water all night. The people cross on dry ground with water on both sides. This is God’s act of salvation, and faith receives the way He provides.

God defeats the army and brings His people safely through.

He confuses the Egyptians and takes off their chariot wheels. The waters cover all the army that entered after Israel, leaving none. The rescued people fear and believe the LORD, whose saving power leads us to hope in Christ.

Memorise

Yahweh will fight for you, and you shall be still.”

Exodus 14:14

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, what fear am I allowing to hide my need for Jesus?

Moses says, “Yahweh will fight for you, and you shall be still.” Israel cannot defeat the army behind it or make a road through the sea. The LORD supplies both the way through and the victory.

Our sin has brought us before enemies we cannot conquer, guilt and death. Jesus took the punishment His people deserved when He died on the cross. On the third day He rose, having paid their debt in full. His completed rescue is enough for those who have no strength to save themselves.

Do not seek safety in the sin that holds you. Turn from your sin and put your trust in Jesus. Those who come to Him receive forgiveness and life. His victory gives His people a hope that fear and death cannot overthrow.

Parent's note

Tell your children that God rescued Israel and destroyed the pursuing army, and speak of this judgment without graphic detail. Jesus died and rose to save His people from sin and death. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for opening the sea and defeating the enemy His people could not overcome, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

Mighty God, thank You for the rescue at the sea. Forgive our unbelief when we can see only danger. Please turn each heart to trust Jesus, who conquered sin and death. Teach us to obey Your word and to encourage those who are afraid. Amen.