BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

Instead of a straight path to freedom, God leads his people up from Egypt into the harsh desert. The roundabout route exposes the Israelites to thirst and scorching heat—and to enemy forces. When Pharaoh catches wind of their vulnerable position, he rallies his army in pursuit. The Israelites panic. With Pharaoh’s chariots thundering towards them and the treacherous sea behind them, they’re cornered, and they turn on Moses. Has he brought them out to the desert to die?

But where the Israelites and Egyptians see a dead end, God opens a new path. His presence forms a protective barrier behind his people, separating—as he did on the first day of creation—the light illuminating Israel’s camp from the darkness shrouding Egypt’s chariots. The turbulent sea divides, giving way to dry land for the Israelites to walk through the sea toward freedom. As a new day breaks over the horizon, the chaotic waters swallow Egypt’s army while God’s chosen people watch safely from the shore.

The Israelites erupt in praise. Their song is filled with vivid imagery and figurative language that recounts the exodus through a new lens—one that highlights God’s faithful love and justice.

This pattern of a long narrative followed by a capstone poem or song repeats throughout the biblical story. Through the evocative language of poetry, the biblical authors invite readers to experience the story in a new way and reflect on God’s character. Who is like this God of majesty and liberating power?

Reflection Questions

• Where else in the biblical story have you seen God bring a person or community through the waters of death to new life on the other side? What common features do you notice across these events?
• As you read through the Israelites’ song of praise, pay attention to the way it describes God’s character. What kind of God does Yahweh reveal himself to be in the exodus event?