Crossing the Red Sea
Exodus 13:17–15:21; Psalm 106:7–12; 1 Corinthians 10:1–2; Hebrews 11:29
Trapped between the sea and Pharaoh's army, Israel crossed on dry ground as God parted the waters, which then closed over the Egyptians.
Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and Yahweh caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. The children of Israel went into the middle of the sea on the dry ground; and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
Exodus 14:21–22 (World English Bible)
God led Israel to camp by the sea, and Pharaoh, regretting his decision, chased them with his chariots. Moses told the terrified people, “Stand still, and see the salvation of Yahweh” (14:13). The pillar of cloud moved behind them, and all night a strong east wind drove the sea back.
Israel walked through between walls of water. When the Egyptians followed, the waters returned and not one of them survived. Moses and Miriam led the people in the first song recorded in the Bible. Paul calls the crossing a kind of baptism (1 Corinthians 10:2).
Places
EgyptRed SeaPi-hahirothSuccothBaal-zephonMigdol
Dating notes
Ussher places the crossing on the 21st day of the first month, the last day of Unleavened Bread (about 11 May 1491 BC, Julian), a week after leaving Rameses. The crossing point is debated: the Gulf of Suez (traditional), the Bitter Lakes region, or the Gulf of Aqaba (favored by those who place Mount Sinai in Arabia).