Psalm 12:1-5 Who Owns Your Lips?
12:1 “Help, Yahweh; for the godly man ceases. For the faithful fail from among the children of men. 2 Everyone lies to his neighbor. They speak with flattering lips, and with a double heart. 3 May Yahweh cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that boasts, 4 who have said, "With our tongue we will prevail. Our lips are our own. Who is lord over us?" 5 "Because of the oppression of the weak and because of the groaning of the needy, I will now arise," says Yahweh; "I will set him in safety from those who malign him."“Observation: Self-centered speech isn't pretty. Even worse when it oppresses others to gain worth and value. God knows how to protect His servants when others malign and slander the faithful.
Matthew 12:36 "I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment."
Application: When you encounter evil and lying people, groan to God, who will protect you.
Prayer: Lord, I trust in Your protection, set a guard over me and my mouth. Amen.
Proverbs 4:1-4 Selling Life Assurance
Observations: A parent/father always has to sell their kids on what's right. With a reasonable faith based on God's revelation, and rules that are in the child's best interest, that's easy (especially when compared to the heartbreak of the alternative). The appeal is not just to the mind, but the heart, the place where values reside and decisions are made.
Application: What are you passing on to others? Pious sounding platitudes or Truth that gives the abundant life?
Prayer: Heavenly Father thank You for communicating Your law to me, may I be faithful to communicate it by my words and life to others. Amen.
Exodus 11 Favor and Firstborns
11:1 "Yahweh said to Moses, "Yet one plague more will I bring on Pharaoh, and on Egypt; afterwards he will let you go...2..let them ask every man/woman of his/her neighbor, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold." 3 Yahweh gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh`s servants, and in the sight of the people. 4 Moses said, "This is what Yahweh says: `About midnight I will go out into the midst of Egypt, 5 and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne...servant...cattle. 7 But against any of the children of Israel a dog won`t even bark...that you may know that Yahweh makes a distinction between the Egyptians and Israel. 9 Yahweh said to Moses, "Pharaoh won`t listen to you, that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt." 10 Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, and Yahweh hardened Pharaoh`s heart, and he didn`t let the children of Israel go out of his land."
Observations: 11:2-3 Even though you'd think the Egyptians would hate the Israelites, God changed their hearts to enrich His people (so they could enrich Him in the building of the Tabernacle).
11:9 God is intent about glorifying Himself for the benefit of the world, not just about making our lives comfortable. In fact, as His servants, we will be uncomfortable (count on it) but enriched.
Hebrews 11:27 "By faith, he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him Who is invisible."Application: If you don't obey and ask, you don't get.
Prayer: God, thanks that You can change hearts, so I can do what You require of me to accomplish Your purposes. Amen.
Exodus 12 Preparing for the Passover
12:1 "Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, 2 "This month shall be to you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year to you...5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male a year old. You shall take it from the sheep, or from the goats: 6 and you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month; and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at evening. 7 They shall take same of the blood, and put it on the two side-posts and on the lintel, on the houses in which they shall eat it. 8 They shall eat the flesh in that night, roasted with fire, and unleavened bread. They shall eat it with bitter herbs. 11 This is how you shall eat it: with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste: it is Yahweh`s Passover. 12 For I will go through the land of Egypt in that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and animal. Against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am Yahweh. 13 The blood shall be to you for a token on the houses where you are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and there shall no plague be on you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt. 15 Seven days shall you eat unleavened bread; even the first day you shall put away yeast out of your houses, for whoever eats leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel. 24 You shall observe this thing for an ordinance to you and to your sons forever. 26 It will happen, when your children ask you, `What d o you mean by this service?` 27 that you shall say, `It is the sacrifice of Yahweh`s Passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians, and spared our houses.`" The people bowed their heads and worshipped. 28 The children of Israel went and did so; as Yahweh had commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did.
29 It happened at midnight, that Yahweh struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle. 31 He called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, "Rise up, get out from among my people, both you and the children of Israel; and go, serve Yahweh, as you have said! 32 Take both your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone; and bless me also!"
35 The children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they asked of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and clothing. 36 Yahweh gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. They despoiled the Egyptians. 37 The children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot who were men, besides children. 38 A mixed multitude went up also with them, with flocks, herds, and even very much cattle. 40 Now the time that the children of Israel lived in Egypt was four hundred thirty years. 41 It happened at the end of four hundred thirty years, even the same day it happened, that all the hosts of Yahweh went out from the land of Egypt. 46 In one house shall it be eaten; you shall not carry forth anything of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall you break a bone of it. 47 All the congregation of Israel shall keep it. 48 When a stranger shall sojourn with you, and will keep the Passover to Yahweh, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one who is born in the land: but no uncircumcised person shall eat of it. 49 One law shall be to him who is born at home, and to the stranger who sojourns among you."
Observations: 12:12 It's not just about the Israelites, but about God's glory.
12:13 No blood, no judgment Pass-over. Obedience was needed to apply the blood as specified.
12:15 No obedience no blessing (even in something as insignificant as bread). Yeast is a symbol of sin which spreads and takes over its host.
12:29 The firstborn of Pharaoh was the next god in line to protect Egypt.
12:32 Pharaoh finally agrees to all God's stipulations, and asks for a blessing!
12:41 God had this planned to the day, to keep His word to Abe. How did He know that? The Scriptures don't tell us. It probably has something to do with being Omniscient and outside of time. The Scriptures do tell us that Pharaoh was responsible for his choices and reaped the consequences of His stubborn, rebellious choices. That is abundantly clear.
Application: Despite "delays" God's timetable was to the day.
Application: Despite "delays" God's timetable was to the day.
Prayer: God who delivers and is never late, help me focus on what You've told me to do, and leave the timing to You. Amen.
Exodus 13 Remember to Remember
13:1 "Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 2 "Sanctify to me all of the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of animal. It is mine." 5 It shall be, when Yahweh shall bring you into the land of the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Amorite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite, which he swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, that you shall keep this service in this month. 9 It shall be for a sign to you on your hand, and for a memorial between your eyes, that the law of Yahweh may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand Yahweh has brought you out of Egypt. 14 It shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, `What is this?` that you shall tell him, `By strength of hand Yahweh brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage; 15 and it happened, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that Yahweh killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of animal. Therefore I sacrifice to Yahweh all that opens the womb, being males; but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.`
17 When Pharaoh had let the people go, God didn`t lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, "Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and they return to Egypt;" 18 but God led the people around by the way of the wilderness by the Red Sea; and the children of Israel went up armed out of the land of Egypt. 19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had made the children of Israel swear, saying, "God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones away from here with you."
21 Yahweh went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them on their way, and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light, that they might go by day and by night: 22 the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night, didn`t depart from before the people."
Observations: 13:9 The purpose of the ritual is to memorialize (keep in memory) what God had done (delivered and judged rebellion and disobedience to His will) so that Israel would obey. It was also a perpetual reminder that God owns it all, including us.
13:16 To redeem was to buy back from the slated sacrifice/destruction.
13:17 Sometimes God's will is the long way around for our protection. He knows what's best; do it His way.
13:19 Joseph's faith was vindicated and serves as a reminder that God keeps His promises.
13:21 God protects (cloud) and guides (fire) so we can follow Him, day or night.
Application: How do God's promises affect your behavior?
Hebrews 11:28 By faith, he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them.Prayer: O God who keeps His promises, I promise to always remember what You have done, and give You all that is Yours. Amen.
Exodus 14 God Washes Problems Away
14:3 "Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, `They are entangled in the land. The wilderness has shut them in.` 4 I will harden Pharaoh`s heart, and he will follow after them; and I will get honor over Pharaoh, and over all his host; and the Egyptians shall know that I am Yahweh." They did so. 5 It was told the king of Egypt that the people had fled; and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was changed towards the people, and they said, "What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?" 8 Yahweh hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel...10...The children of Israel cried out to Yahweh. 11 They said to Moses, "Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you treated us this way, to bring us forth out of Egypt? 12 Isn`t this the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, `Leave us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians?` For it were better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness." 13 Moses said to the people, "Don`t be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of Yahweh, which he will work for you today: for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you shall never see them again. 17 I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall go in after them: and I will get myself honor over Pharaoh, and over all his host, over his chariots, and over his horsemen. 18 The Egyptians shall know that I am Yahweh..." 19 The angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them, and stood behind them. 20 It came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud and the darkness, yet gave it light by night: and the one didn`t come near the other all the night. 21 Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and Yahweh caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all the night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 The children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand, and on their left. 23 The Egyptians pursued...25 He took off their chariot wheels..."Let`s flee from the face of Israel, for Yahweh fights for them against the Egyptians!" 26 Yahweh said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come again on the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen." 27 Moses stretched out his hand over the sea...28 The waters returned, and covered the chariots and the horsemen, even all Pharaoh`s army that went in after them into the sea. There remained not so much as one of them. 29 But the children of Israel walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand, and on their left. 30 Thus Yahweh saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31 Israel saw the great work which Yahweh did to the Egyptians, and the people feared Yahweh; and they believed in Yahweh, and in His servant Moses."
Observations: 14:5 Note Pharaoh's self-serving value system which caused him to change his heart. God then hardened it.
14:12 Note the people's self-serving/protecting value system. They didn't value freedom nor serving God. Yet God still graciously hears them and saves them. The people also failed to believe all of God's promise, that they would serve Him. (But then they do provide comic relief 14:11 -no graves.)
14:13 They just had to stand (not run away) and then walk.
14:26 Youtube of Exodus and Route of Exodus and Chariot Wheels in the Sea.
14:26 Youtube of Exodus and Route of Exodus and Chariot Wheels in the Sea.
14:31 About time; Israel fears and believes God. Let's see how long this lasts.
Application: Fear of man and faith in God don't walk together. Fear causes us to do stupid things. Faith causes God to save us and bless us, the better choice.
Hebrews 11:29 "By faith, they passed through the Red Sea as on dry land. When the Egyptians tried to do so, they were swallowed up."Prayer: O God who triumphs gloriously, keep in my memory who You are and what You do, so I will never doubt Your ability to protect and bless me. Amen.
Digging Deeper:
God in a nutshell: God wants His people to worship Him, and will display His glory to the world in the process. He has a plan and a timetable, and works all things together for the good of His people, even the bad and the ugly, the mundane and the miraculous; He uses our obedience as the means of providing protection and prizes (Egyptian gold).
Us in a nutshell: To experience God's benefits, we must do what He says, as revealed in His word. We forfeit blessings and peace when we fear anything other than God, and fail to obey. We tend to focus on immediate relief, preferring even slavery to the far more beneficial sonship.
Route of Exodus and Chariot Wheels in the Sea
I realize there is controversy surrounding one of the individuals cited in the article, but on the whole, it is well reasoned.
More scholarly commentary on the above link
Exodus 11-14 (complete text)
I realize there is controversy surrounding one of the individuals cited in the article, but on the whole, it is well reasoned.
More scholarly commentary on the above link
Exodus 11-14 (complete text)
Exodus 11
11:1 "Yahweh said to Moses, "Yet one plague more will I bring on Pharaoh, and on Egypt; afterwards he will let you go. When he lets you go, he will surely thrust you out altogether. 2 Speak now in the ears of the people, and let them ask every man of his neighbor, and every woman of her neighbor, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold." 3 Yahweh gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh`s servants, and in the sight of the people. 4 Moses said, "This is what Yahweh says: `About midnight I will go out into the midst of Egypt, 5 and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the maid-servant who is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of cattle. 6 There shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there has not been, nor shall be any more. 7 But against any of the children of Israel a dog won`t even bark or move its tongue, against man or animal; that you may know that Yahweh makes a distinction between the Egyptians and Israel. 8 All these your servants shall come down to me, and bow down themselves to me, saying, `Get out, and all the people who follow you; and after that I will go out.`" He went out from Pharaoh in hot anger. 9 Yahweh said to Moses, "Pharaoh won`t listen to you, that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt." 10 Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, and Yahweh hardened Pharaoh`s heart, and he didn`t let the children of Israel go out of his land."
Exodus 12
12:1 "Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, 2 "This month shall be to you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year to you. 3 Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying, `On the tenth day of this month, they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to their fathers` houses, a lamb for a household; 4 and if the household be too little for a lamb, then he and his neighbor next to his house shall take one according to the number of the souls; according to everyone can eat you shall make your count for the lamb. 5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male a year old. You shall take it from the sheep, or from the goats: 6 and you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month; and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at evening. 7 They shall take same of the blood, and put it on the two side-posts and on the lintel, on the houses in which they shall eat it. 8 They shall eat the flesh in that night, roasted with fire, and unleavened bread. They shall eat it with bitter herbs. 9 Don`t eat it raw, nor boiled at all with water, but roasted with fire; with its head, its legs and its inner parts. 10 You shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; but that which remains of it until the morning you shall burn with fire. 11 This is how you shall eat it: with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste: it is Yahweh`s Passover. 12 For I will go through the land of Egypt in that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and animal. Against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am Yahweh. 13 The blood shall be to you for a token on the houses where you are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and there shall no plague be on you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt. 14 This day shall be to you for a memorial, and you shall keep it a feast to Yahweh: throughout your generations you shall keep it a feast by an ordinance forever. 15 Seven days shall you eat unleavened bread; even the first day you shall put away yeast out of your houses, for whoever eats leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel. 16 In the first day there shall be to you a holy convocation, and in the seventh day a holy convocation; no manner of work shall be done in them, except that which every man must eat, that only may be done by you. 17 You shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this same day have I brought your hosts out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall you observe this day throughout your generations by an ordinance forever. 18 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at evening, you shall eat unleavened bread, until the twenty first day of the month at evening. 19 Seven days shall there be no yeast found in your houses, for whoever eats that which is leavened, that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a sojourner, or one who is born in the land. 20 You shall eat nothing leavened. In all your habitations you shall eat unleavened bread.`" 21 Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said to them, "Draw out, and take lambs according to your families, and kill the Passover. 22 You shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two side -posts with the blood that is in the basin; and none of you shall go out of the door of his house until the morning. 23 For Yahweh will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when he sees the blood on the lintel, and on the two side-posts, Yahweh will pass over the door, and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to strike you. 24 You shall observe this thing for an ordinance to you and to your sons forever. 25 It shall happen when you have come to the land which Yahweh will give you, according as he has promised, that you shall keep this service. 26 It will happen, when your children ask you, `What do you mean by this service?` 27 that you shall say, `It is the sacrifice of Yahweh`s Passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians, and spared our houses.`" The people bowed their heads and worshipped. 28 The children of Israel went and did so; as Yahweh had commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did. 29 It happened at midnight, that Yahweh struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle. 30 Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where there was not one dead. 31 He called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, "Rise up, get out from among my people, both you and the children of Israel; and go, serve Yahweh, as you have said! 32 Take both your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone; and bless me also!" 33 The Egyptians were urgent with the people, to send them out of the land in haste, for they said, "We are all dead men." 34 The people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes on their shoulders. 35 The children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they asked of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and clothing. 36 Yahweh gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. They despoiled the Egyptians. 37 The children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot who were men, besides children. 38 A mixed multitude went up also with them, with flocks, herds, and even very much cattle. 39 They baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt; for it wasn`t leavened, because they were thrust out of Egypt, and couldn`t wait, neither had they prepared for themselves any food. 40 Now the time that the children of Israel lived in Egypt was four hundred thirty years. 41 It happened at the end of four hundred thirty years, even the same day it happened, that all the hosts of Yahweh went out from the land of Egypt. 42 It is a night to be much observed to Yahweh for bringing them out from the land of Egypt. This is that night of Yahweh, to be much observed of all the children of Israel throughout their generations. 43 Yahweh said to Moses and Aaron, "This is the ordinance of the Passover. There shall no foreigner eat of it, 44 but every man`s servant who is bought for money, when you have circumcised him, then shall he eat of it. 45 A sojourner and a hired servant shall not eat of it. 46 In one house shall it be eaten; you shall not carry forth anything of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall you break a bone of it. 47 All the congregation of Israel shall keep it. 48 When a stranger shall sojourn with you, and will keep the Passover to Yahweh, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one who is born in the land: but no uncircumcised person shall eat of it. 49 One law shall be to him who is born at home, and to the stranger who sojourns among you." 50 Thus did all the children of Israel. As Yahweh commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did. 51 It happened the same day, that Yahweh brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their hosts."
Exodus 13
13:1 "Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 2 "Sanctify to me all of the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of animal. It is mine." 3 Moses said to the people, "Remember this day, in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand Yahweh brought you out from this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten. 4 This day you go forth in the month Abib. 5 It shall be, when Yahweh shall bring you into the land of the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Amorite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite, which he swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, that you shall keep this service in this month. 6 Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day shall be a feast to Yahweh. 7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten throughout the seven days; and no leavened bread shall be seen with you, neither shall there be yeast seen with you, in all your borders. 8 You shall tell your son in that day, saying, `It is because of that which Yahweh did for me when I came forth out of Egypt.` 9 It shall be for a sign to you on your hand, and for a memorial between your eyes, that the law of Yahweh may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand Yahweh has brought you out of Egypt. 10 You shall therefore keep this ordinance in its season from year to year. 11 "It shall be, when Yahweh shall bring you into the land of the Canaanite, as he swore to you and to your fathers, and shall give it you, 12 that you shall set apart to Yahweh all that opens the womb, and every firstborn which you have that comes from an animal. The males shall be Yahweh`s. 13 Every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb; and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck; and you shall redeem all the firstborn of man among your sons. 14 It shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, `What is this?` that you shall tell him, `By strength of hand Yahweh brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage; 15 and it happened, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that Yahweh killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of animal. Therefore I sacrifice to Yahweh all that opens the womb, being males; but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.` 16 It shall be for a sign on your hand, and for symbols between your eyes: for by strength of hand Yahweh brought us forth out of Egypt." 17 It happened, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God didn`t lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, "Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and they return to Egypt;" 18 but God led the people around by the way of the wilderness by the Red Sea; and the children of Israel went up armed out of the land of Egypt. 19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had made the children of Israel swear, saying, "God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones away from here with you." 20 They took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness. 21 Yahweh went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them on their way, and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light, that they might go by day and by night: 22 the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night, didn`t depart from before the people."
Exodus 14
14:1 "Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 2 "Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn back and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before Baal-zephon. You shall encamp opposite it by the sea. 3 Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, `They are entangled in the land. The wilderness has shut them in.` 4 I will harden Pharaoh`s heart, and he will follow after them; and I will get honor over Pharaoh, and over all his host; and the Egyptians shall know that I am Yahweh." They did so. 5 It was told the king of Egypt that the people had fled; and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was changed towards the people, and they said, "What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?" 6 He made ready his chariot, and took his army with him; 7 and he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over all of them. 8 Yahweh hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel; for the children of Israel went out with a high hand. 9 The Egyptians pursued after them: all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen, and his army; and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon. 10 When Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them; and they were very afraid. The children of Israel cried out to Yahweh. 11 They said to Moses, "Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you treated us this way, to bring us forth out of Egypt? 12 Isn`t this the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, `Leave us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians?` For it were better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness." 13 Moses said to the people, "Don`t be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of Yahweh, which he will work for you today: for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you shall never see them again. 14 Yahweh will fight for you, and you shall be still." 15 Yahweh said to Moses, "Why do you cry to me? Speak to the children of Israel, that they go forward. 16 Lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go into the midst of the sea on dry ground. 17 I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall go in after them: and I will get myself honor over Pharaoh, and over all his host, over his chariots, and over his horsemen. 18 The Egyptians shall know that I am Yahweh, when I have gotten myself honor over Pharaoh, over his chariots, and over his horsemen." 19 The angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them, and stood behind them. 20 It came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud and the darkness, yet gave it light by night: and the one didn`t come near the other all the night. 21 Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and Yahweh caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all the night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 The children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand, and on their left. 23 The Egyptians pursued, and went in after them into the midst of the sea: all of Pharaoh`s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. 24 It happened in the morning watch, that Yahweh looked out on the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of cloud, and confused the Egyptian army. 25 He took off their chariot wheels, and they drove them heavily; so that the Egyptians said, "Let`s flee from the face of Israel, for Yahweh fights for them against the Egyptians!" 26 Yahweh said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come again on the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen." 27 Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it. Yahweh overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. 28 The waters returned, and covered the chariots and the horsemen, even all Pharaoh`s army that went in after them into the sea. There remained not so much as one of them. 29 But the children of Israel walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand, and on their left. 30 Thus Yahweh saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31 Israel saw the great work which Yahweh did to the Egyptians, and the people feared Yahweh; and they believed in Yahweh, and in his servant Moses."
