Parting the Sea

 

Awake, awake, put on strength, O warm of the LORD; awake, as in days of old, the generations of long ago. Was it not you who cut Rahab in pieces, who pierced the dragon? Was it not you who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made the depths of the sea a way for the redeemed to pass over? And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (Isaiah 51:9-11 ESV).

 

God commands the waters of His creation. Our reading today is another reminder of the power and mercy of God. God had set his people free from slavery in Egypt (cf. Exodus 12:31-38), and as they were traveling away, they came to a halt at the Red Sea. Then they were terrified as they saw that Pharaoh’s army was pursuing them (cf. Exodus 14:1-10). But the Lord “drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land” so that his people could cross to the other side.

 

You may remember the story of a “wind” (the Holy Spirit) interacting with water in Genesis 1:2, God’s Spirit/wind hovers over the chaotic waters, preparing for his creation. Then, in Genesis 8:1, God sends a wind to push back the waters of the great flood. Now as His people are moving to their promised land God drives the sea with a strong wind to provide a way of deliverance for them.

 

And while Israel stands safe on the far bank of the Red Sea, the waters come crashing down on Pharaoh’s army. God’s rescue of his people is dramatic and momentous, and so is the symbolism of this event. Remember that Egypt is described as the great sea monster “Rahab” in other Old Testament passages (cf. Psalm 89:10; Isaiah 30:7; 51:9-10). Here in Exodus the sea is cut in two. And then at God’s command the sea drowns the mighty Egyptian army.

 

God has delivered his people, saving them from the chaotic, destructive forces of this world. Freed from slavery, they are set apart to bring blessing to the world through God’s promises. What a mighty image God gives us in our reading today! Be assured, He is leading us to our eternal life!