According to the Old Testament, a pivotal event occurred at the Red Sea where the waters divided, allowing the Israelites led by Moses to escape the pursuing Egyptian army, which was subsequently engulfed by the returning sea.
The Miracle at the Sea
The narrative, primarily found in the Old Testament (Exodus 14: 19-31), describes the Israelites' journey from Egypt, pursued by Pharaoh's army. Upon reaching the Red Sea, their path was blocked.
The Divine Intervention
As recounted in the text:
- The Israelites found themselves trapped between the sea and the Egyptian forces.
- Moses stretched out his hand, a command from God.
- The waters divided, creating a dry path through the sea.
This miraculous division of the waters allowed the Israelites to pass safely across to the other side.
The Fate of the Pursuers
Following the Israelites, the Egyptian army entered the divided sea bed in pursuit. However, the divine intervention continued:
- God again commanded Moses to stretch out his hand.
- The sea returned to its normal state, flowing back over the land.
- The Egyptian army that had entered the sea was engulfed by the waters.
This event marked the destruction of the Egyptian pursuit and secured the Israelites' escape from bondage. The story is a central theme in the history and faith of the Israelites, symbolizing God's power and protection.
