Exodus and wilderness · Old Testament
The Story of the Crossing of the Red Sea
Pharaoh’s army pursues the Israelites to the sea; the LORD opens a way through the waters, and on the far shore Moses and Miriam lead the people in song.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
After the Israelites leave Egypt, God leads them by a pillar of cloud and fire toward the sea. Pharaoh changes his mind and pursues them with his chariots. Exodus 13:17–22Exodus 14:5–9
Moses stretches out his hand, the LORD drives the sea back with a strong east wind, and Israel crosses on dry ground. The waters return over the pursuing army, and the people sing to the LORD. Exodus 14:21–31Exodus 15:1–21
Principal passages
People in this story
Places named
- The Red Sea Exodus 13:18Exodus 15:4
- Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before Baal Zephon Exodus 14:2
Only places the passages name. Locations are not guessed.
The story, event by event
In the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here.
Led by cloud and fire
God leads the people the long way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea, going before them in a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. Moses takes Joseph’s bones.
People: Moses
Pharaoh pursues
Pharaoh pursues with his chariots. The terrified Israelites cry out against Moses, and he answers: “Don’t be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD… The LORD will fight for you.”
People: Moses, Pharaoh
The sea divides
The angel of God and the pillar of cloud move behind Israel. Moses stretches out his hand, the LORD drives the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and Israel goes through on dry ground.
The waters return
At morning the sea returns and covers the chariots and horsemen. Israel sees the great work of the LORD, fears him and believes in him and in his servant Moses.
People: Moses
The song of the sea
Moses and the Israelites sing to the LORD who has triumphed, who is their strength and song, and who will lead his people to his holy dwelling.
People: Moses
Miriam’s song
Miriam the prophet takes a tambourine, and all the women follow her with dancing as she sings, “Sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously.”
Related and parallel passages
Related stories
- The Exodus from Egypt Continues the story
The departure from Egypt leads straight to the crossing of the sea. Exodus 13:17–18
- The Ten Commandments Continues the story
From the sea Israel travels through the wilderness to Mount Sinai. Exodus 19:1–2
Later in the Bible
Later passages that recall or interpret this story. They are not events within it.
- Nehemiah 9:9–11 Later recollection — A prayer of confession recalls the dividing of the sea.
- Psalm 106:7–12 Later recollection — The psalm recalls Israel’s rebellion at the sea and God’s deliverance.
- Psalm 136:13–15 Later recollection — “To him who divided the Red Sea apart… for his loving kindness endures forever.”
- Isaiah 43:16–19 Later recollection — The God who makes a way in the sea promises to do a new thing.
- 1 Corinthians 10:1–2 Interpretive or typological connection (an interpretation, not a statement of the text) — Paul speaks of Israel “baptised into Moses in the cloud and in the sea”. An interpretive connection.
- Hebrews 11:29 Direct reference — By faith the people passed through the Red Sea.
Connected themes
- Worship Illustrates the theme
The first song of worship recorded in the Bible. Exodus 15:1–2
- Redemption
The song praises the God who redeemed his people. Exodus 15:13
Related life situations
- Fear Illustrates the theme
Israel, terrified at the sea, is told not to be afraid. Exodus 14:13
Questions for study
Written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
- What do the people say to Moses in Exodus 14:11-12, and how does he answer?
- Which details in Exodus 14:19-25 show God protecting Israel?
- What does the song in Exodus 15:1-18 say about who God is?
- How does Psalm 106:7-12 remember the same event?
Use offline
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