Tuesday 21 July 2009

Background

The exodus story reaches a crucial point here: the escapingpeople of Israel cross the sea and finally escape the clutches ofthe Egyptians. They had been slaves in Egypt for a long time andnow, under their charismatic leader Moses, they were to be free.The word exodus means 'going out'. At last, they were leaving Egyptand slavery behind.

It had been a long struggle, during which God had sent many plagueson the Egyptians, boils, locusts and frogs among them. Finally, theterrible Angel of Death had passed over the land striking dead thefirst born in every family from the royal court down to the poorestpeasant, and even including animals. Only the Israelites had beenspared. It really seemed that now, as the old spiritual song hasit, the Egyptian king (Pharaoh) had "let my people go".

But it was not long before Pharaoh changed his mind and sent hisarmy in pursuit. They caught up with the Israelites at the Sea ofReeds at the north of the Red Sea - an area where strong winds havebeen known to drive the waters back and allow a dry crossing. TheIsraelites found themselves between the devil and the deep bluesea!

Famously, the Israelites did get across and the Egyptian forceswere destroyed. Later Jewish tradition maintained that Pharaohhimself drowned. It was a night crossing; the 'morning watch' was2am to 6am. The Lord's presence in a pillar of fire and cloud wasto be with the people of Israel throughout the years in thewilderness which followed, before they eventually reached the landthe Lord promised them. It was a day that would be remembered as akey moment in the history of God's saving work among God's ownpeople.

The song of victory which follows is typical of the Old Testamentpsalms and songs which people offer in response to deliverance, towonderful good news and also to trouble and loss. Here there is anextended song which celebrates not only the escape from Pharoah butalso looks forward to what is to come. It is followed by songs anddancing by the women led by Miriam, Moses' sister.

To Ponder

What do you think it felt like for the Egyptiansto recognise that God was on the side of their adversaries?

Why do you think it was important for Moses tostretch out his hand over the sea when it divided and when it cameback?

Which parts of the song of victory can youcomfortably use in your prayers?