Moses was told by the Lord that Pharaoh's heart would be hardened, and he with his army would follow them (Exodus 14:1-4 ). Pharaoh thought Israel could not get out of Egypt, and that they were trapped by the Red Sea (Exodus 14:3). The people themselves expressed despair (Exodus 14:10-12 ). The Lord had led them into what seemed an impossible situation to deal with the enemy - and deliver them by His power. Moses tells the people not to fear (Exodus 14:13 ), a command that can only be obeyed by exercised simple faith, and "stand still" exercised the rest of faith, and "see the salvation" - faith leads finally to experience, and sight of God working, and fulfilled purpose.

Exodus 14:19 "And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them."

The pre-incarnate Christ who was leading them in the cloud (speaking of the Holy Spirit), now went behind them and the cloud, providing miracle protection from the Egyptians. Christ always interposes Himself between us and our enemies. We see His salvation (Exodus 14:20 ). Darkness to the foe, light always to His people. Christ between, enemy cannot come near to devour us.

1 John 5:18 "... and the wicked one does not touch him."

"Caused the Sea to Go Back" (Exodus 14:21-31 ). The second way they see His salvation is in the division of the sea. This new way of salvation was all of God's making. Just as through the veil of His flesh He has consecrated for us a new and living way (Hebrews 10:20 ). "Went Into the Midst of the Sea" (Exodus 14:22 ). The commentary of the Holy Spirit in Hebrews 11:29 was that they went through the Red Sea by faith.

Hebrews 11:29 "By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned."

Romans 10:17 "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

Exodus 14:21 "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided."

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. From the opening verses do you take encouragement from the knowledge that when God leads into what seems a closed situation, it is for His glory?
   • Can you relate how the enemy has been deceived, like Pharaoh, into thinking you were in a hopeless and entangled situation?
   • Is it true that often what appears to be a shut in situation, is really being shut in with the miracle working Lord?

2. Do you recognise that Pharaoh was allowed to pursue in order that the Lord would get glory?
   • Do you know that God's judgments make Him known to unsaved people?

3. Do you know that as a believer you have real foes?
   • Who are they?
   • What was the reaction of Israel when they saw the army of Pharaoh marching after them?
   • Have you been so sore pressed that you have cried to the Lord and at the same time reproached your Leader?

4. Do you see in Moses' words, principles that will work for you when under attack?
   • Do you find that when you act in simple faith, fear is overcome?
   • Do you know what it is to stand still in the rest of faith and let God be God?
   • Do you have the assurance of faith in God's Word that not only will the wicked plots fail, even the wicked ones will fall?

5. Do you agree that when the Lord's people are unarmed they are more dangerous because the Lord fights for them?
   • How important is your quiet confidence to the Lord, which shatters the foes gathered against you?

6. How necessary is it for a Leader having cried to the Lord, to stop so as to hear the Lord's instructions?
   • Is it always the Lord's plan for you to go forward?