The Parting of the Red Sea

After centuries of bondage in Egypt, the Israelites were finally released by Pharaoh following the ten plagues. Led by Moses, they journeyed toward the wilderness, but their celebration was short-lived. Pharaoh, regretting his decision to lose his labor force, commanded his chariots and horsemen to pursue them. The Israelites soon found themselves trapped between the encroaching Egyptian army and the vast, impassable Red Sea. Terrified, the people cried out to Moses, fearing they had been led to their graves. Moses told the people to remain calm and have faith. Under Divine command, Moses stretched his hand over the sea. A powerful east wind blew throughout the night, driving the waters back and dividing them into two towering walls. The Israelites marched through the midst of the sea on dry ground. When the Egyptian army attempted to follow, their chariot wheels became mired in the mud. As the last Israelite reached the far shore, Moses stretched his hand out once more. The massive walls of water collapsed, swallowing Pharaoh’s army and securing the Israelites' miraculous transition from slavery to freedom.