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This Shabbat’s parasha is entitled Beshalach, meaning “When he sent”, referring to Pharaoh finally letting Israel go (after ten terrible plagues). It takes us through Exodus chapter 17. When God led us out of Egypt, He didn’t take us straight north. While it would have been a much shorter route, it would have taken us directly into Philistine territory, and we were unprepared for armed conflict. Instead, Adonai led us through the wilderness to the Red Sea, manifesting His presence in a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day. Moses took Joseph’s bones with them – honoring his request that his bones be buried with his ancestors, not in Egypt.
Chapter 14 opens with a bit of subterfuge. Adonai tells Moses to lead the people south, giving Pharaoh the impression that we are wandering aimlessly, and now trapped at the shore of the Red Sea. Even after the last and deadly tenth plague, Pharaoh changes his mind, realizing he’s just freed half a million unpaid laborers, with all his construction projects sitting half-completed. So again, predictably, Pharaoh hardens his heart, saddles up, and with 600 of his best charioteers and a massive army, goes after Israel. Seeing the army approaching, Israel panics, and yells at Moses, “Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness?” It was sarcasm; the Egyptians were obsessed with death, graves and the underworld.
It wouldn’t be the last time our people wrongly accuse Moses. In fact, three times in just these four chapters Moses is accused of malicious intent.[1] But now, faced with what appears to be certain death at the hands of the mighty Egyptian army, Moses utters these unforgettable words: “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord!” Moses waves his staff over the Red Sea, and Adonai sends a powerful east wind – so powerful that the sea is swept back and divided in two, completely drying out the ground in the middle to make the way of escape for our people. We walked through the midst of the Red Sea, a wall of water on either side, and not one Israeli sandal got damp!
Overnight, the pillar of fire which had gone before us, moved behind us, keeping the Egyptians at bay. At daylight the pillar was lifted, and Pharaoh’s army resumed their pursuit, driving right into the Red Sea, which at that point was still parted. God then threw the Egyptian army into confusion and impeded their chariots. The Egyptians perceived that the God of the Hebrews was doing this, and began to flee. God commanded Moses to stretch out his hand once more over the Sea, and those massive walls of water came thundering down, killing every last Egyptian soldier.
The Exodus from Egypt would mark the single most significant event for the Jewish people for millennia to come. Dor l’dor – from generation to generation we’re reminded that Adonai redeemed us from the land of Egypt, from the house of slavery. Israel feared the Lord when they saw this deliverance. Egypt, too, learned that their gods were nothing and the God of Israel was the only One.
Chapter 15 contains a song – a poetic break in the narrative. Whenever that happens we’re supposed to pay special attention. In ancient times there weren’t books, as we have them today. The Scriptures were read aloud in the assembly, so you had to be a good listener. Any time a narrative was interrupted by something different – a song, a poem, it was meant to capture your attention! The song interprets the event. And in the Song of Moses we find these marvelous refrains: “The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation… Who is like You among the gods, O Lord? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, awesome in praises, working wonders? And again, The Lord shall reign forever and ever…”
Miriam and the women danced and sang with timbrels. Our people were delivered! But Moses’ song was more than a glorified sigh of relief; it was a series of lofty theological assertions. Two, in particular: First, the God of Israel is the only God.
Second, man cannot save himself – salvation comes from Adonai alone.
I wish I could say that chapters 16 and 17 are filled with faithfulness on our part, but instead they are filled with complaining. In the Wilderness of Sin we ran out of food, and accused Moses of bringing us out into the wilderness to kill us. God graciously sent manna – supernatural bread from heaven. He also sent quail. He also sent instructions, which we promptly ignored. We found out the hard way that manna didn’t keep overnight. Then we came to Rephidim and had no water, and again we blamed Moses. God graciously provided water. By the way, there’s no record of any apologies made to Moses.
In chapter 17 the Amalekites attacked Israel. Joshua led Israel’s army, while Moses went up on a hill and lifted his staff. So long as Moses’ staff remained above his head Israel prevailed. But when his arms got weary and came down, Amalek prevailed. Aaron and Hur knew just what to do – they sat Moses down and each of them held up one of Moses’ arms until Joshua completely defeated the Amalekites.
Attacking a weary and wandering people is wicked enough, but in Deuteronomy 25 we’re informed that the Amalekites attacked us at the rear, targeting the weak and elderly and those with very young children – those straggling behind. God declared His contempt for Amalek and later instructed Israel to blot out their very memory! After this victory, Moses built an altar, naming it Adonai Nissi – the Lord is my Banner! In the midst of life’s raging battles, the One who is our Banner is able to come to our aid, and lead us to victory!
A few final thoughts:
- Many people say they believe in God, but disbelieve in miracles. The parting of the Red Sea offers a great litmus test. If someone says they think it’s just a nice story, or insists on some kind of naturalistic explanation for it, it probably means they really don’t believe in God. It’s a good starting point for a discussion.
- Our people repeatedly rejected Moses’ leadership, despite seeing the miracles God performed through him. Even after Moses led us out of Egyptian bondage, we bad-mouthed him and accused him of terrible things. It began a pattern. Moses was the first in what would prove to be a long line of faithful servants of God who would suffer indignities from the very people they came to serve. It shouldn’t surprise us, then, that Israel’s leaders and many of our people rejected Messiah Yeshua when He presented Himself 2,000 years ago, despite His great miracles, His profound teaching, and His righteous deeds.
Nevertheless, Israel’s lack of appreciation for Moses didn’t stop God from keeping His promise to bring us into the Land. Likewise, Israel’s rejection of Yeshua will not prevent God from fulfilling the promises He made concerning her restoration and blessing in the Land. Many fail to see the bigger picture and have arrogantly written off the Jewish people, and that is a huge mistake.
- In contrast to the majority of Israel who treated Moses badly, Aaron and Hur are a symbol of the righteous remnant. They are remembered for coming alongside Moses and holding his arms up. It’s also a symbol of two types of responses to leadership; those who stand aloof and criticize, and those who come alongside to help. Which describes you?
Lord God, make us all to be like Aaron and Hur – encouragers. And whenever we face our own battles, may we always call on You, our Banner, the God who gives deliverance and victory – sweet victory!
[1] (see also 14:11-2, 16:3 and 17:3)