By Faith People Passed Through the Red Sea

Hebrews 11:29

(Read Exodus 13:17-14:31)

Read Exodus 13:17-18 and think about the expressions “face war” or “armed for battle.” What is the difference between “war” and “battle”? What do these words indicate about the reality the Israelites faced after the Exodus? 

Verse 17 reads, “If they face war they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” What does this passage tell us about the Israelites (who just got out of Egypt)? Yet, why should they “face” it [i.e., war]? Why is it a problem to change one’s mind and go back to Egypt? 

Read verse 18 again and compare what the Lord chose to do in the remainder of the passage (that is, Exodus 13:19-14:31, especially 14:4,8,17). Why do you think the Lord set up the situation this way? (Cf. 13:17)

Read Exodus 13:19 and think about Moses carrying Joseph’s “bones” to the Promised Land. What is the significance of this event? 

Read 13:20-22. What does this passage tell us about the Lord?

Read Exodus 14:1-12 and think about the way the Israelites responded to the sight of Pharaoh approaching. What does their response (10-12) show us about them? 

Read 14:13-31. What do you think the Israelites learned through this training?