Go Forward
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Then Moses, obeying the divine command, stretched out his rod,
and the waters parted, rolling up in a wall on either side, and leaving
a broad pathway across the bed of the sea for the children of Israel.
The light from the pillar of fire shone upon the foam-capped billows,
lighting the road that was cut like a mighty furrow through the waters
of the Red Sea until it was lost in the obscurity of the farther shore.
All night long sounded the tramping of the hosts of Israel crossing
the Red Sea; but the cloud hid them from the sight of their enemies.
The Egyptians, weary with their hasty march, had encamped upon the
shore for the night. They saw the Hebrews only a short distance before
them, and as there seemed no possibility of escape, they decided to
take a night’s rest and make an easy capture in the morning. The night
was intensely dark, the clouds seemed to encompass them like some
tangible substance. Deep sleep fell upon the camp; even the sentinels
slumbered at their posts.
At last a ringing blast arouses the army! The cloud is passing
on! The Hebrews are moving! Voices and the sound of marching
come from toward the sea. It is still so dark that they cannot discern
the escaping people, but the command is given to make ready for the
pursuit. The clatter of arms and the roll of chariots, the marshaling
of captains and the neighing of steeds, are heard. At length the line
of march is formed, and they press on through the obscurity in the
direction of the escaping multitude.
In the darkness and confusion they rush on in their pursuit, not
knowing that they have entered upon the bed of the sea and are hemmed
in on either hand by beetling walls of water. They long for the mist and
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darkness to pass away and reveal to them the Hebrews and their own
whereabouts. The wheels of the chariots sink deep into the soft sand,
and the horses become entangled and unruly. Confusion prevails, yet
they press on, feeling sure of victory.
At last the mysterious cloud changes to a pillar of fire before their
astonished eyes. The thunders roll and the lightnings flash, the waves
roll about them, and fear takes possession of their hearts. Amid the
terror and confusion, the lurid light reveals to the amazed Egyptians
the terrible waters massed up on the right hand and on the left. They
see the broad path that the Lord has made for His people across the
shining sands of the sea, and behold triumphant Israel safe on the
farther shore.