Israel leaves Egypt, but the escape quickly appears to be collapsing. Pharaoh regrets releasing the people and sends chariots and forces after them. The Israelites see the Egyptians approaching while the sea blocks the way ahead.

Fear spreads through the camp. The people accuse Moses of bringing them into the wilderness to die. Moses answers by calling them to stand firm and see the deliverance of the LORD.

God directs Israel forward. Moses stretches out his hand, and the sea is driven back so that a path of dry ground opens. The Israelites enter the passage with water on either side. The Egyptian forces follow them into the sea.

The pursuit turns into disaster for Egypt. The chariots encounter confusion, and when Moses again stretches out his hand, the waters return. The army that had threatened to force Israel back into slavery is overwhelmed.

Exodus 15 answers the crossing with poetry and song. Moses and the Israelites celebrate God’s victory, and Miriam leads the women with tambourines and dancing. The crossing is both an escape scene and a foundational memory: Israel has been brought out from Pharaoh’s power and now begins the difficult journey of learning what freedom under God’s covenant will mean.