What is the Exodus — In Biblical Context
The Exodus is the foundational event in which God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt through Moses, including the ten plagues, Passover, and the crossing of the Red Sea.
The Exodus is the foundational event in which God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt through Moses, including the ten plagues, Passover, and the crossing of the Red Sea.
"And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground." — Exodus 14:21-22 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
The Exodus is arguably the most important event in Old Testament history. After 400 years of slavery in Egypt, God raised up Moses to demand Israel's release. When Pharaoh refused, God sent ten devastating plagues, culminating in the death of every firstborn — except those of the Israelites who applied lamb's blood to their doorposts (the Passover). Pharaoh finally relented, but then pursued the Israelites to the Red Sea, where God parted the waters for Israel to cross on dry ground and then destroyed the Egyptian army. The Exodus established Israel as a nation, demonstrated God's power and faithfulness, and became a defining narrative that shaped Jewish and Christian theology. It foreshadowed the greater deliverance from sin accomplished by Christ, the ultimate Passover Lamb.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Exodus 14:21-22, sits inside Exodus 14. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground."
Supporting Passages
"And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you."
"Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage."
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