A Camp by The Sea Exodus 13:20-14:21
THE great company of Israel marched eastward from Egypt and the first stop was at Succoth. Their tents must have been the boughs of trees, called booths, for later, when God told them to celebrate their going out of Egypt, they were to make booths from the branches of trees to remember how they had “dwelt in booths” (Leviticus 23:40-43).
How did they know where to march across the wild lands, and where to stop? God led them by a wonderful cloud He placed over and before them: when it moved they marched, but when it stopped, they camped. By day it protected them from the hot sun, and at night it was like a great light over them; also God still gave directions to Moses.
So they were led on to camp near the shore of the Red Sea. Suddenly, from there, they looked back and saw soldiers in chariots coming fast toward them. It was the army of Egypt. The king was sorry he had let the people go, and determined to overtake and turn them back.
On they came, and the poor Israelites were in terror before them were the waters of the sea and no bridge nor boats; on each side were high hills which such a company could not climb; and they had no swords to use, nor chariots to flee in. But Moses spoke before them all to “Fear not,” but see how God would save them.
The Lord moved the great cloud from before them and placed it between theirs and the army, and the soldiers could not come to them. All night it was dark toward the Egyptian but light to Israel. And we shall learn more wonders which God did for them.
“In the daytime He led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire.” Psalms 78:14.
ML 03/14/1937