1. Man's Extremity- Verses 1-2
The Lord's direction placed Israel at a seeming impasse. In this dead end they were hemmed in on three sides by mountains, desert, and sea. Certainly the flesh would never have chosen this path. Those following Christ will often find themselves in such positions (II Corinthians 4:8).

2. God's Opportunity - Verses 3-4
We must learn that God does not concern Himself with our ease but with His glory and our spiritual good. The Lord was here creating an opportunity to display His power, destroy Israel's enemies, and strengthen the faith of His people. May we also view our trials as God's opportunities to bless (II Corinthians 4:7-11, 17).
This move appeared to Pharaoh to create the perfect setting for Israel's capture. Their direction probably proved to him that they were not returning. Perhaps the seeming folly of the move caused him to believe that God had forsaken them. As he recalled the lost treasure and the absence of his slave labor, his heart was hardened. God set the trap and Pharaoh went for the bait.
How soon the king forgot the power and judgment of God. What madness to pursue the people when Egypt was already in shambles. Allow this to stand as a warning to all whom by spiritual stubbornness temp God to judicially harden them in sin. Those whose lives are not testimonies to the glory of God's grace will become monuments to the awfulness of His wrath and power (Romans 9:17-23).

3. Overtaken- Verses 5-9
Israel's two million people were as mere sheep before the approach of a trained and equipped army. Considering that there were six hundred chosen chariots, the number of ordinary chariots must have been vast. God's people seemed to be in a difficult spot. In reality they were in God's will and in God's hand. No place could have been safer.

4. A Breakdown In Faith- Verses 10-12
The sudden appearance of Pharaoh's army caused Israel to lose all courage. Should we be surprised at how quickly Pharaoh forgot God's power when we see Israel so quick to stagger through unbelief? True faith considers God, not the circumstances (Romans 4:19-20).

5. Faith Is The Victory- Verses 13-14
Was not this one of Moses' most heroic hours? There was no outward evidence that his faith wavered. His threefold command to Israel contains the order in which faith operates:
a. "Fear Not"- How often the Lord Jesus spoke these words (Luke 12:32). Has God redeemed us to let us perish? "Faith" and "Fear of circumstances" cannot exist together.
b. "Stand Still"- In Israel's case this was to be literally obeyed. They were to neither flee nor fight. Even when action is called for there can be an inner stillness that comes from resting upon God's promises.
c. "See The Salvation Of The Lord"- While verse 13b-14 are promises, this statement must be viewed as a command. True faith does not worry about what Pharaoh will do but looks to see what God will do.

6. "Go Forward"- Verses 15-18
While Moses was outwardly confident he was inwardly crying out to God. When the command comes Moses is told to stop praying and obey. We need not pray about obedience when God's will is know.

7. The Pillar- verses 19-20
The pillar moved to the rear of Israel's camp as a protection for them. Light was provided for Israel while Egypt stumbled in darkness. God always stands between His people and danger.

8. The Red Sea Divided- Verses 21-22
What appeared to be a dead end became a highway for faith (Hebrews 11:29). Many have stumbled over the greatness of this miracle. All attempts to find a natural explanation have failed. God's child can only say; "Is anything too hard for the Lord?"
9. The Folly Of Fighting Against God- Verses 23-25
In the darkness the Egyptian army may have hardly realized where they were. As the light broke they began to realize their danger. The chariots they had such confidence in began to fail (Psalm 20:7). The memory of God's past judgments must have awakened. They were seized with terror. This terror will one day fill the hearts of all that fight against God (Revelation 6:15-17).

10. A Fearful Contrast- Verses 26-30
Thus we see all of the redeemed saved and all the Egyptian worldlings lost. The greatest army on earth perished in a short time without Israel striking a blow.

11. Seeing Is Believing- Verse 31
Those who thought they would die saw their enemies dead on the shore. This confirmed the leadership of Moses (I Corinthians 10:1-2) and struck fear into Israel's future enemies (Joshua 2:10-11).
Israel rejoiced in this great work of God. How sad that the people had to see before they could exalt the Lord. Such faith falters as soon as new troubles arise. In this case their confidence lasted three days (Exodus 15:22-24). May we consider often the words of Christ to doubting Thomas (John 20:29).