It's quite eerie, reading what happened to Pharaoh at the same time as present day Egyptians are putting their president under such pressure. Today, it looks like Mubarak will have to go, and if he does, what celebrations will take place!
What's your favourite moment of triumph? England winning the Ashes? Your footy team winning a trophy (not in my case!) Some personal success? Well, remember that feeling as you read today's chapters.
Passover instructions
Exodus 13:1-19
From Succoth to Etham
Exodus 13:20, Numbers 33:6
Pillar of fire and cloud
Exodus 13:21-22
From Etham to Pi-Hahiroth
Exodus 14:1-2, Numbers 33:7
Pharaoh pursues
Exodus 14:3-20
Crossing the Red Sea
Exodus 14:21-31
Song of victory
Exodus 15:1-21
The Israelites marched out with pride, only to be pursued by the chariots of Pharaoh. This causes them to panic, and to begin their first of many complaints to Moses. "Oh I see, there wasn't enough burial space in Egypt so you brought us out to die here."
"Stay calm," says Moses, "Don't move til you see the whites of their eyes." Has he changed? Not stammering and depressed any more. Confident and unflustered, he obeys God's command and faces the impassable barrier of the sea. All night God keeps the two forces apart and then in the morning, like a cosmic lollipop man, he ushers the Israelites across the sea bed. Then the waves crash back in and drown the Israelites.
I always thought the song in chapter 15 was a bit feeble. It hasn't got the poetry and depth of some of the Psalms. But then it's a victory chant - basically, it's the Israelites singing "One nil, one nil, one nil," to the tune of Amazing Grace.
It won't last. But for now, let them enjoy their moment.
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