During the last watch of the night the Lord looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion.
Exodus 14:24 NIV
As I turned back to this passage to reconsider how God rescued the Israelites from the Egyptian armies. Even as they walked through the Red Sea on dry ground, there’s one subtle detail. I sense God would like us to note for our encouragement that nothing is indeed impossible for Him to do. If He has promised a thing, though it may appear too late or the window of opportunity seems to be closing. Nevertheless, He can always be trusted to accomplish what He promised.
The Israelites had just seen the impossible occur. The Red Sea parted so they could walk through it on dry ground. But as they continued their journey, the enemies did not stop pursuing them; they continued even into the parted sea. Perhaps the Israelites would have been wondering again what would become of them if their enemies were to catch up with them. They’d probably started to fear again.
“The Egyptians pursued them, and all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots and horsemen followed them into the sea. During the last watch of the night the Lord looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion. He jammed the wheels of their chariots so that they had difficulty driving. And the Egyptians said, “Let’s get away from the Israelites! The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt.””
Exodus 14:23-25 NIV
It seems that if God had not quickly come into action, some of the Egyptian armies might have crossed to the other side with the Israelites. Consider how the bible described this subtle rescue. “During the last watch of the night, the Lord looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion. He jammed their chariots’ wheels, so they had difficulty driving.” The enemies recognised that God was indeed fighting for His people, but it was too late for them.
“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen.” Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea went back to its place. The Egyptians were fleeing toward it, and the Lord swept them into the sea. The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived.”
Exodus 14:26-28 NIV
God promised His people deliverance from slavery and victory over their enemies, and that is what they got. He rescued them from the snare of the fowler. So, I have come to encourage you again today. Though the window of opportunity might seem closed on you, God can fulfil all His promises. Therefore, do not give up on God because He is faithful and will never give up on you. Never!
