“And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.”
This verse is part of the account of the Israelites’ escape from Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea. It occurs during a critical moment when the Israelites find themselves trapped between the pursuing Egyptian army and the sea. Let’s explore the context and key themes of this verse.
Historical Context:Exodus is the second book of the Bible and tells the story of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. After ten devastating plagues, Pharaoh finally allows the Israelites to leave. As they journey through the wilderness, they reach the shores of the Red Sea, with Pharaoh and his army in pursuit.
The Israelites’ Fear and Moses’ Cry:In Exodus 14:10-14, we see the Israelites gripped with fear as they witness the approaching Egyptian army. They express their distress to Moses, questioning his intentions and believing that they would have been better off remaining in Egypt. Moses, in turn, cries out to the Lord, seeking His intervention and guidance.
God’s Response and Instruction:In verse 15, we see the Lord’s response to Moses’ cry. Instead of offering immediate deliverance or a miraculous intervention, God questions Moses, saying, “Wherefore criest thou unto me?” This response seems to prompt Moses to take action. The Lord then instructs Moses to speak to the children of Israel and tell them to go forward.
Lessons and Key Themes:
- Trust and Obedience: The instruction to “go forward” demonstrates the importance of trust and obedience. Despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacle of the Red Sea and the pursuing Egyptian army, the Israelites were called to trust in God’s leading and move forward in faith. This teaches us to rely on God’s guidance even when faced with overwhelming circumstances.
- God’s Sovereignty and Power: Throughout the account of the Exodus, we witness God’s sovereignty and power at work. In this verse, God reminds Moses that He is in control and has a plan for their deliverance. The instruction to “go forward” implies that God will make a way, even when it seems impossible. It emphasizes that God’s power can overcome any obstacle we may face.
- God’s Faithfulness: In the preceding verses, Moses reminds the Israelites of God’s faithfulness and promises. The Lord’s response to Moses’ cry indicates that He had heard their cries and was actively involved in their situation. This reassures us that God is attentive to our prayers and is faithful to His promises.
- Action in Partnership with God: The Lord instructs Moses to speak to the people, indicating the collaborative nature of their relationship. God works in tandem with His people, using their actions as part of His plan. The call to “go forward” signifies the importance of our active participation in God’s purposes.
