1 Having spoken, Moses led them closer to the sea, where the Egyptians, tired from the chase, decided to wait until morning to attack. Standing by the shore, Moses lifted his rod and prayed for God’s intervention: “Lord, no human power can save us now. Only Your might can deliver us. We look to You, asking for any path You grant, whether it be through splitting this sea, opening a pass through the mountains, or even bearing us through the air. Reveal Your power, so these despairing people may see there is still hope in You.” 2 Then Moses struck the sea with his rod, and the waters parted, leaving a dry lane. Moses entered first, urging the Hebrews forward. Encouraged by this miraculous way, they hurried across, filled with amazement that God had created a road through the sea for them. 3 The Egyptians at first thought the Hebrews insane for entering the sea, but when they saw them pass unharmed, they pursued, trusting the path would stay open for them too. However, that safe route was meant for the Hebrews alone and not their enemies. Once the Egyptians were in the midst of it, the waves, driven by fierce winds, rushed back. Torrential rain, thunder, lightning, and hail fell upon them, and a dreadful darkness enveloped them, so not a single Egyptian survived. None returned to tell of the catastrophe. 4 At last free, the Hebrews rejoiced, singing songs of gratitude through the night, for their oppressors were destroyed and they knew they had found favor with God. Moses composed a hymn of thanksgiving in verse, as preserved in our holy texts. Though these events are extraordinary, similar occurrences have been attributed to divine or natural forces in other traditions too—some say the Pamphylian Sea parted for Alexander of Macedonia. Whether one believes these stories or not is a matter of individual judgment. 5 The next day, Moses gathered weapons washed ashore for the Hebrews to use, convinced this also was God’s providence so they would not remain defenseless.⁠a Armed with these, he led them toward Mount Sinai to offer sacrifices and thanks to God, fulfilling the command given to him.