Exod. 13:3-10 An elaboration and reminder of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

Exod. 13:3 See section 3 of "TRUTH IN ACTION" at the end of Exodus.

Exod. 13:6,7 See section 3 of "TRUTH IN ACTION" at the end of Exodus.

Exod. 13:7-18:27 GOD's Guiding, Providing Presence: Journey to Sinai (HBH) Exodus 1:1-13:16, which focuses on GOD's powerful saving presence, builds steadily to its dramatic conclusion - the death of the firstborn of Egypt and Israel's exodus. Exodus 13:17-18:27 likewise focuses on GOD's presence, which here guides, guards, and protects.

By means of the pillars of cloud and fire, the LORD guided Israel from Succoth to the wilderness of Etham, just west of the Red (or Reed) Sea (13:17-22). There they appeared to be boxed in by the sea to the east, the deserts to the north and south, and the advancing Egyptian armies to the west. Once more the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh so that through his defeat Egypt would know that Yahweh is GOD (14:1-18). For a tense night the presence of the LORD guarded Israel from the armies of Egypt (14:19-20). Then Yahweh, in the most marvelous redemptive act of Old Testament times, opened up the sea so His people could go safely through while their enemies perished (14:21-31). For generations thereafter Israel commemorated its salvation by singing the triumphant songs of Moses and Miriam, hymns that praised Yahweh as the Sovereign and Savior (Exod. 15:1-21).

The journey from the Red Sea to Sinai was filled with miracles of provision of water (15:22-37), quails (16:1-20), manna (16:21-36), and water once more (17:1-7). All this occurred despite Israel's complaining insubordination. Hostile and savage desert tribes likewise fell before GOD's people as He led them triumphantly onward (17:8-16). When heavy administrative burdens threatened to overwhelm Moses, his father-in-law, Jethro, instructed Moses about how the task could be better distributed (18:1-27).

Exod. 13:9,16 Here it speaks of a later Jewish practice of wearing two small leather boxes or cases, each containing four strips of parchment inscribed with quotations from the Pentateuch. They were worn by every Israelite male above 13 years old during prayer, except on the Sabbath and holidays. These phylacteries consisted of two small hollow cubes made of the skin of clean animals. They were attached by leather straps to the left hand and forehead during morning worship. (IBD)

Exod. 13:17 Through the way...of the Philistines: Although this was the most direct way toward Canaan, it was heavily guarded by Egypt.

Exod. 13:18 The Red Sea is a narrow arm of water that extended approximately 2,000 km (1200 miles) from Suez into the Gulf of Aden. In some places it has depths of 3,000 meters. This verse speaks of a detour to the southeast. Armed means they marched in combat formation. GOD's people were neither disorganized nor pushed by panic in their escape.

Exod. 13:19 Joseph's bones were brought out of Egypt, fulfilling that which is said in Genesis 50:25,26.

Exod. 13:20 The Israelites were led in an east-southeast direction on a way that was free of armed ambushes.

Exod. 13:21 A column of smoke and a column of fire were manifestations of GOD's guiding presence.

Exod. 14:1,2 This divine indication to double back to the south as if returning to Egypt, had the purpose of confusing (v.3) and thus deceiving and defeating Pharaoh (v.4).

Exod. 14:7 Chariots : two or four wheeled vehicles pulled by horses, used to carry a driver and one or more warriors. They were equipped with bows, arrows, lances and javelins, were excessively heavy and could be easily overturned and immobilized, leaving the horses and men trapped.

Exod. 14:10-18 The water was before them, and Pharaoh and his army behind. They were trapped and had to choose one of three options; give up, fight or trust in GOD. The crossing probably occurred some place between Qantir and the extreme north of the Suez, near the Papyrus Marsh.

Exod. 14:13,14 See section 3 of "TRUTH IN ACTION" at the end of Exodus.

Exod. 14:19 The angel of GOD: The angel, the cloud and the fire, were visible means used by GOD to offer protection, direction and security.

Exod. 14:21 The Egyptians had to learn that GOD wasn't a desert god, but that he had mankind's destiny in his hands and was the GOD of all the elements of nature.

Exod. 14:24 The "vigil" (KJV-watch) signified one of two things: a guard position or a unit of time that divided the day into four periods of six hours each, as occurred with the morning watch.

Exod. 14:31 The appropriate response to GOD's power is fear (reverent fear), trust and obedience. The Israelites had to learn this lesson time after time.

Exod. 15:1-18 The Song of Moses was completely dedicated to praising GOD for his saving presence, the rescue, protection and settlement of the people in the Promised Land.

Exod. 15:1 The rider refers to the chariot driver.

Exod. 15:3 The man of war was the warrior. It represented a recognition that GOD had fought the battle.

Exod. 15:5 That the Egyptians sank...as a stone probably alludes to the fact that they were heavily armed (v.10).

Exod. 15:7 Wrath literally means "burning". GOD's action reached them the same way that fire consumes the dry grass in a pasture.

Exod. 15:17 The sanctuary is a sacred place consecrated to divine worship and the realization of religious ceremonies.

Exod. 15:20 Timbrel was a small percussion instrument used primarily by women.

Exod. 15:23 Marah means "bitter". The springs and wells in this region are generally salty.

Exod. 15:25,26 See section 1 of "TRUTH IN ACTION" at the end of Exodus.