Beshalach - Shlishi

Coffee Break's Over, Moshe - Back to Work!

G-d said to Moshe, "What's with all the talk? Get busy!" He told Moshe to raise his staff over the sea. This would cause the sea to split so that Moshe could lead the Jews through on dry land. Meanwhile, G-d would take care of the approaching Egyptian army.

G-d moved His pillar from the front of the Israelite camp to the rear, so that it formed a blockade between the Jews and their pursuers. Darkness separated the two camps that night so that neither could approach the other.

Moshe extended his hand over the sea, which G-d had driven all night with a strong wind. The sea split and the Jews crossed on dry land with a wall of water on either side. The Egyptians pursued the Jews into the sea, where G-d struck them. The wheels of their chariots got stuck, trapping them. The Egyptians started to panic and tried to escape.

Author: Rabbi Jack Abramowitz