(a) Describe the escape of the Israelites from Egypt.
(b) In what two ways was this event significant to Israel.
Explanation
(a) The escape of the Israelites from Egypt: (i) When Pharaoh heard that the Israelites had fled, he sent chariots and charioteers to pursue them. (ii) They overtook them by the sea. (iii) The Israelites murmured against Moses wondering whether there were no graves in Egypt. (iv) They remarked that it would have been better if they had remained in Egypt to serve their masters. (v) Moses told them to be calm and see the salvation of God. (vi) He assured them that they would not see their enemies again because God will fight for them. (vii) Following God's order and promise of deliverance, they went forward to the Red Sea. (viii) God's angel and pillar of cloud moved behind to protect them. (ix) Moses stretched his rod over the sea as God commanded, and the sea divided. (x) The Israelites went through on dry ground. (xi) The Egyptians pursued the Israelites and God threw them into confusion. (xii) He clogged their wheels and impeded their. movements. (xiii) At God's command, Moses stretched his rod over the sea and the waters returned. (xiv) The Egyptian soldiers fled and were all drowned.
(b) The significance of the Episode to Israel: (i) Israel saw this as a miracle of deliverance from God. (ii) The miracle occupied a prominent place in the development of their national religion. (iii) They became a people in covenant with God. (iv) By their departure, they were welded together as a nation. (v) God defends His people.