Red Sea

The Red Sea holds a central place in biblical history as the body of water that God miraculously divided to enable the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt. According to the Book of Exodus, after the Israelites fled Pharaoh's oppression, the Egyptian army pursued them to the sea's shores, prompting Moses to stretch out his staff and part the waters, allowing safe passage on dry ground. Once the people had crossed, the waters returned to drown the pursuing forces, showcasing divine intervention and protection. This event underscores God's covenant faithfulness and power over creation, serving as a foundational miracle that is frequently recalled in Scripture to affirm trust in divine deliverance.

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Region: Egypt
Modern Location: Red Sea, between Egypt and Saudi Arabia

Strongest connections in Scripture

Exodus 14

Journey Paths

Miriam's Journey

Egypt → Red Sea

Moses's Journey

Egypt → Mount Sinai → Red Sea → Mount Nebo

Pharaoh (of the Exodus)'s Journey

Egypt → Red Sea

Key Passages

Crossing the Red Sea

Exodus 14:21-31

God parts the sea to deliver Israel from Pharaoh's army - the defining salvation event of the Old Testament that becomes the paradigm for all divine rescue.

A²¹nd Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.

²² And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. ²³ And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. ²⁴ And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, ²⁵ And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians. ²⁶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen. ²⁷ And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. ²⁸ And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them. ²⁹ But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. ³⁰ Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. ³¹ And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.

Did You Know?

The Hebrew term 'Yam Suph' literally means 'Sea of Reeds'. Its exact location is debated.

If the Israelites crossed in a column 50 people wide, the crossing would have taken about 9 hours.

The Egyptian army that drowned may have numbered 600 chariots plus horsemen and troops.