Exodus 12:30–14:14
Pharaoh woke up that night and found his own son dead. All of Egypt was crying. In every house, someone had died. Pharaoh called Moses, “Take Israel and get away from my people. Take everything you have and be gone.”
Israel had lived in Egypt 430 years. Six hundred thousand men began the exodus that night. Of course they had their wives and children with them. Their flocks and herds followed. They didn’t forget to bring Joseph’s coffin. When they came to Canaan, they buried Joseph as promised.
God was their leader. Israel could see the Lord ahead of them. In the daytime, there was a great cloud like a pillar. At night, they saw a pillar of fire. So they said, “The God of heaven and earth goes before us.”
This great nation traveled southeast to the sea. They followed God in the pillar of cloud and of fire. But Pharaoh was sorry he’d let them go. Who would be his slaves? He led his army after them.
Israel faced the Red Sea. Mountains were on each side. Pharaoh and his army were close behind. Then Moses said, “Stand still and see how God will save you.”
Questions: Why did Israel bring Joseph’s coffin? How did God lead Israel?