Behind the Scenes: Parting the Red Sea

Behind the Scenes:

Parting the Red Sea

In the Cecile B. Demille's 1958 classic, The 10 Commandments, one of the most iconic moments is when Moses parts the Red Sea. The scene is mesmerizing as the Israelites flee, and the Egyptian army tries to overtake them; the waters of the Red Sea part and pile up on both sides as they cross to safety.

A recent Parade magazine article revealed, "the illusion of the Red Sea parting was achieved by filling filming large tanks flooded with 350,000 gallons of water (with gelatin added to thicken it) and wind machines, then showing the footage in reverse."

So, on screen, Moses parted the Red Sea. 

Behind the scenes in Scripture, we find the rest of the story.

Image from Bible Study Tools https://bit.ly/2TIRWFT

Behind the Scenes:

Exodus 13:17
"When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, 'If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.'"

Exodus 13:21
"By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night."

Exodus 13:22
"Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people."

Exodus 14:14
"The LORD will fight for you, you need only to be still."

Exodus 14:19a
"Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel's army, withdrew and went behind them."

Exodus 14:19b-20
"The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel."

Exodus 14:21
"...and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it to dry land."

Exodus 14:25a
"He [the LORD] jammed the wheels of their [Egyptian] chariots so they had trouble driving..."

Finally, even the Egyptians realized that Moses has divine help behind the scenes. 
Exodus 14:25b
"...and the Egyptians said, 'Let's get away from the Israelites! The LORD is fighting for them against Egypt.'"

As the final credits for the day roll, Scripture reveals the real star of the show:
Exodus 14:30

"That day the LORD saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians."

So, to re-cap, God not only guided Moses and the Israelites out of Egypt, God picked their path, God provided a guide (day and night), God fought for them, God parted the waters, God dried the path, and  God even jammed the chariots' wheels.

God knows that you are fighting battles right now. God is there for you. He is behind the scenes. Believe in Him. Cling to Him. Let Him lead this scene in the direction it is supposed to go. These Scriptures show that He will go to great lengths to fight for His children.

Father God, thank you for all that you do behind the scenes in my life. Help me to rely and trust in you. In Jesus' Name. Amen.