THE RED SEA – A NATIONAL BAPTISM
Upon leaving Egypt, the children of Israel are intentionally led by God toward the south along the western shore of the Red Sea where they are hemmed in. Exodus 14:13. Trapped, with no way out, they are forced realize that their deliverance was by the hand of God and not something that they had done themselves. Pharaoh pursues them to the Red Sea where Israel is to ‘stand still and see the glory of the LORD!’ Lifting his staff and by the command of Moses, the sea divides to provide a path forward. As they pass through the sea on dry ground, they have the water to the right and left, and with the cloud above them, they are symbolically and completely covered by water! Exodus 14:29. Paul in the New Testament confirms this as a national baptism, 1 Corinthians 10:1,2.
Two key principles associated with baptism are represented here:
Israel delivered from Egypt, now begins their journey through the wilderness to ‘the promised land’. However, this was not the most direct route. Their journey was directed by the cloud and night and a fire by day. This was a time of probation to test their belief in and obedience to God. It was also to prepare them for the Kingdom of God, as noted in Deuteronomy 8:1-3. All God’s children must endure a period of testing, a time in the wilderness of life, for we are told that “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22.