Moses

The Israelites had been in Egypt for a long time. At first they had been very happy there.

But now there was a new king in Egypt. He made the people work very hard. He made slaves of the Jewish people.

One day the Lord said to Moses, “I can see that my people are badly treated. I have heard them cry out to be helped. The king makes them work like slaves. But I am going to help them. I am sending you so that you can lead my people away. I will be with you.”

Moses told the people what to do. They all got ready to leave.

They took as much food as they could carry. At last the Lord's people left Egypt.

Moses took the lead. During the day the Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud to show them the way. During the night the Lord went in front of them in a pillar of fire to give them light.

The king of Egypt was very angry. He said, “Our slaves have run away.” He told his soldiers to follow the Israelites.

Moses and the people camped near the Red Sea. There was no way to cross it. The people were very worried. They did not know where to go.

The Israelites saw the soldiers coming. They were very frightened. But Moses said, “Don't be afraid! The Lord will fight for you.”

The Lord said to Moses, “Lift up your stick and hold it our over the sea.”

The Lord drove the sea back with a strong wind, and dry land took its place. The Israelites went through the sea on dry ground. There were walls of water on both sides.

The king of Egypt chased them with his army, and went into the sea after the Israelites.

Then Moses held out his hand over the sea, and the water returned. Not one of the Egyptians was left.

On that day the Lord saved the people of Israel. They thanked the Lord with a song.

Exodus 13:17-14:30

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