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Did the Pharaoh of the Exodus Drown in the Red Sea (Exodus 14:28)?
Bible Questions & AnswersThe crossing of the Red Sea marks a pivotal moment in the escape of the Israelites from Egypt. In Psalm 136:15, it is stated that God overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, with the Hebrew word na'ar, meaning "shook off," indicating that God shook off the Egyptians from their pursuit of the Israelites. Exodus 14:28 describes the waters covering all the army of Pharaoh, though Pharaoh himself is not mentioned as being among them. Similarly, Exodus 15:19 notes that the horses of Pharaoh, along with his chariots and horsemen, went into the sea, and the LORD brought the waters back upon them, yet it does not specify that Pharaoh himself drowned.
Baptized in the Sea
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe crossing of the Red Sea stands as a profound type of baptism, marking a significant event in the history of Israel. As recorded in I Corinthians 10:1-2, all of Israel, close to two million people, were baptized into Moses through the cloud and the sea on the last day of Unleavened Bread. This event symbolizes a collective commitment to follow Moses' leadership and, by extension, God's guidance. They passed through the sea, with walls of water on their left and right, and were covered by the cloud, which may have stretched over them like a canopy, providing protection and guidance. This immersion, both in the liquid form of the sea and the gaseous form of the cloud, mirrors the act of baptism, where one goes down into the water and emerges on the other side, signifying a transition from an old life to a new one. The aftermath of this crossing saw the people of Israel rejoice in their deliverance from the Egyptians, witnessing their enemies destroyed and washed up on the seashore. This tremendous miracle led them to fear and believe in the Lord and His servant Moses, committing themselves to Moses' leadership, though this commitment wavered in the wilderness. The event underscores a physical commitment to the Old Covenant, binding them to obey God's law and follow His lead, yet many failed to reach the Promised Land due to rebellion and sin. In the context of I Corinthians 10, Paul uses this example to warn against complacency and worldly indulgence. Despite being baptized into Moses and receiving God's guidance, protection, and miraculous providence, most Israelites did not attain their goal due to sins such as lust, idolatry, sexual immorality, tempting Christ, and complaining. This serves as a lesson that even after baptism and receiving God's gifts, failure is possible if one returns to sinful ways, emphasizing the enduring commitment required in the journey toward salvation.
The Sabbath: Redemption
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod led the children of Israel to the Red Sea, placing them in a position where they had to either fight or trust Him. Their backs were against the sea, with Pharaoh's chariots approaching from the west, hemmed in by mountains, leaving them no escape but through the Egyptian army or into the water. God then opened the Red Sea, allowing the children of Israel to cross on dry land. As the Egyptians pursued into the midst of the sea, God caused the waters to crash back, destroying not only Egypt's economy through prior plagues but now their military as well. This mighty act of deliverance was part of God's extensive work in redeeming His people from slavery, demonstrating His power and provision, which He desires His people to remember on the Sabbath day as a testament to His role in their freedom and journey to the Promised Land.
Fear and Faith (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordThe account of the Red Sea crossing in Exodus 14 illustrates a profound moment of divine intervention and human response. God deliberately led the children of Israel into a seemingly hopeless situation, hemmed in on all sides, turning them away from the Promised Land southward and eastward to lure Pharaoh's army into pursuit. His purpose was clear: that the Egyptians may know that He is the LORD. As Pharaoh's forces drew near, the Israelites, gripped by fear, cried out to the LORD, despite having witnessed the miracles of the ten plagues, the Passover, and the guidance of the pillar of cloud and fire. Moses, standing on the shore of the Red Sea, exhorted the people with unwavering confidence, saying, Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you. He assured them that the Egyptians they saw before them would be seen no more forever. His words carried a sharp command to cease complaining and witness God's power, as he paraphrased, Shut up and watch what God is going to do. God then revealed His plan, instructing Moses to tell the children of Israel to go forward, directly into the sea, a command that demanded extraordinary faith. Moses, though likely unaware of the exact means of deliverance, trusted that God would save them. His composure in the face of immense pressure reflected profound moral courage, as he urged the people to be quiet and not render themselves wretched by fear and confusion. God's command to go forward underscored His promise to fight their battles, demonstrating His supreme authority and power over their dire circumstances.
Moses, Psalmist (Part 3)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWe frequently perceive characters in books as one-dimensional, and if we are an imaginative and comprehensive reader, perhaps in two dimensions.
Pioneers: Our Job Is the Journey
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThough we have been given gifts to edify the Body of Christ, these gifts are of ancillary purposes only as they move everyone forward on the spiritual journey.
The Truth Matters!
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsSecular scientists opt for political correctness, denying anything which would establish the historicity of the Bible, even the location of Joseph's tomb.
The Great Work the Lord Has Done!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must not fear but stand firm and be still, watching the salvation of the Lord, actively exercising faith, while God makes short work out of our enemies.
Fear and Faith or Between a Rock
Sermonette by Mike FordGod's people are pressured by this evil age. We must remember that God will fight for us; we need to wait silently and patiently for His promised intervention.
Do You Recognize This Man? (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough we were freed by God, we will fall into slavery again if we do not maintain our vigilance. Our forbears never learned to live as free men and women.
Our Spiritual Wilderness
Sermonette by Ryan McClureTime after time, the children of Israel accused Moses of leading them to their deaths, failing to trust God in spite of His track record of provision.
Completing Sanctification
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAn emphasis on hyper-grace is wrong-headed, denying any need for repentance and overcoming, and totally at odds with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Go Forward
Sermon by Mark SchindlerAre we ready to sacrifice as was Moses, realizing that our precious calling is far more than the imaginary quest of Don Quixote?
No One Else Matters (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAll God's shepherds are mortal men, guilty of sin, including Moses. Despite that, God backed them up because they faithfully followed His leadership.
Psalms: Book One (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause Jesus is God's Son, we can avoid the rod of His anger by paying respect with worshipful awe. We must know both His instruction and Him personally.
Made His Wonderful Work to be Remembered (Part One)
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe must remember that God is working not only in the world, but in our personal lives as well, training us to lead, act, and believe with conviction.
The Divine Warrior
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThis Bible Study presents a cohesive biblical theology of God as the Divine Warrior, a central image revealing His righteous power, justice, and mercy. Divine warfare is not a relic of primitive religion, but instead a profound expression of God's sovereign authority and redemptive purpose throughout Scripture. Beginning with the Exodus and Red Sea deliverance, God is shown fighting for His people through miraculous intervention, teaching them to trust in His power: "The Lord will fight for you." This theme continues in Joshua's encounter with the "Commander of the Lord's Army," identified as the pre-incarnate Christ, and in the recurring title, "Lord of Hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth), the Sovereign Commander of heaven's armies who rules over all earthly and cosmic powers. The later sections (Isaiah, Deuteronomy, Revelation) deepen this portrayal of wicked nations, expressing divine justice against evil. His sovereign right to judge and to show mercy, as Paul explains in Romans, reflects His absolute holiness. The vision culminates in Revelation 19 where Christ appears as the victorious Warrior-King who defeats evil, vindicating the righteous, establishing eternal peace. Divine warfare reveals God's redemptive justice. Christ's battle is not for destruction, but for the renewal of creation and the triumph of His Kingdom. God's might in battle embodies His sovereign justice, covenantal love, and ultimate victory over evil, calling His people to awe, trust, and worship.
Escape From Box Canyon
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod forced Israel either to trust Him completely for deliverance or to return to their slavery. One of the greatest miracles in history has a lesson for us.
He Lives, We Live
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRedemption is useless to mortal beings without God's gift of eternal life (I Corinthians 15:19), which God made possible through Christ's resurrection.
Repentance and Righteousness (Part 1)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNothing happens in our lives (including repentance) until God initiates it. A change of heart, by God's Holy Spirit, results in a total change of direction.
God's Faithfulness and Hope
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe children of Israel severely tested God's patience through their compulsive murmuring and faithlessness, but God refused to give up on them.
The Glory of God (Part 1): The Shekinah
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Shekinah, the pillar of cloud and fire, depicts God's visible presence and protection. Yet His glory is manifested in many other ways as well.
Be Still!
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe end-time proclivity of 'running to and fro' like so many ants is not something of God. He did not intend for us to live in such a fast-paced world.
Faith (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe would like God to instantly gratify our desires. Consequently, we find living by faith difficult; we do not trust that He has things under control.
The Need to Escape and Be Rescued
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe can experience escape and rescue by exercising reverence and godly fear. One of the most dangerous forms of enslavement consists of our own carnal lusts.
Our Bread of Life
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe world is confused on the timing of Christ's death and resurrection. It becomes clear by a proper understanding of the holy days, preparation days, and Sabbaths.