“Exodus 14: Crossing the Red Sea,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide (2002), 47–48
“Exodus 14,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide, 47–48
Crossing the Red Sea
One of the blessings of having trials in life is that trials often prompt us to turn to the Lord for help (see Ether 12:27). When we receive the Lord’s power and help, our faith and confidence to trust Him in future trials increase. We must remember that in most instances, divine help comes only after we exercise faith by first doing all we can (see Ether 12:6). When help does come, it generally comes in a manner that helps us see the hand of the Lord.
In Exodus 13:17–18, the Lord told Moses which direction to lead the children of Israel on their way to the promised land. He said He would not lead the Israelites in the straightest and most direct course because they did not yet have enough faith to face the Philistines, who would seek to prevent them from entering the land. We can find comfort knowing that the Lord will not give us challenges greater than we can handle (see 1 Nephi 3:7). He will, however, allow us to experience challenges He knows we can overcome in order to build our faith and confidence. Exodus 14 tells about one such challenge. After their faith was tested, the Israelites experienced a miracle that once again demonstrated the power of God as He helped them overcome what seemed to be an impossible circumstance.
Studying the Scriptures
Do activity A or B as you study Exodus 14.
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Give Some Advice
Use specific ideas and phrases from Exodus 14 to write a letter of advice to someone who recently converted to the Church or has become active who is having a difficult time with former friends and ways and seems to be drifting back to them.
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Make a Match
The Time of Moses
Today
Leaving Egypt
Baptism
Traveling through the wilderness
Forsaking the ways of the world
Passing through the Red Sea
Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost
A pillar of cloud and fire to watch over, guide, and protect the Israelites
Living in a world where things that promote spirituality are hard to find
Match items in the first column to items in the second column and explain how they are related. If you need some help, read 1 Corinthians 10:1–4. You may want to write the reference 1 Corinthians 10:1–4 in the margin next to the beginning of Exodus 14.