Bible story for kids · Exodus 14
Crossing the Red Sea
God had set his people free from slavery in Egypt. Moses was leading them out. God went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
But Pharaoh changed his mind. He chased after them with his army and his chariots.
The Israelites came to the edge of the sea. The sea was in front of them, and Pharaoh’s army was behind them. They were very afraid.
Moses said, “Do not be afraid. Stand still and watch how God will save you. God will fight for you.”
The pillar of cloud moved behind God’s people. It stood between them and the Egyptian army all night.
Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. All night God pushed the water back with a strong east wind. The sea split in two. There was a wall of water on the right and a wall of water on the left.
God’s people walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground.
The army chased them into the sea. Then Moses stretched out his hand again, and the water came back. The army was gone.
God’s people were safe on the other side. They trusted God, and they sang a song to thank him.
From the Bible
Yahweh will fight for you, and you are to keep quiet.”
Talk about it
- The people were stuck between the sea and the army. What would you have felt?
- Moses said, “God will fight for you.” When do you need to remember that?
- After God saved them, the people sang. What is a way you can thank God?
For grown-ups: what the text says
The Hebrew name is Yam Suph, often read as “Sea of Reeds.” Where the crossing happened is not settled; Lumin’s Bible map shows the proposals. The Egyptian army drowned (Exodus 14:28); this telling says it plainly but gently. The song is Exodus 15, and Miriam leads the women in it (Exodus 15:20-21).