14 August Exodus 14

God will fight for you

Exodus 14:25 (NIV) “He jammed the wheels of their chariots so that they had difficulty driving. And the Egyptians said, “Let’s get away from the Israelites! The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt.”

In Exodus 14:25, the Israelites, led by Moses, are trapped at the edge of the Red Sea with the Egyptian army closing in. After escaping Egypt and enduring the ten plagues, they now face the sea on one side and Pharaoh's army on the other. The Israelites are terrified as they see the chariots approaching and realise they have no escape.

The scene is chaotic and tense, with the noise of the chariots growing louder. Men, women, and children are gathered at the sea's edge, looking to Moses for guidance. Moses, holding his staff, prays urgently to God for help. The vast, impassable sea adds to their hopelessness and fear.

As the Egyptians approach, desperation fills the air. The Israelites are on the brink of despair, unsure of their future. At this critical moment, God miraculously parted the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry land. They are filled with awe and wonder as they witness God's power and protection, leading them to safety and freedom on the other side.

“He jammed the wheels of their chariots so that they had difficulty driving”, indicating God’s active involvement in saving His people. The jammed wheels signified the Egyptians’ sudden loss of power and mobility, attributes they relied on for their might.

“Let’s get away from the Israelites. The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt.” Indicating that they realise that they will be not be able to fight against the Lord. They are not fighting against Israel but against the God of Israel, and there is no way that they will be able to win against such a mighty God. God’s presence was enough to convince His enemies that He was not someone to be resisted. Later also 2 Chronicles attests to God intervening for Israel in war, in

Chapter 20:29 (NIV) “The fear of God came on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel.

In Exodus 14:13-14 (NIV), we see that when Israel complains to Moses that they are in danger because the Egyptians are coming after them, however God promises that He will be with them. “Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

God reminds us in Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

These passages highlight God's protective nature and His dedication to His people. They emphasise that God steps in directly to ensure the safety and deliverance of His people. Divine intervention can come in unexpected ways when we face significant challenges. Whether in the form of a broken chariot wheel or sudden clarity in our problems, this scripture illustrates the mysterious ways divine help can appear. When we encounter situations where human effort falls short, this verse reassures us that God’s power is taking care of us. Know today that God is fighting for you.

Romans 8:31 (NIV) What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? And also Psalm 97:5 (NIV) The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth.

Stand firm, be still, and allow God to do what only He can in your life.