What Command Did God Give Moses?
The story of Moses and the Exodus is filled with divine instructions, but one command stands out as a turning point for both Moses and the people of Israel. This command appears in Exodus 14, at the moment when the Israelites are trapped between Pharaoh’s advancing army and the Red Sea. In this moment of fear and uncertainty, God gave Moses a clear and decisive command that would demonstrate His power and deliver Israel.
1. The Context of the Command
After leaving Egypt, the Israelites camped by the sea at God’s direction. Soon after, Pharaoh regretted releasing them and sent his army to bring them back. As the Egyptians approached, the Israelites were terrified and cried out to Moses, questioning why they had been brought to the wilderness to die.
In response, Moses told the people to stand firm and witness God’s salvation. Immediately after this reassurance, God gave Moses a direct command—one that would initiate one of the greatest miracles in biblical history.
2. The Command: “Lift Up Your Staff and Stretch Out Your Hand”
God told Moses:
“Lift up your rod, stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it.”
(Exodus 14:16)
This command had three key parts:
a. Lift up your staff
The staff had already been a symbol of God’s authority and power since Moses’ calling at the burning bush. Lifting it showed that the miracle was God’s doing, not human strength.
b. Stretch out your hand over the sea
This action signified Moses’ obedience. The gesture was simple, but it required faith, because the sea at that moment was still full and impassable.
c. Divide the sea
The final outcome would be supernatural. Moses did not divide the sea by his own power; rather, by obeying God’s command, he became the instrument through whom God would act. A strong east wind sent by God drove back the waters, forming walls of water on both sides and creating a dry path for Israel.
3. The Purpose Behind the Command
This command served several divine purposes:
1. To deliver Israel from danger
The Israelites had no military strength and no escape route. God’s command to Moses opened the way for their survival.
2. To demonstrate God’s supreme power
By commanding Moses to stretch out his hand, God revealed that He controls creation itself—wind, water, and nature obey Him.
3. To judge Egypt
The same path that saved Israel became the place where the Egyptian army was destroyed, showing God’s justice against oppression.
4. To strengthen Israel’s faith
Witnessing the sea divided by Moses’ obedience caused the people to “fear the Lord and believe in Him and in His servant Moses” (Exod. 14:31).
4. The Result of Obedience
Moses obeyed exactly as God commanded. As a result:
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The sea miraculously parted.
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Israel crossed safely on dry ground.
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The Egyptians pursued, but God caused confusion among them.
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When Moses stretched his hand again, the waters returned and drowned the pursuing army.
This command marked the final break from Egyptian bondage and became one of the most celebrated events in Jewish and Christian history.
Conclusion
The command God gave Moses—to lift his staff and stretch out his hand over the sea—was a turning point in the Exodus narrative. More than just an instruction, it was a demonstration of God’s power, faithfulness, and protection. Moses’ obedience opened the way to freedom and established him as a leader through whom God performed mighty works.