Exodus 14:19

New International Version (NIV)

Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them.

For meditation

Have you ever doubted God’s protection? Well, check this out. 

Israel has left Egypt while they buried their firstborns. The superpower nation is in tatters after a barrage of divine assault on their pride. Pharaoh drives Israel out of his country in shame. But the enemy never gives up.

Pharaoh regrets letting Israel go. He hardens his heart again and gathers his best charioteers and comes in hot pursuit of Israel. God has led His people by the way to the Red Sea, with hills flanking them on both sides. They find themselves trapped. The sea is before them and the sound of galloping horses and the squeaking wheels of chariots behind them. The people’s hair stands up. They are dead in their hearts. 

Have you been there before? What did you do? 

Israel turns on Moses (Exodus 14:11-12). How human we all are! Their hero has become their villain. They now prefer slavery in Egypt to the Promised land. They do not remember the Mighty One who had delivered them. But Moses knows Him too well to be afraid.

“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” (13-14).  

God goes into battle formation. The angel of the Lord moves from the front of Israel’s army to the back. The pillar of cloud leading them also withdraws and stands between Israel and the Egyptians. All night long, the cloud brought darkness to the side of the Egyptian army and light to the side of the Israelites. 

“So, neither went near the other all night long” (20). 

God opens the Red Sea, and His people walk through on dry ground. Egypt pursues and drowns. Yes, Moses! The Israelites will never see the Egyptian army again!  

That is the way God protects His children, my friend. Like a mother hen that protects its chicks from the marauding hawk (Psalm 91:4), is God in battle formation to protect His own.  

So, take courage when your enemies attack you. The Lord is always in His best military formation around you. Do not fret. Don’t let the heavy odds send you into panic (1 Sam. 17:4-11). Jehovah’s army is right there to fight for you. God’s horses and chariots of fire have filled the hills on both sides of you (2 Kings 15-17).  

Just be still and see how He exalts Himself in your situation today (Psalm 46:10). 

Shalom