The Defiance of Pharaoh and His People
Pharaoh and his subjects in Egypt repeatedly dismissed the divine signs brought by Prophet Moses (Musa). Despite witnessing God’s punishments, they continuously broke their promises to free the Children of Israel and worship God alone. Each time the torment was lifted, they returned to their old ways. Eventually, God withdrew His mercy and commanded Moses to lead his people out of Egypt.
“But when We removed the punishment from them to a fixed term which they had to reach, behold! They broke their word. So We took retribution from them. We drowned them in the sea, because they belied Our signs, and were heedless about them.” (Quran 7:130-136)
Pharaoh, alerted by his spies about the Israelites’ exodus, convened with his advisors and decided to pursue them with the full force of Egypt’s army. Assembling the army took all night, and by dawn, Pharaoh’s forces set out in pursuit of the fleeing slaves.
Trapped Between the Sea and Pharaoh’s Army
The Children of Israel marched into the desert but soon found themselves trapped. The Red Sea lay before them, and Pharaoh’s army was closing in from behind. Fear and panic gripped the Israelites, who turned to Moses for help. Moses, walking at the rear, saw the advancing army and made his way to the front. Calm and resolute, he reassured his people to maintain their faith and trust in God.
As tension mounted, Moses stood at the edge of the Red Sea, gazing at the horizon. Ibn Kathir narrates that Joshua turned to Moses and said, “In front of us is an impassable barrier, and behind us is the enemy. Surely, death is inevitable!” But Moses remained steadfast, waiting for God to fulfill His promise of deliverance.
At that critical moment, God inspired Moses to strike the sea with his staff. Obeying the command, Moses struck the water. Instantly, a powerful wind blew, the sea churned, and a dry pathway emerged, allowing the Israelites to cross. Moses directed his people to move swiftly. Only after the last Israelite stepped onto the dry seabed did Moses himself begin to cross. Meanwhile, Pharaoh’s army, driven by arrogance and enmity, plunged into the sea corridor in pursuit.
Pharaoh’s Downfall
As the Israelites reached the other side, fear still lingered. They pleaded with Moses to close the pathway, but Moses, confident in God’s plan, refused. The divine decree unfolded as the sea crashed back upon Pharaoh and his forces, drowning them all.
“And We took the Children of Israel across the sea, and Pharaoh with his hosts followed them in oppression and enmity, till when drowning overtook him, he said, ‘None has the right to be worshipped but He, in whom the Children of Israel believe, and I am one of the Muslims (those who submit to God).’ Now you believe while you refused to believe before, and you were one of the evildoers! So this day We shall deliver your dead body out from the sea that you may be a sign to those who come after you! And verily, many among humankind are heedless of Our signs.” (Quran 10:90-92)
Ibn Kathir recounts that Pharaoh’s lifeless body was cast ashore for all to see. The Egyptians, who once revered Pharaoh as a deity, witnessed his mortality and powerlessness. While alive, Pharaoh arrogantly denied God’s authority, but as death approached, he cried out in fear and desperation.
The Struggles of the Children of Israel
Although freed from Pharaoh’s tyranny, the Israelites bore the scars of generations of oppression. Their long history of subjugation had left them spiritually weakened and materially covetous. Despite witnessing God’s miraculous intervention, they were drawn to idolatry when they encountered idol worshippers during their journey.
“And We brought the Children of Israel (with safety) across the sea, and they came upon a people devoted to their idols (in worship). They said, ‘Moses! Make for us a god as they have gods.’ He said, ‘Verily, you are a people who know not the Majesty and Greatness of God.’” (Quran 7:138)
Moses reprimanded them, reminding them of God’s favors. He questioned how they could desire idols when God had granted them superiority over their contemporaries. Moses reminded them of their past torment in Egypt and God’s deliverance from suffering.
“And (remember) when We rescued you from Pharaoh’s people, who were afflicting you with the worst torment, killing your sons and letting your women live. And in that was a great trial from your Lord.” (Quran 7:141)
God’s Bounties and Israel’s Ingratitude
God provided abundantly for the Israelites during their journey. He commanded Moses to strike a rock, releasing twelve springs of water, one for each tribe, to avoid disputes. He shaded them with clouds and sent manna and quail to sustain them. However, many among them longed for the familiar foods of Egypt, expressing dissatisfaction with God’s provisions.
“Would you exchange that which is better for that which is lower? Go you down to any town, and you shall find what you want!” (Quran 2:61)
Moses admonished their ingratitude and reminded them of their liberation from a life of degradation. Despite God’s blessings and miracles, the Children of Israel struggled to overcome their brokenness and persistently fell into sin and corruption.
Lessons from the Story of Moses
The story of Moses and the Children of Israel serves as a timeless reminder of God’s power, mercy, and justice. It highlights the consequences of arrogance and disobedience while emphasizing the importance of faith, gratitude, and trust in God. For believers, it underscores that liberation from oppression and guidance through hardship come from steadfast reliance on God alone.