Although man would rather have peace than to be fighting, God sometimes allow His children to fight for a purpose. The exodus of the children of Israel from Egypt did not mark the end of a life of trials, sufferings and persecutions. Rather, it was the beginning of another phase in which they had to continue fighting for the Lord.

1. The purpose in the fight (Exod 14:1-4)

God had specifically directed the children of Israel to take a longer route to the Promised Land. This resulted in them being between the land of Egypt and the Red Sea (Exod 14:1-2). This caused Pharaoh to think that the children of Israel were lost after leaving Egypt and were then trapped before the Red Sea (Exod 14:3). The real purpose of God directing the children of Israel to journey in this specific manner is to remind them in the unfolding events that the God who led them out of Egypt to the Promised Land is the LORD, Jehovah.

When we follow God’s sovereign and divine will, we may encounter difficulties. These situations are to remind us that God is our LORD, and He is always in control of all situations. Thus, when we go through each difficult situation, we are to be a holy witness and testimony for God, making sure that God’s truth is defended and that His name glorified.

2. The extent of the fight (Exod 14:5-9)

God hardened Pharaoh’s heart to the point that Pharaoh can no longer listen and obey God (Exod 14:4). Pharaoh then assembled his soldiers and chariots, and led a huge army to pursue after, and to destroy, the children of Israel.

When God places us in difficult situations, the fighting may be too much for us to bear, and we can become overwhelmed. However, we must not lose faith. We must continue to trust in the Lord.

3. The response to the fight (Exod 14:10-14)

Upon seeing the large Egyptian army (led by Pharaoh), the true state of the faith of the children of Israel was revealed. Their faithlessness led them to blame Moses (Exod 14:11-12). Our responses to difficult situations will show our spiritual state or condition of our faith towards God. Do we murmur and complain like the children of Israel? Or do we put our confidence in God and know that as long as we continue to walk in His will, the Lord will always fight for us (Exod 14:14)?