Beshalach
Exodus 13:17 – 17:16
God leads the Israelites out of Egypt by a pillar of cloud and fire, but rather than taking the direct route, He guides them toward the Sea of Reeds. Pharaoh pursues with his chariots, and God splits the sea, allowing Israel to cross on dry ground while the Egyptian army is drowned. Moses and the Israelites sing the Song of the Sea in triumph. The journey through the wilderness brings tests of faith: the bitter waters of Marah, the manna from heaven, water from the rock at Rephidim, and the battle against Amalek, where Moses's raised hands bring victory.
Key figures
- Moses — Leads the people through the sea, sings the song of triumph, raises his hands in battle
- Miriam — Prophetess who leads the women in song and dance after the crossing
- Pharaoh — Pursues the Israelites with his army, loses his forces in the sea
- Joshua (Yehoshua) — Leads the Israelite fighters against Amalek in battle
- Aaron and Hur — Support Moses's hands during the battle with Amalek
Famous verses
- 14:13-14 And Moses said to the people: "Fear not, stand still, and see the salvation of Hashem, which He will work for you today; for whereas you have seen the Egyptians today, you shall see them again no more for ever.
- 15:1-2 Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to Hashem, and spoke, saying: I will sing to Hashem, for He is highly exalted; The horse and his rider He has thrown into the sea.
- 15:11 Who is like You, O Hashem, among the mighty? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders?
Haftarah: {'ref': 'Judges 4:4-5:31', 'connection': "Deborah's song of victory after the defeat of Sisera parallels the Song of the Sea — both are triumphant songs by prophetic leaders celebrating God's deliverance through water."}
Total gematria: 400,774.