Rabbi Avtolis the elder said: This is analogous to a king who had a son who angered him. He decreed a harsh punishment for him, and the tutor pleaded on his behalf. He said to him: ‘Are you asking on behalf of my son? I have already reconciled with my son.’
Rabbi says: He [God] said to him [Moses]: ‘Last night you were saying: “Since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name [he has harmed this people, and You did not rescue Your people]” (Exodus 5:23), and now you are standing [before Me] and praying intensely. “Why are you crying out to Me?” Yesterday, they were saying: “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt [that you took us to die in the wilderness]?” (Exodus 14:11), and now you are praying intensely?
“Speak to the children of Israel and have them set forth [veyisa’u].” Have them remove [yasiu] a matter from their heart.’ Rabbi says: The Holy One blessed be He says: ‘The faith that Israel had in Me is enough for Me to split the sea for them, as they did not say to Moses:4When Moses said to them: “Speak to the children of Israel, and they shall turn back” (Exodus 14:2). How can we turn back [towards Egypt] and break the hearts of the children and women who are with us?
Rather, they had faith in me and followed Moses.’ Rabbi Eliezer says: The Holy One blessed be He said to Moses: ‘There is a time to shorten [prayers] and a time to extend. My children are in a state of distress, the sea blocks them and the enemy is in pursuit, and you are standing and extending your prayers? “Speak to the children of Israel and have them set forth.”’
Rabbi Yehoshua says: The Holy One blessed be He said to Moses: ‘Israel only needs to set forth. Let them set their legs forth from the dry land to the sea, and you will see the miracles that I will perform on their behalf.’ Rabbi Meir says: The Holy One blessed be He said to Moses: ‘Israel does not need to pray before Me. If Adam, the first man, who was alone, I made dry land for him, as it is stated: “Let the waters be gathered under the heavens” (Genesis 1:9), for a sacred congregation that is destined to say before Me: “This is my God and I will glorify Him” (Exodus 15:2), all the more so.’
Rabbi Benaya says: [God said:] ‘Due to the merit of Abraham, I will split the sea for them, because of what he did, as it is stated: “He split [vayevaka] the wood for the burnt offering”5For the binding of Isaac. (Genesis 22:3), and it says: “The waters were divided [vayibaku]”’ (Exodus 14:21). Rabbi Akiva says: [God said:] ‘Due to the merit of Jacob, I will split the sea for them, as it is stated: “You shall spread to the west and to the east”’ (Genesis 28:14).
Rabbi Shimon says: [God said:] ‘I have already had it written about you [Moses]: “In all My house he is trusted” (Numbers 12:7), and you are under My authority and the sea is under My authority; I have appointed you trustee over it, as it is stated: “Raise your staff.”’