We know the big story: the plagues, the Exodus, the parting of the Red Sea. But what about the nitty-gritty details of those first few days of freedom?
The Book of Jasher, a text mentioned in the Bible itself (Joshua 10:13 and 2 Samuel 1:18), fills in some fascinating blanks. Chapter 81 gives us a vivid picture of the Israelites' initial steps toward the Promised Land – and the Egyptians' immediate regret.
It tells us that a massive group – about six hundred thousand men on foot, plus families and livestock – journeyed from Rameses to Succoth. What’s striking is the inclusion of a “mixed multitude” who went with them, hinting at others who saw the hand of God in the Exodus and wanted to join the Israelite journey.
According to Jasher, the total time the Israelites spent in Egypt, enduring hard labor, was 210 years. And it was "with a strong hand" that God brought them out. They set out from Egypt, Goshen, and Rameses, arriving at Succoth on the fifteenth day of the first month.
Now, imagine the scene in Egypt. They’re burying all their firstborn, a devastating loss. Jasher says it took three days. But then, something interesting happens. Just three days after burying their dead, many Egyptians had second thoughts. They regretted losing their Israelite workforce!
They said to each other, "Surely Moses and Aaron said they were only going on a three-day journey to sacrifice to God." So, a large contingent – about seven hundred thousand men, led by Pharaoh’s nobles – chased after the Israelites, hoping to force them back into servitude.
They found the Israelites at Pi-hahiroth, celebrating their newfound freedom with a feast. The Egyptians confronted them: "You said you were only going for three days! Why haven't you returned?"
Moses and Aaron stood firm, declaring that God had forbidden their return to Egypt. They were on their way to the land flowing with milk and honey, as promised to their ancestors.
The Egyptians, enraged, prepared to fight. But God strengthened the Israelites, and they inflicted a "severe beating" on the Egyptians, driving them back.
Pharaoh, upon hearing of this defeat and the Israelites' refusal to return, was furious. He rallied all the Egyptians – a force estimated at a staggering one million men – and pursued the Israelites to the Red Sea.
Can you imagine the Israelites' terror? They were trapped between the sea and the approaching Egyptian army!
According to Jasher, the Israelites were divided on what to do. Some wanted to jump into the sea, others wanted to return to Egypt, a third group wanted to fight, and a fourth wanted to try and confuse the Egyptians!
Moses, after praying to God, was instructed to stretch out his rod over the sea. The waters miraculously parted into twelve sections, and the Israelites crossed on dry land.
When the Egyptians followed, the waters crashed back, engulfing them all. Only Pharaoh survived, spared because he ultimately gave thanks to God and believed. An angel carried him to Nineveh, where he became king.
The Israelites, witnessing this incredible miracle, sang a song of praise to God. "I will sing to the Lord for He is greatly exalted," they proclaimed, "the horse and his rider has he cast into the sea."
After this pivotal moment, the journey continued. They reached Marah, where they received statutes and judgments from God. Then came Elim, with its twelve springs and seventy date trees. And finally, the wilderness of Sin, where God provided manna, the miraculous food that sustained them for forty years.
But the challenges weren’t over. In Rephidim, they faced the Amalekites, descendants of Esau, in a fierce battle. With God's help, the Israelites, led by Moses and Joshua, prevailed. God commanded Moses to record this event and to remember to "utterly efface the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven" when they entered Canaan.
So, what does this chapter from the Book of Jasher add to our understanding of the Exodus? It paints a picture of a people grappling with newfound freedom, facing immediate threats, and witnessing God’s unwavering protection. It reminds us that the journey to liberation is rarely easy, but with faith and resilience, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome. And perhaps most importantly, it shows us that even after monumental miracles, the journey of faith requires constant vigilance and remembrance.