We all know the story: Moses, Pharaoh, a desperate escape... but what details are we missing?
The Talmud (Sotah 12b) recounts a truly mind-blowing picture of that moment, far beyond just dry land appearing in the waves. Imagine this: Whatever the Israelites wanted, the sea provided. A child cries? No problem. Mom just reaches out and grabs an apple, fresh as you please, right from the water. Forget the image of a barren desert crossing – this was a miraculous bounty!
But it gets even wilder.
According to the ancient texts, these weren’t just puddles parting. The waters, we're told, were piled up to a height of sixteen hundred miles! Sixteen hundred miles! Could you even fathom that? The Midrash Rabbah (Exodus 21:10) emphasizes that this wasn't a localized event. The sheer scale of the miracle was meant to be witnessed. All the nations of the earth could see it. It was a divine advertisement, proclaiming God’s power and his favor toward Israel.
And who was in attendance at this spectacular event? Ginzberg, in his Legends of the Jews, paints an extraordinary scene. God, in his infinite mercy, brought the three Fathers – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – and the six Mothers – Sarah, Rebekah, Leah, Rachel, Bilhah, and Zilpah – out of their graves. Yes, you read that right. They were resurrected, brought to the shores of the Red Sea, specifically to witness the wonders being performed for their descendants.
Why?
Perhaps to show them the fruits of their faith. To let them witness, firsthand, the covenant being fulfilled. Imagine Abraham, seeing the promise of countless descendants unfolding before his very eyes. Imagine Sarah, Rebekah, Leah, and Rachel, the matriarchs, witnessing the salvation of their children.
It's a powerful image, isn't it? It adds a whole new layer of depth to the already incredible story of the Exodus. It wasn't just about escape; it was about divine provision, a public display of God's might, and a reunion of sorts, connecting the past, present, and future of the Jewish people. It makes you wonder, what other details are hidden within these ancient texts, waiting to be discovered and brought to life? What other witnesses, seen and unseen, are present in our own moments of challenge and triumph?