Psalms 78:13
He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters to stand as an heap.
Psalms 78:13
This verse describes God splitting the sea and making the waters stand like a heap. The Israelite exodus narrative is being retold here, and this specific miracle—the parting of the Red Sea—functions as the paradigmatic display of God’s power to deliver His people from danger. The imagery of waters standing as a heap evokes a wall of water, a barrier that allows safe passage and then signals divine sovereignty as the waters collapse on the pursuing Egyptian army. The report is intentionally vivid to evoke awe and confidence in God’s ability to save. This miracle also has liturgical and didactic value: it teaches dependence on God in moments of crisis and demonstrates that salvation requires divine intervention rather than human strategy.
The sea crossing is a foundational act of redemption, symbolizing bondage, deliverance, and new formation as Israel becomes God’s covenant people. It prefigures baptismal themes and points forward to salvation through Christ. Theologically, it asserts God’s supremacy over creation and His faithfulness to fulfill His promises to Abraham and his descendants.
In contemporary life, you may face “red seas” that seem impassable—job loss, health crises, relational breakdowns. Remember the sea crossing: God can part what seems impenetrable. Encourage faith with practical steps: pray for deliverance, seek wise counsel, and act in hopeful obedience. While awaiting God’s action, remain steadfast, practicing gratitude and relying on God’s promises rather than despair.
Cross-References: Exodus 14:1-31; Isaiah 43:16-19; 1 Corinthians 10:1-4