Exodus 13 - 14

Exodus chapters 12-14 continue to describe Jewish rituals such as the dedication of firstborns and the ongoing observance of Passover, which God ordained to remember important events and to keep specific laws in mind. The Israelites followed a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night as they journeyed towards the promised land, and the crossing of the Red Sea, or Sea of Reeds, was a pivotal moment in the story of Exodus as God protected them from the pursuing Egyptian army. The events of the crossing and the drowning of the Egyptian army were seen as a great work of God, leading the Israelites to fear and believe in Him and in Moses as His servant.