God did not lead Israel by the short road through the land of the Philistines, lest they see war and turn back. Instead, “the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light.” Moses also carried the bones of Joseph, keeping the promise Joseph had asked of his brothers.
Then Pharaoh changed his mind and chased Israel with six hundred chariots. The people saw the army behind them and the sea before them, and they cried out in fear: “Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness?” Moses answered, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD… The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”
The LORD said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward.” Moses stretched out his hand, and the LORD drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night. The waters were a wall on their right hand and on their left, and Israel went through on dry ground. The pillar of cloud stood between Israel and the Egyptians — darkness to one and light to the other. When the Egyptians followed, the waters returned and covered them.
On the other side, “the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD and His servant Moses.” Then they sang. Moses led the song: “The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.” “Who is like You, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders?” Miriam took a timbrel, and the women followed her with dancing. Deliverance always leads to worship.