driving their sheep and goats before them. In spite of the large
figures given in some passages of Exodus, other statements indicate
that they were not very numerous, a few thousand at most, and they
doubtless hoped to slip out past the border fortresses, at night,
unnoticed. As they approached the border, however, news came that they
were being pursued by a troop of horsemen. This meant, of course, that
a watch would be made for them at the fortresses also. They were
caught in a trap, and turned in despair upon Moses, who could only
once more assure them that Jehovah was leading them, and would somehow
open the way.


THE STRONG EAST WIND AND ITS RESULT

That night they encamped on the western shore of one of the shallow
bays or lakes at the head of the Red Sea. To the east was the water.
North of the lake the wall and the line of fortresses began. Behind
them they could already see where their pursuers were camping for the
night. In the morning--terror, death, and return to slavery!

=A path through the sea.=--During the night, however, someone came in
from the shore of the lake with the astonishing news that it was going
dry. A strong east wind was blowing, with an effect often observed by
modern travelers, namely, that the comparatively shallow waters were
being driven back into the deeper part of the sea. Instantly the word
of command was given. With the women and children first and the flocks
next, they picked their way through the mud and sand and rocks on the
lake bottom, clear across to the other side. The next morning the wind
changed, the waters returned, and many of their pursuers were drowned.