The Splitting of the Sea: Miracles, Midrash, and Hidden Wonders Explained

The miracle of the Splitting of the Red Sea occurred after the Exodus from Egypt. The Israelites were trapped by the Egyptians pursuing them from behind and the Red Sea in front of them. God split the sea and led the Jewish people through it on dry land. When the Egyptians entered the sea after them, the waters closed upon them, drowning them.

The Sea Split in the Shape of an Arc

Contrary to a common misconception, the sea did not split straight across. It opened in the shape of a curve or arc. The Israelites entered from one side, walked through the sea, and exited back on the same side. They did not emerge on the opposite shore.

According to the Midrash, as the Jewish people advanced, the sea continued to retreat and split further, opening more and more space to create a path for them.

Miraculous Transformations Within the Sea

Many miracles took place inside the Red Sea. The Sages describe that the seabed dried completely and transformed into a magnificent mosaic-like floor, similar to those found in royal palaces.

Transparent Walls Like Diamonds

The walls of water forming the tunnels for each tribe were clear and sparkling like diamonds. This allowed each tribe to walk along its own designated path while still being able to see every other tribe.

The Pillar of Fire Lit Their Path

The Pillar of Fire that went before them illuminated their way. Its glow reflected off the transparent water walls, making it appear as though they were walking through chambers filled with candles and light.

The Seventh Night of Passover

Tradition teaches that the Splitting of the Sea took place on the night of the seventh day of Passover. For this reason, some have the custom to rise at midnight on this night and recite Shirat HaYam, the Song of the Sea.

Prophecy and Miracles

During this miracle, the Jewish people reached an extraordinary level of prophecy. The Sages taught: “A maidservant at the sea saw what the prophet Yechezkel never saw.”

Pirkei Avot teaches that ten distinct miracles were performed for the Jewish people during the Splitting of the Red Sea.

The Blow at the Sea Was Five Times Greater Than the Plagues

In the Passover Haggadah, it is written that the blow God struck against the Egyptians at the Red Sea was five times greater than the Ten Plagues. For the plagues it says: “The magicians said to Pharaoh: This is the finger of God.” However, regarding the Red Sea it says: “Israel saw the great hand that God used against Egypt.”