Faith is the Vessel for a Miracle: The Hidden Power Behind the Splitting of the Sea

During the Exodus from Egypt, the people of Israel found themselves wandering in the barren desert, fleeing from Pharaoh’s army, which was pursuing them. When they reached the shore of the Red Sea, with the Egyptians behind them, stood helpless before the reality that lay ahead: the sea in front of them and the Egyptians behind.

The Mechilta of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in Parshat Beshalach teaches that the Israelites were divided into four groups:

1. One group said: "Let us return to Egypt and surrender."

2. Another said: "Let us throw ourselves into the sea and die."

3. A third said: "Let us fight the Egyptians."

4. A fourth said: "Let us cry out in loud voices to frighten the Egyptians and make them flee."

Each group lacked faith that G-d could save them from their predicament.

Moses did what a Jew does in times of trouble- he prayed and cried out to G-d. But G-d answered him, “Why do you cry out to Me?” It seems surprising that G-d tells Moses not to pray to Him. What was the reason for this? What could possibly be greater than the power of prayer? The power of faith.

The Or HaChaim comments on the verse “Why do you cry out to Me?” as follows: "This is difficult. Who else should he cry out to if not to G-d, especially in a time of distress? The matter can be explained based on the teachings of our Sages (Zohar, Part II, 170): The Israelites were under judgment, and while it is true that G-d desired to grant Israel merit, the attribute of mercy had no power against their deeds, which had invoked strict judgment. Therefore, G-d answered Moses definitively, saying, ‘Why do you cry out to Me?’- meaning, the matter is not in My hands. Though I desire to perform a miracle, since they are unworthy, the attribute of judgment prevents it, and mercy has no power against judgment. Thus, He told Moses: ‘Speak to the Children of Israel’- that is the solution to arouse kindness and mercy: speak to them, and have them strengthen their faith with all their hearts, and begin moving toward the sea before it splits, relying on their trust. I will then perform a miracle, and through this, mercy will be awakened.”

At that time, the Israelites were still engaged in idolatry, and their spiritual state was so low that there was a strong accusation against them in Heaven, preventing their salvation. The attribute of strict justice claimed that they didn’t deserve a miracle of the parting of the sea. Mercy alone was not enough to deliver them such a supernatural salvation.

G-d therefore told Moses that in order for mercy and kindness to prevail, the people needed a great merit- to demonstrate their faith in G-d’s salvation. Only by proving their complete trust could they trigger the miracle.

G-d continued and told Moses, “Speak to the Children of Israel and let them move forward” (Exodus 14:15). If they would enter the sea before it split- demonstrating their trust- then G-d would save them.

The Israelites entered the Red Sea and walked into the water until the waters reached their noses. Still, they did not stop. They demonstrated complete faith in G-d’s salvation. Because of this faith, G-d then split the sea for them.

When we need salvation, the greatest thing we can do is fill ourselves with trust that G-d’s help is truly on the way. We must begin to feel and act as though the salvation has already been announced, just as the Israelites entered the sea before it split, believing with full trust that there would be a miracle.

In the Talmud there are two things mentioned as difficult as the splitting of the sea:

• “A person’s livelihood is as difficult as the splitting of the Red Sea” (Pesachim 118a)

• “Finding one’s soulmate is as difficult as the splitting of the Red Sea” (Sotah 2a).

This raises the question: What could possibly be “difficult” for G-d?

The answer lies in human faith. In these two areas of livelihood and finding a partner, people often fall into despair and lose faith. A person might believe they will never marry, or never find a good job, and in that moment of doubt, they themselves block G-d’s blessing. When someone does not believe in G-d's salvation, they, in effect, prevent G-d from granting it. This parallels what took place at the Red Sea as G-d could not perform the miracle until the Israelites demonstrated their faith. Only with full and unwavering faith can there be a miracle.

When a Jew feels secure in G-d's help, that trust itself awakens divine mercy and draws down the salvation.

From Shuli Shmueli's new book "Thoughts Create Reality – The Power of Thought Based on Jewish and Scientific Sources, Accompanied by Guidance to Improve Our Life Quality and Fulfill Our Heart's Desires".To purchase, visit Hidabroot Shops or call: 073-222-1250