Joshua 24:7 – “But they cried to the Lord for help, and he put darkness between you and the Egyptians; he brought the sea over them and covered them. You saw with your own eyes what I did to the Egyptians. Then you lived in the wilderness for a long time.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Joshua 24:7 recounts a critical moment in Israel’s journey to freedom, highlighting both their desperate cry for help and God’s miraculous intervention. When the Israelites found themselves trapped between the Red Sea and the pursuing Egyptian army, they cried out to God. In response, God created a barrier of darkness between the Egyptians and His people, and then He parted the sea, allowing the Israelites to cross safely. When the Egyptians followed, God brought the waters back over them, completely destroying the enemy forces. This verse emphasizes the importance of crying out to God in times of trouble and trusting in His power to save. It also serves as a reminder that the Israelites’ journey continued in the wilderness, where they would rely on God for provision and guidance for many years.
Historical Context
The events described in this verse took place during the Exodus, shortly after the Israelites left Egypt. The crossing of the Red Sea was one of the most dramatic and defining moments in Israel’s history. The Egyptian army was one of the most formidable military forces of the time, equipped with chariots and horses. As the Israelites faced certain death, they cried out to God, and He responded with a display of power that not only saved them but also demonstrated His control over nature and nations. This miraculous event was a powerful testimony to God’s ability to protect and deliver His people, reinforcing their dependence on Him as they moved into the uncertainty of the wilderness.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Joshua 24:7 reveals God’s responsiveness to the cries of His people. It shows that God is not distant or detached; He listens and acts when His people call out to Him in faith. The verse also highlights God’s judgment on those who oppose His purposes, as seen in the destruction of the Egyptian army. This underscores the idea that God is both a deliverer and a just judge. Additionally, the verse points to the reality that God’s deliverance often leads His people into a journey where faith and reliance on Him continue to be necessary, as illustrated by the Israelites’ extended time in the wilderness.
Literary Analysis
This verse is a continuation of the narrative recounting Israel’s history, delivered in the first person by God through Joshua. The language used is direct and vivid, with God reminding the people of what they witnessed with their own eyes. The mention of darkness, the sea, and the covering of the Egyptians creates a stark visual contrast between God’s saving power and the fate of the enemy. The phrase “you saw with your own eyes” emphasizes the firsthand experience of God’s miraculous work, making it clear that these events were not just stories but lived realities for the Israelites.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 14:10-13 – The Israelites’ cry for help when they saw the Egyptian army approaching.
- Exodus 14:19-20 – God’s angel and pillar of cloud creating darkness between the Egyptians and the Israelites.
- Exodus 14:26-28 – The return of the waters, covering and destroying the Egyptian forces.
- Psalm 77:16-20 – A poetic recounting of God’s mighty acts at the Red Sea, highlighting His power over nature.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Joshua 24:7 serves as a powerful reminder that God hears and responds when we cry out to Him in times of need. It encourages believers to trust in God’s ability to intervene in seemingly impossible situations. Just as God put darkness between the Israelites and their enemies, He can shield and protect us in our struggles. This verse also reminds us that even after moments of deliverance, we may find ourselves in the “wilderness”—times of waiting, growth, and dependence on God. It teaches us that God’s guidance and provision are ongoing, even after the initial rescue.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse demonstrates God’s love through His responsiveness and protection. When the Israelites cried out, God didn’t ignore them; He took immediate action to safeguard them from danger. His love is seen in the way He personally intervened, creating a barrier of darkness and ultimately destroying the threat against His people. God’s love is not just about providing escape but also about continuing to guide and care for His people through all stages of their journey, including the wilderness.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Joshua 24:7 connects to Jesus Christ as it reflects God’s ultimate plan of deliverance through His Son. Just as God saved the Israelites from the Egyptians, Jesus saves us from the bondage of sin. Jesus is the one we cry out to for help, and through His sacrifice, He brings us from darkness into light (Colossians 1:13-14). The covering of the Egyptians by the sea can be seen as a foreshadowing of how Christ’s victory covers our sins and defeats the power of the enemy. In Christ, we find the ultimate expression of God’s saving power and His desire to lead us through every challenge we face (John 16:33).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you respond when faced with situations that seem impossible or overwhelming?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of crying out to God in times of trouble?
- How can you trust in God’s protection and guidance, even when you find yourself in a “wilderness” season?
- In what ways have you seen God act as a barrier of protection in your own life?
- How does the story of the Red Sea inspire your faith in Jesus as your ultimate deliverer?
Reflecting on Joshua 24:7 encourages us to trust in God’s faithfulness and His power to save, reminding us that He is always near, ready to respond when we call out to Him in faith.