Pharaoh’s heart is hardened. The armies of Egypt are in pursuit of the Israelites, to enslave our nation once more. B’nei Yisrael, the children of Israel, cry out to God. They cry out to Moses, seeing an inevitable death. Moses comforts the people: Do not fear. Stand fast and see the salvation of Hashem….Hashem shall make war for you, and you shall remain silent (Exodus 14:13-14). Remain passive, says Moses, show your faith by standing still; fearless.
But Hashem objects: Why do you cry out to me!? Speak to the children of Israel and let them journey forth! And you – (Moses) – lift up your staff and stretch out your arm over the sea and split it… (Exodus 14:15-16). You, Moses, must take action, says God. The people of Israel must move on! Standing still at a time when your life is in danger is not an option. Death is on the horizon, and all you can do is to sit in fear, praying, complaining, watching the enemy’s army approach!?
In these verses leading up to the splitting of the sea, we see the push and pull of faith and action. Moses instructs us in faith; God tells Moses: “faith is not always enough! You are leading the people to become a holy nation. A holy nation must have faith, yes, but their actions must emanate their faith. Faith is not stagnant, but a living and breathing part of each member of My holy nation.” King Solomon wrote, to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens (Ecclessiastes 3:1). The time at the sea was a time for actions!
What is recorded in this week’s parsha shows a mixture of reactions. B’nei Yisrael cried out to Hashem (14:10). Others complained to Moses (14:11). Moses himself instructed the people to remain still (14:13-14, above).
Nachshon ben Aminadav’s reaction, however, is the one that brought our redemption. And yet is does not even make it into the Torah! The midrash relates:
Nachshon leaped into the waves of the sea and went down into the waters. In reference to him did King David state, Save me Hashem, for the waters have reached the point of taking my soul. Hashem then told Moses, My friend is sinking in the sea and you are praying!? Speak to B’nei Yisrael and they shall travel through the sea!
It is the action of Nachshon that merits God’s mercy on our entire nation. It is Nachshon that is God’s friend. Nachshon takes the first step, and God is there to greet him. It is Nachshon who had enough faith to take action, and for that the sea split and the people of Israel were freed. From Nachshon we learn that prayer alone is not enough. Faith that prevents us from taking action is not the best form of faith. Faith that leads to action, that makes us act with the knowledge that God is beside us in our every action, is the faith that we must seek.
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