WAEC Christian Religious Studies (CRS) 2019 Theory — Question 2

Model answer

(a) THE STORY OF HOW THE ISRAELITES CROSSED THE RED SEA (Exodus 14) Owing to several afflictions suffered by the Egyptians for keeping the Israelites in Egypt — especially the death of the firstborn sons — Pharaoh eventually let the Israelites go. However, when Pharaoh realized the Israelites were not coming back, he organized his army and chariots (six hundred picked chariots and all the other chariots of Egypt with officers over them) in pursuit. The Israelites were guarded by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Pharaoh's army caught up with the Israelites at Pihahiroth, by the sea. As the Egyptians drew near, the Israelites were seized with fear and cried out to the Lord and to Moses. Moses encouraged them, assuring them the Egyptians would perish: 'Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD... the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.' The LORD commanded Moses to stretch his rod over the sea; the sea was troubled by a great wind, and the Israelites passed through on dry ground while the Egyptians pursued but their chariot wheels became impeded. Moses then stretched his rod over the sea again, and the waters returned, drowning the Egyptians. This led the Israelites to worship God and believe in Him even more. (b) LESSONS TO BE LEARNT FROM THE INCIDENT i. It stresses the omnipotence and reliability of God in time of need. ii. It stresses the need to pray to God when in difficulty or adversity. iii. It stresses the need to have faith in God. iv. It shows the adverse effects of fear, as demonstrated by the Israelites — fear weakens faith. v. Leaders should always encourage their followers, as Moses did. vi. Those who disregard God will be punished, as shown by the death of the Egyptians and the adamant Pharaoh.