When we hear about the Red Sea crossing in Exodus 14, most of us picture a massive wall of water parting in the actual Red Sea between Africa and Arabia. But the Hebrew text says something fascinating:
The sea Israel crossed is called the Yam Suf (יָם סוּף). That phrase doesn’t mean “Red Sea”… it literally means “Sea of Reeds.”
So how did “Sea of Reeds” become “Red Sea”?
Early translators of the Hebrew Bible into Greek (the Septuagint) rendered Yam Suf as Erythra Thalassa, which means “Red Sea.”
Over time, that stuck in Western tradition, even though it might not have been the exact Red Sea we know today.
So what was it? Scholars debate:
Some think it was a marshy, reed-filled body of water in the Nile Delta region.
Others argue for the Gulf of Suez or the Gulf of Aqaba, both arms of the larger Red Sea.
Here’s the point: the power isn’t in pinpointing the GPS coordinates. The miracle wasn’t where it happened… it was that it happened.
The same God who parted the waters of Yam Suf is the God who parts the “impossible seas” in your life. Whether it was marshy reeds or a roaring gulf, the text wants us to see the impossible opening at His command.
📖 Scripture Study:
Exodus 14:21–31 — The crossing itself
Psalm 106:7–12 — How Israel remembered it
Isaiah 51:10 — The “sea of reeds” as salvation imagery
💭 Reflection:
What “Yam Suf” are you facing right now… that place that feels uncrossable until God speaks?
🔥 Want to go deeper?
Step beyond the surface and into the Word with our paid subscriber community. When you upgrade, you unlock The Vault — and if you're ready to go all in, Founders Level brings even more.
🔐 Inside The Vault:
💛 Weekly devotionals with depth and application
🌿 Monthly teachings on the Jewishness of Jesus
💬 Private community chats
🎁 30% off all digital products
🚨 Access to our Peppery Bible Study Group in Signal
👑 Founders Level includes everything in The Vault, plus:
🎧 Weekly audio teachings
💻 Monthly Bible Study Q&A Calls
📓 Printable studies and reflection tools
⏰ Early access to studies and new digital products
🖊️ Exclusive journal
💸 50% off all digital products + 10% off physical merch
👉🏽 Join now to unlock your access and walk deeper in truth, boldness, and biblical beauty.