Exodus 14:21 - Divine wind splits sea.

The Miracle of the Splitting of the Sea

The verse describes the miraculous event of Kriyat Yam Suf (the splitting of the Red Sea), where Moshe stretched out his hand over the sea, and Hashem caused the sea to divide through a strong east wind. This event is foundational in Jewish tradition, demonstrating Hashem's absolute power over nature and His salvation of Bnei Yisrael.

Rashi's Explanation of Moshe's Action

Rashi (Shemot 14:21) notes that the phrase "וַיֵּט מֹשֶׁה אֶת־יָדוֹ" ("And Moshe stretched out his hand") does not mean that Moshe himself caused the sea to split. Rather, it was a symbolic gesture demonstrating that the miracle was performed in response to Moshe's faith and obedience to Hashem's command. The actual splitting was entirely the work of Hashem.

The Role of the East Wind

The verse mentions that Hashem used a "רוּחַ קָדִים עַזָּה" ("strong east wind") to dry the sea. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 21:6) explains that this wind was not an ordinary natural phenomenon but a specially created wind for this miracle. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:29) discusses how Hashem can manipulate natural forces to perform miracles while maintaining the appearance of natural processes.

The Timing of the Miracle

The phrase "כָּל־הַלַּיְלָה" ("all that night") teaches that the splitting did not happen instantaneously but unfolded gradually. The Mechilta (Beshalach 4) explains that this was to test the faith of Bnei Yisrael—only those who entered the sea with complete trust in Hashem merited to witness the full miracle.

The Significance of the Dry Land

The verse states "וַיָּשֶׂם אֶת־הַיָּם לֶחָרָבָה" ("and made the sea dry land"). The Talmud (Sotah 36b) elaborates that the sea floor was not merely exposed but transformed into solid, walkable ground—a double miracle of both splitting the waters and hardening the seabed. This demonstrated Hashem's complete mastery over creation.

Spiritual Lessons from the Splitting

• The Chassidic masters (e.g., the Sefat Emet) teach that Kriyat Yam Suf represents the breaking of barriers in the service of Hashem—just as the sea split, so too can obstacles in one's spiritual journey be overcome with faith.
• The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) emphasizes that the miracle required human initiative (Moshe's outstretched hand) alongside divine intervention, teaching the partnership between human effort and heavenly assistance.