Parasha Beshalach is rich with deeper meanings.
Shemos: 13: 21. And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to cause it to lead them on the way and at night in a pillar of fire to give them light, [they thus could] travel day and night.
Both the pillar of cloud and of fire represents the certainty with which the children of Israel marched out of Egypt as a free people. The gematria of the world for pillar ‘Amode’ (Ayin Mem Vav Daleth) is 120 the same as the Hebrew for Hazach (CHeth, Zayin Kaph Heh) meaning strength.
They go forth then as a free people filled with their newfound strength that is both mystical and physical. The cloud represents their faith in Hashem as witnessed by the many plagues that preceded their deliverance and the act of that deliverance itself. This is what goes before them during the day with the pillar of cloud. At night the pillar of fire represents the renewal of their strength in that they are no longer subject to forced labor under cruel and harsh conditions. The pillar of fire also represents the aspiration now for connection with Hashem and the all-abiding presence that this represents within.
Hashem is with them day and night marked by this palpable presence day and night. Regardless of what occurs they always have Hashem to refer to.
Hashem has Moshe lead them to camp right in front of the Red Sea to await the coming of Paro’s chariots. His purpose is to both set up Paro for a massive defeat as well as to show the children of Israel the salvation of Hashem. They are understandably terrified.
Shemos 14: 13 Moses said to the people, Don't be afraid! Stand firm and see the Lord's salvation that He will wreak for you today, for the way you have seen the Egyptians is [only] today, [but] you shall no longer continue to see them for eternity. 14. The Lord will fight for you, but you shall remain silent.
Have you ever been in a situation where you have broken free of something? Perhaps stopped smoking, ended a poor relationship, etc. The moment of freedom is exhilarating but then the longer you are ‘free’ the closer your doubts start to arise. In order to be entirely free there are a series of steps that you must take. One of them is standing before the Red Sea while Paro and his minions chase you down.
Paro represents your old way of thinking. It comes after you seeking to ensnare you once again. The Red Sea represents what appear to be insurmountable reasons why you must return to Egypt (old ways of thinking) however with your initial inspiration (Moshe) exhorting you something wonderful occurs. All of a sudden you are standing on dry land in the midst of towering columns of water on either side. You make it through and witness your doubts being submerged, your oppression dismissed.
Once on the other side you experience relief and a renewed sense of freedom. The lesson here is that you have to follow through where your freedom is concerned taking through to the other side where your confidence in Hashem is vindicated and raised on high.
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