Exodus, Chapters 13-40

The jews become in a way "property" of God as their children are sanctified to him and they eat unleavened bread to show their rememberance of their being freed from egypt. I am breifly reminded of the devotion of those under the Soviet Union at its beginning, especiallu older people who had "suffered" under the old regime the most.

The pillar of clouds could be a metaphor for the sun or actual clouds, and the fire for the moon or the campfires of the people, which in the dark desert could be a comfort, becuase the fires would be signs of life and community. The parted seas can be seen as many things, but I believe it to be igorance and they pass through it because they are enlightend as they are God's children and have heard God's word directly. God's providing Manna is remarkably similar to a parent providing for a child, but also making them grow and be independent, as he did not provide on the seventh day.

Though likely unintentional I love how in chapter 17 verse one it says that the Israelites journeyed from the wilderness of Sin but if taken with today's meaning of sin it could be taken to mean that moses led them away from evil and bad habits until 40 years later they were ready and "pure" to be removed form the wilderness.