Tafsir of Al-Baqarah 2:50

"We parted (faraqnā)" We separated one part from another until paths were formed within it for you. It is also recited as farraqnā (with a shadda), meaning "We divided." It is said faraqa (to separate) between two things and farraqa (to divide) between many things, because the paths were twelve in number, corresponding to the [twelve] tribes.

If you ask: What is the meaning of "for you" (bikum)? I say: There are several interpretations:

1. That it means they were traversing it, and the water parted upon their traversal; it is as if it were parted by them, just as one separates two things by placing something between them.
2. That it means "We parted it because of you and for the sake of your salvation."
3. That it is in the position of a state (ḥāl), meaning "We parted it while it was associated with you," similar to the poet’s saying: "It tramples skulls and dust with us," meaning it tramples them while we are riding upon it.

It is narrated that the Children of Israel said to Moses, "Where are our companions? We do not see them." He said, "Proceed, for they are on a path like your path." They said, "We will not be satisfied until we see them." So he said, "O Allah, help me against their bad character."

Allah then revealed to him: "Strike the walls with your staff." He struck them, and openings appeared in them, so they saw one another and heard each other's voices.

"While you were looking on" You were observing that and witnessing it, having no doubt about it.

"And when We appointed for Moses forty nights, then you took the calf [for worship] after him, while you were wrongdoers. Then We forgave you after that, so that you might be grateful." (51-52)