Exodus 14:9

ESV The Egyptians pursued them, all Pharaoh 's horses and chariots and his horsemen and his army, and overtook them encamped at the sea, by Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon.

NIV The Egyptians—all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, horsemen and troops—pursued the Israelites and overtook them as they camped by the sea near Pi Hahiroth, opposite Baal Zephon.

NASB Then the Egyptians chased after them with all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen and his army, and they overtook them camping by the sea, beside Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon.

CSB The Egyptians—all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, his horsemen, and his army—chased after them and caught up with them as they camped by the sea beside Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon.

NLT The Egyptians chased after them with all the forces in Pharaoh’s army — all his horses and chariots, his charioteers, and his troops. The Egyptians caught up with the people of Israel as they were camped beside the shore near Pi-hahiroth, across from Baal-zephon.

KJV But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon.

NKJV So the Egyptians pursued them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen and his army, and overtook them camping by the sea beside Pi Hahiroth, before Baal Zephon.

What does Exodus 14:9 mean?

Israel left Egypt (Exodus 12:40–41) after being released from slavery (Exodus 12:29–32). But Egypt's king has changed his mind; he is leading an army to recapture the Israelites (Exodus 14:5–8). The army described here includes at least six hundred elite chariots, and this verse notes that Pharaoh has brought many others with him. The Egyptians seem to think that the Israelites are lost (Exodus 14:3). God has led them on an unexpected path (Exodus 13:17–18). Now, the Hebrews are encamped by the sea (Exodus 14:1–2). In terms of military strategy, they are trapped.

Pi-hahiroth and Baal-zephon have not been identified by modern archaeologists. Earlier references mentioned yam suph, or "the Sea of Reeds." This is not exactly the same location as the modern-day Red Sea. Israel is more likely at the northern end of the Gulf of Suez or Lake Timsah. Here, the Lord will deliver a final blow to Egypt and secure Israel's safety (Exodus 14:21–28).

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