Exodus 14:23 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The Egyptians pursued and went in after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh 's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.

NIV: The Egyptians pursued them, and all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots and horsemen followed them into the sea.

NASB: Then the Egyptians took up the pursuit, and all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen went in after them into the midst of the sea.

CSB: The Egyptians set out in pursuit—all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen—and went into the sea after them.

NLT: Then the Egyptians — all of Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and charioteers — chased them into the middle of the sea.

KJV: And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.

NKJV: And the Egyptians pursued and went after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.

Israel left Egyptian slavery (Exodus 12:40–41) and was commanded to camp on the seashore (Exodus 14:1–2). There, they were trapped by the pursuing Egyptian army (Exodus 14:8–9). But God blocked the army's advance (Exodus 14:19–20) and then miraculously made the waters of the sea split, like walls, opening a path for Israel to cross (Exodus 14:21–22). As part of this, the Lord also dried the seabed so the people could travel.

As the nation crosses during the night, the Egyptians see the dry ground between the walls of water. With God's protective pillar (Exodus 14:24) marking the rear of the Israelite procession, there is now an open corridor. Rather than admitting defeat, Egypt's king, the pharaoh (Exodus 14:5–7), will make the reckless choice to follow. This blunder is part of the Lord's judgment. After repeatedly defying God (Proverbs 29:1), Pharaoh is being used as an illustration of divine wrath (Exodus 10:1–2; 14:8). The soldiers following Pharaoh are hardened, as well (Exodus 14:17).

None of those who pursue Israel into the sea will survive (Exodus 14:28). This group most likely includes Pharaoh.

Exodus 14:15–31 records the monumental crossing of the Red Sea. Egypt's king has changed his mind about releasing Israel from slavery (Exodus 14:5–9). God has led the people to the shore of the "Sea of Reeds." This is not the same location as the modern-day Red Sea, but somewhere further north, probably the Gulf of Suez. The supernatural pillar leading Israel (Exodus 13:21–22) moves to block the oncoming soldiers. At God's command, Moses holds out his staff and the sea splits to open a path of dry land with a wall of water on each side. This allows Israel to cross during the night. Egypt's military attempts to follow. Moses again follows God's command to gesture with his staff, and the waters close over the Egyptian soldiers, eliminating every single one. Israel is now free both from slavery and any threat of being taken back by their former oppressors.

God leads Israel (Exodus 13:21–22) to make camp in front of the "Sea of Reeds." This is different from the modern-day Red Sea; it is more likely the Gulf of Suez or the wide Lake Timsah. As in the past (Exodus 8:15, 31–32; 9:34–35; 10:19–20), Pharaoh changes his mind about Israelite freedom. He gathers soldiers to pursue Israel and catches them at the shore. God blocks the incoming attackers and makes a dry path through the sea for Israel's escape. When the Egyptian forces attempt to follow, God closes the walls of water over them, drowning the entire army.

Egypt's king freed Israel after the devastating death of the firstborn on Passover (Exodus 12:29–32). God led the people southeast, rather than along northern roads (Exodus 13:17–18). This brings them the shore of the Sea of Reeds. Pharaoh sends his military to recapture—or annihilate—the Israelites. Instead, the Egyptian army drowns when God allows the Hebrews to cross between parted waters, only to close them when the soldiers pursue. The next chapter is a song of celebration, thanking God for His incredible, miraculous salvation (Exodus 15).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.