Exodus 14:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, the mind of Pharaoh and his servants was changed toward the people, and they said, "What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?"

NIV: When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about them and said, "What have we done? We have let the Israelites go and have lost their services!"

NASB: When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his servants had a change of heart toward the people, and they said, 'What is this that we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?'

CSB: When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about the people and said: "What have we done? We have released Israel from serving us."

NLT: When word reached the king of Egypt that the Israelites had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds. 'What have we done, letting all those Israelite slaves get away?' they asked.

KJV: And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?

NKJV: Now it was told the king of Egypt that the people had fled, and the heart of Pharaoh and his servants was turned against the people; and they said, “Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?”

The "king of Egypt" is used here as another title for the pharaoh (Genesis 40:1, 5; 41:46; Exodus 1:8; 5:1–2). He had released the nation of Israel (Exodus 1:11–14) in the wake of a devastating plague (Exodus 12:29–32). In prior incidents, Pharaoh agreed to free the slaves only to change his mind (Exodus 8:15, 31–32; 9:34–35). He does this once again. Hearing that Israel seems lost (Exodus 14:2–3), he feels the courage to chase them down. Pharoah is also suffering the consequences of defying God. After constantly ignoring the Lord's call to obedience (Exodus 5:2; 7:12, 14, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7, 34), he is now being used as a living illustration of judgment (Exodus 10:1–2; Proverbs 29:1).

Egypt's king will be obstinate and unreasonable in his pursuit (Exodus 14:8). His troops will encounter Israel at their seaside encampment (Exodus 14:6–9). A foolish attempt to follow Israel into the sea will destroy the entire army (Exodus 14:21–28).

Exodus 14:1–14 explains how Israel came to the seashore not long after being released from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12:40–41). Pharaoh, Egypt's king, once again changes his mind about releasing his slaves (Exodus 1:11–14). He sends the Egyptian army after the Israelites. The fleeing people are frightened, but Moses reassures them. This will be the last time Egypt troubles their people.

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.