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Commentary on Exodus 14 verses 1–9
We have here,
I. Instructions given to Moses concerning Israel's motions and encampments, which were so very surprising that if Moses had not express orders about them before they would scarcely have been persuaded to follow the pillar of cloud and fire. That therefore there might be no scruple nor dissatisfaction about it, Moses is told before, 1. Whither they must go, Exo 14:1, Exo 14:2. They had got to the edge of the wilderness (Exo 13:20), and a stage or two more would have brought them to Horeb, the place appointed for their serving God; but, instead of going forward, they are ordered to turn short off, on the right hand from Canaan, and to march towards the Red Sea. Where they were, at Etham, there was no sea in their way to obstruct their passage: but God himself orders them into straits, which might give them an assurance that when his purposes were served he would without fail bring them out of those straits. Note, God sometimes raises difficulties in the way of the salvation of his people, that he may have the glory of subduing them, and helping his people over them. 2. What God designed in these strange orders. Moses would have yielded an implicit obedience, though God had given him no reason; but shall he hide from Moses the thing that he does? No, Moses shall know, (1.) That Pharaoh has a design to ruin Israel, Exo 14:3. (2.) That therefore God has a design to ruin Pharaoh, and he takes this way to effect it, Exo 14:4. Pharaoh's sagacity would conclude that Israel was entangled in the wilderness and so would become an easy prey to him; and, that he might be the more apt to think so, God orders them into yet greater entanglements; also, by turning them so much out of their road, he amazes him yet more, and gives him further occasion to suppose that they were in a state of embarrassment and danger. And thus (says God) I will be honoured upon Pharaoh. Note, [1.] All men being made for the honour of their Maker, those whom he is not honoured by he will be honoured upon. [2.] What seems to tend to the church's ruin is often overruled to the ruin of the church's enemies, whose pride and malice are fed by Providence, that they may be ripened for destruction.
II. Pharaoh's pursuit of Israel, in which, while he gratifies his own malice and revenge, he is furthering the accomplishment of God's counsels concerning him. It was told him that the people fled, Exo 14:5. Such a fright was he in, when he gave them leave to go, that when the fright was a little over he either forgot, or would not own, that they departed with his consent, and therefore was willing that it should be represented to him as a revolt from their allegiance. Thus what may easily be justified is easily condemned, by putting false colours upon it. Now, hereupon,
1.He reflects upon it with regret that he had connived at their departure. He and his servants, though it was with the greatest reason in the world that they had let Israel go, yet were now angry with themselves for it: Why have we done thus? (1.) It vexed them that Israel had their liberty, that they had lost the profit of their labours, and the pleasure of chastising them. It is meat and drink to proud persecutors to trample upon the saints of the Most High, and say to their souls, Bow down, that we may go over; and therefore it vexes them to have their hands tied. Note, The liberty of God's people is a heavy grievance to their enemies, Est 5:12, Est 5:13; Act 5:17, Act 5:33. (2.) It aggravated the vexation that they themselves had consented to it, thinking now that they might have hindered it, and that they needed not to have yielded, though they had stood it out to the last extremity. Thus God makes men's envy and rage against his people a torment to themselves, Psa 112:10. It was well done to let Israel go, and what they would have reflected on with comfort if they had done it from an honest principle; but doing it by constraint, they called themselves a thousand fools for doing it, and passionately wished it undone again. Note, It is very common, but very absurd and criminal, for people to repent of their good deeds; their justice and charity, and even their repentance, are repented of. See an instance somewhat like this, Jer 34:10, Jer 34:11.
2.He resolves, if possible, either to reduce them or to be revenged on them; in order to this, he levies an army, musters all his force of chariots and horsemen, Exo 14:17, Exo 14:18 (for, it should seem, he took no foot with him, because the king's business required haste), and thus he doubts not but he shall re-enslave them, Exo 14:6, Exo 14:7. It is easy to imagine what a rage Pharaoh was now in, roaring like a lion disappointed of his prey, how his proud heart aggravated the affront, swelled with indignation, scorned to be baffled, longed to be revenged: and now all the plagues are as if they had never been. He has quite forgotten the sorrowful funerals of his firstborn, and can think of nothing but making Israel feel his resentments; now he thinks he can be too hard for God himself; for, otherwise, could he have hoped to conquer a people so dear to him? God gave him up to these passions of his own heart, and so hardened it. It is said (Exo 14:8), The children of Israel went out with a high hand, that is, with a great deal of courage and bravery, triumphing in their release, and resolved to break through the difficulties that lay in their way. But the Egyptians (Exo 14:9) pursued after them. Note, Those that in good earnest set their faces heaven-ward, and will live godly in Christ Jesus, must expect to be set upon by Satan's temptations and terrors. He will not tamely part with any out of his service, nor go out without raging, Mar 9:26.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 14:6 vividly portrays Pharaoh's decisive and deeply personal mobilization of his elite military, specifically his formidable chariot forces, to relentlessly pursue the recently liberated Israelites. This action signifies a complete and defiant reversal of his earlier concession, setting the stage for the climactic confrontation at the Red Sea. The verse powerfully underscores Pharaoh's hardened obstinacy and God's sovereign orchestration of events to demonstrate His unparalleled power and secure His glory.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 14:6 states, "And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him:" This concise yet potent verse encapsulates Pharaoh's swift, determined, and ultimately self-destructive response to Israel's departure.
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Exodus 14:6 employs several powerful literary devices. Irony is prominent, as Pharaoh, who has just suffered devastating plagues demonstrating God's supreme power, now actively prepares to challenge that very power, an act that will inevitably lead to his own destruction. The Symbolism of the chariot is crucial; it represents not only Pharaoh's military might but also the epitome of worldly power and human defiance against divine will. Its preparation foreshadows the dramatic clash and ultimate defeat of this worldly power. The verse also serves as a powerful instance of Foreshadowing, signaling the impending confrontation at the Red Sea and Pharaoh's ultimate demise, which God had already declared. Finally, the succinctness of the verse, combined with the gravity of Pharaoh's action, creates immediate Dramatic Tension, propelling the narrative forward towards the climactic display of God's redemptive power.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the profound clash between human defiance and divine sovereignty. Pharaoh's stubborn pursuit, despite overwhelming evidence of God's omnipotence, highlights the depth of human rebellion and the blindness that pride can inflict. Crucially, this act of defiance is not outside of God's control; rather, it is precisely what God had planned to display His glory and execute definitive judgment. God had explicitly foretold that He would harden Pharaoh's heart to draw him out and judge him definitively (Exodus 14:4). This demonstrates God's absolute control over all events, even the actions of His enemies, to accomplish His redemptive purposes and magnify His name. The pursuit also serves to underscore God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, demonstrating His ability to deliver them from the most desperate and humanly insurmountable situations.
This theme of God orchestrating events, even through the rebellion of rulers, to achieve His purposes is a recurring motif throughout Scripture.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 14:6 offers a profound and enduring lesson for believers today: even after experiencing significant breakthroughs, moments of divine deliverance, or spiritual victories, new challenges and formidable opposition can swiftly arise. Pharaoh's renewed pursuit illustrates that spiritual or worldly adversaries may not simply vanish after a triumph; they may regroup and return with renewed vigor and seemingly overwhelming force. However, this verse also teaches us that God often uses these seemingly insurmountable threats as a dramatic backdrop to display His power and faithfulness in even greater, more miraculous ways. When we face overwhelming odds – whether in our personal lives, careers, relationships, or ministries – we are called to remember God's sovereign plan. He is fully aware of our circumstances and exquisitely capable of turning what appears to be a trap into a profound opportunity for His glory and our ultimate deliverance. Our trust is not in the absence of challenges, but in the unwavering presence and omnipotent power of our delivering God, who works all things, even the malice of our enemies, for His good purposes.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Pharaoh change his mind so quickly after letting Israel go?
Answer: Pharaoh's swift change of heart was a direct fulfillment of God's prophetic word to Moses, as seen in passages like Exodus 4:21 and Exodus 9:12. His immense pride, coupled with the staggering economic loss of the Israelite workforce, and the profound humiliation inflicted by the plagues, fueled his desire for revenge and to reassert his absolute authority. God's hardening of his heart meant that Pharaoh, despite the clear and undeniable evidence of divine power, remained obstinate and defiant, leading him to make a decision that would ultimately result in his own destruction and God's greater glory.
Was Pharaoh's pursuit a sign of God's failure or Israel's lack of faith?
Answer: Absolutely not. Pharaoh's pursuit was not a sign of God's failure but a deliberate and integral part of His overarching plan. God explicitly stated His intention to draw Pharaoh out to display His glory and execute definitive judgment upon Egypt (Exodus 14:4). For Israel, this seemingly desperate situation was a crucial test of faith and an unparalleled opportunity for them to witness God's mighty power in a way that would profoundly cement His identity as their faithful deliverer and covenant Lord. The apparent trap was precisely designed to magnify God's subsequent miraculous intervention and underscore His absolute sovereignty.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Pharaoh's relentless pursuit of Israel in Exodus 14:6 serves as a powerful Old Testament type, vividly foreshadowing the greater spiritual bondage and the ultimate, definitive deliverance accomplished through Jesus Christ. Pharaoh, as the oppressive and defiant ruler, represents the dominion of sin, death, and the forces of evil (Satan) that hold all humanity captive. Just as Pharaoh pursued Israel with his chariots to drag them back into slavery, so too do sin and the devil relentlessly pursue humanity, seeking to keep us in spiritual bondage and prevent us from experiencing true freedom and life in God. The dramatic confrontation at the Red Sea, initiated by Pharaoh's determined pursuit, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Christ's life, atoning death, and triumphant resurrection. Jesus is the true and greater Deliverer, the one who leads His people out of the bondage of sin and death. His crucifixion is the ultimate "Passover" event, and His resurrection is the decisive victory over the "Pharaoh" of sin, Satan, and death. Through Christ, believers pass through the "waters" of baptism, symbolizing their liberation from the old life of slavery to sin and their entry into a new, resurrected life of freedom in Him. The victory at the Red Sea, where the enemy is utterly defeated, prefigures Christ's definitive and eternal triumph over all spiritual adversaries, ensuring that those whom He sets free are truly free indeed (John 8:36) and that no power can snatch them from His hand (John 10:28).