Joshua 24:6

KJV

And I brought your fathers out of Egypt: and ye came unto the sea; and the Egyptians pursued after your fathers with chariots and horsemen unto the Red sea.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I brought {H3318} your fathers {H1} out of Egypt {H4714}: and ye came {H935} unto the sea {H3220}; and the Egyptians {H4714} pursued {H7291} after {H310} your fathers {H1} with chariots {H7393} and horsemen {H6571} unto the Red {H5488} sea {H3220}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, I brought your fathers out of Egypt: you arrived at the sea, and the Egyptians were pursuing your ancestors with chariots and horsemen to the Sea of Suf.

Berean Standard Bible

When I brought your fathers out of Egypt and you reached the Red Sea, the Egyptians pursued them with chariots and horsemen as far as the Red Sea.

American Standard Version

And I brought your fathers out of Egypt: and ye came unto the sea; and the Egyptians pursued after your fathers with chariots and with horsemen unto the Red Sea.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 24:6 is a pivotal verse within Joshua's farewell address at Shechem, serving as a powerful reminder to the Israelites of God's unwavering faithfulness and mighty acts throughout their history. Specifically, it recounts the dramatic moment of the Exodus when Pharaoh's formidable army, with its chariots and horsemen, relentlessly pursued the newly freed Israelites to the very edge of the Red Sea. This vivid recollection sets the stage for one of the most profound demonstrations of divine power and deliverance in the Old Testament, underscoring that Israel's salvation was entirely a result of God's sovereign intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 24 marks the culmination of Joshua's leadership, serving as a solemn covenant renewal ceremony before his death. The chapter opens with Joshua gathering all the tribes of Israel at Shechem, where he delivers a sweeping historical prologue, recounting God's redemptive acts from Abraham's call through their settlement in the Promised Land. This historical review, which includes the events of [Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "Genesis 12 - The Call of Abram") and the entire [Exodus narrative](/exodus/1 "Exodus 1 - The Bondage in Egypt"), is designed to impress upon the people the Lord's consistent faithfulness and to challenge them to choose to serve Him alone. Verse 6 specifically hones in on the critical juncture of the Exodus, where Israel faced an existential threat, thereby highlighting God's miraculous intervention as a foundational act of their national identity and covenant relationship. This historical recounting directly precedes Joshua's famous exhortation to "choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve" in [Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Choose Whom You Will Serve").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Joshua 24:6 are rooted in the historical reality of ancient Egypt's formidable military power, particularly its advanced chariot corps. Chariots were the elite fighting machines of the ancient Near East, representing speed, overwhelming force, and technological superiority. For the recently freed, largely unarmed Israelite multitude, the sight of Pharaoh's "chariots and horsemen" pursuing them to the Red Sea would have evoked absolute terror and a sense of inescapable doom. This pursuit was a desperate attempt by Pharaoh to reassert his dominion and reclaim his slave labor, reflecting the typical response of a powerful empire to a mass exodus of its workforce. The "Red Sea" (Hebrew: _Yam Suph_, often translated "Sea of Reeds") represented an impassable natural barrier, making Israel's situation appear utterly hopeless and setting the stage for a divine intervention that would defy all natural and military logic.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 24:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores **God's Sovereign Deliverance**, emphasizing that Israel's freedom from Egypt was not achieved through their own strength or strategic genius, but solely through the Lord's initiative and power, encapsulated in the phrase "I brought your fathers out of Egypt." This sets the stage for the Red Sea miracle, where God would demonstrate His ultimate authority over both nature and human empires, as detailed in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Divine Protection in Peril**, showcasing God's ability to safeguard His people even when they are trapped in seemingly impossible circumstances, facing an overwhelming threat. The pursuit by "chariots and horsemen" magnifies the direness of their situation, making God's subsequent deliverance even more profound and demonstrating that "the Lord will fight for you" ([Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The Lord Will Fight for You")). Finally, the act of Joshua recounting this event reinforces the crucial theme of **Remembrance of God's Faithfulness**. By recalling God's past mighty acts, the new generation of Israelites is encouraged to trust Him for their present and future challenges, establishing a pattern of historical recollection as a cornerstone of their faith and identity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **brought (Hebrew, _yatsa'_):** This verb signifies "to go out," "to come forth," or "to bring out." In this context, with God as the subject ("I brought"), it emphasizes divine agency and initiative. It's not that Israel escaped, but that God actively led them out, demonstrating His sovereign power over Egypt and His commitment to His covenant people. This word recurs throughout the Exodus narrative, consistently attributing the deliverance to Yahweh alone.
* **pursued (Hebrew, _radaf'_):** This verb means "to chase," "to pursue," or "to persecute." Its use here vividly conveys the relentless, aggressive, and threatening nature of the Egyptian pursuit. It paints a picture of a desperate, high-stakes chase, where the Egyptians were determined to recapture or destroy the Israelites, highlighting the imminent danger Israel faced and magnifying the subsequent divine intervention.
* **Red Sea (Hebrew, יַם־סוּף, _Yam Suph'_):** While traditionally translated "Red Sea," _Yam Suph_ literally means "Sea of Reeds" or "Reed Sea." This term refers to a body of water (whose precise geographical location is debated among scholars) that served as the impassable barrier for the Israelites and the site of God's miraculous intervention. Its significance lies not in its exact geography, but in its function as the stage for God's ultimate display of power, where He transformed an insurmountable obstacle into a path of salvation for His people and a watery grave for their oppressors.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I brought your fathers out of Egypt:"** This opening clause immediately establishes God's direct and active role in Israel's liberation. The "I" refers to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, emphasizing that the Exodus was not a human achievement but a divine act of redemption. It highlights God's initiative, power, and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
* **"and ye came unto the sea;"** This phrase describes the seemingly hopeless situation of the Israelites. Having been led out of Egypt, they found themselves trapped between the pursuing Egyptian army and an impassable body of water. This detail underscores their vulnerability and the human impossibility of their escape, setting the stage for a miraculous intervention.
* **"and the Egyptians pursued after your fathers with chariots and horsemen unto the Red sea."** This final clause intensifies the peril. It specifies the formidable nature of the pursuing force—the elite "chariots and horsemen" of Pharaoh's army—and their relentless pursuit right up to the very barrier that seemed to seal Israel's doom. This vivid description magnifies the threat and serves to highlight the magnitude of the deliverance that was about to occur at the Red Sea, demonstrating God's power over the greatest military force of the ancient world.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 24:6 employs several powerful literary devices to enhance its impact. The overarching device is **Recapitulatio**, as Joshua is recounting a foundational event in Israel's history, bringing it to the forefront of the people's collective memory. The use of **Anaphora** or repetition, particularly of "your fathers" throughout this historical summary in Joshua 24, reinforces the continuity of God's covenant relationship across generations. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as the description of the relentless pursuit to the Red Sea inherently anticipates the miraculous parting of the waters and the subsequent destruction of the Egyptian army, which immediately follows this event in the Exodus narrative. There is a strong element of **Contrast** at play: the overwhelming might of the Egyptian "chariots and horsemen" stands in stark contrast to the vulnerable, unarmed Israelites, thereby magnifying the power of God, who alone could deliver them. Finally, the specific mention of "chariots and horsemen" functions as a form of **Emphasis** or even **Hyperbole** to underscore the direness of the threat and the seemingly insurmountable odds against Israel, making God's subsequent deliverance all the more astonishing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 24:6 is a foundational stone in the theological edifice of Israel's faith, serving as a constant reminder of God's character as a mighty deliverer and covenant keeper. It encapsulates the core truth that salvation, whether from physical bondage or spiritual peril, originates solely from God's initiative and power. This verse, by recalling the Red Sea event, points to God's absolute sovereignty over all creation—human empires, natural elements, and the forces of chaos. It establishes a pattern of divine intervention in moments of ultimate human helplessness, teaching that God often allows His people to reach the end of their own resources so that His glory can be fully displayed. This historical act of redemption forms the basis for Israel's identity as God's chosen people, bound to Him by a covenant of grace and faithfulness.

* [Exodus 14:21](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21 - The Parting of the Red Sea")
* [Deuteronomy 6:21-23](/deuteronomy/6-21 "Deuteronomy 6:21-23 - Remembering God's Deliverance from Egypt")
* [Psalm 106:7-12](/psalms/106-7 "Psalm 106:7-12 - God's Deliverance at the Red Sea")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 24:6, though rooted in ancient history, speaks profoundly to the contemporary believer. It calls us to remember that our God is a God of active, powerful deliverance, who intervenes on behalf of His people even in the most desperate circumstances. Just as Israel found themselves trapped between an overwhelming enemy and an impassable sea, we too often face "Red Sea" moments in our lives—situations of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, whether they be financial crises, health battles, relational brokenness, or spiritual attacks. This verse encourages us to shift our gaze from the magnitude of our problems to the infinitude of God's power. By recalling His past faithfulness, both in biblical history and in our personal testimonies, we build a reservoir of trust that enables us to face present and future challenges with courage and hope, knowing that the Lord who brought Israel out of Egypt is the same Lord who is with us today.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recalling God's past faithfulness, both in biblical history and in your own life, strengthen your faith in present challenges?**
* **In what "Red Sea" situations are you currently trusting God for a miraculous deliverance, and how does this verse encourage you?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a habit of remembering and recounting God's mighty acts in your daily life and within your community of faith?**

### FAQ
**Why does Joshua specifically mention the "chariots and horsemen" of the Egyptians?**

Answer: Joshua's specific mention of "chariots and horsemen" serves to emphasize the overwhelming and seemingly insurmountable nature of the threat Israel faced. In the ancient world, chariots were the most advanced and feared military technology, representing speed, power, and an elite fighting force. By highlighting this formidable opposition, Joshua magnifies the desperation of Israel's situation and, by extension, the extraordinary power and glory of God's subsequent deliverance at the Red Sea. It underscores that Israel's salvation was not due to any human strength or strategy, but solely to God's miraculous intervention against a superior force, as detailed in [Exodus 14:7-9](/exodus/14-7 "Exodus 14:7-9 - Pharaoh Pursues Israel").

**What is the significance of the "Red Sea" (Yam Suph) in this verse?**

Answer: The "Red Sea," or more accurately "Sea of Reeds" (Hebrew: _Yam Suph_), is profoundly significant as the geographical and theological locus of God's ultimate display of power against Egypt. It represented an impassable natural barrier, trapping the Israelites and making their escape humanly impossible. Its mention in Joshua 24:6 sets the stage for the miraculous parting of the waters, allowing Israel to pass through on dry ground, and the subsequent engulfing of Pharaoh's army. This event, narrated in [Exodus 14:21-31](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21-31 - The Parting and Crossing of the Red Sea"), became the quintessential act of redemption in Israel's history, a foundational event that demonstrated God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His enemies, and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 24:6, with its vivid recollection of God's powerful deliverance at the Red Sea, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "I brought your fathers out of Egypt" foreshadows Christ, the true Deliverer, who brings His people out of the spiritual bondage of sin and death, a far greater slavery than that of Egypt. Just as Israel was pursued by the forces of Pharaoh to the edge of an impassable sea, humanity is pursued by the overwhelming forces of sin, death, and the devil, facing an ultimate barrier that no human effort can overcome. Christ, however, is our ultimate Red Sea deliverance. His death on the cross is the decisive act that parts the waters of judgment and wrath, allowing us to pass through to new life. The defeat of the Egyptian chariots and horsemen at the Red Sea prefigures Christ's triumphant victory over all principalities and powers, disarming them and leading them in triumph through the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He is the true Lamb of God, whose blood provides the ultimate Passover deliverance from the angel of death ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Furthermore, the crossing of the Red Sea is seen in the New Testament as a type of baptism, symbolizing our identification with Christ's death and resurrection, leading us into a new covenant relationship with God ([1 Corinthians 10:1-2](/1_corinthians/10-1 "1 Corinthians 10:1-2 - Baptism into Moses")). Christ is the greater Joshua, who not only leads His people out of bondage but also brings them into the promised eternal rest, a rest greater than any earthly inheritance ([Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8-10 - The True Rest in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 9:11

And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters.

Exodus 12:51

And it came to pass the selfsame day, [that] the LORD did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.

Hebrews 11:29

By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry [land]: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

Exodus 14:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Exodus 14:15

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:

Exodus 12:37

¶ And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot [that were] men, beside children.

Micah 6:4

For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.