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Exodus 14:23

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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.

And the Egyptians {H4714} pursued {H7291}, and went in {H935} after {H310} them to the midst {H8432} of the sea {H3220}, even all Pharaoh's {H6547} horses {H5483}, his chariots {H7393}, and his horsemen {H6571}.

The Egyptians continued their pursuit, going after them into the sea - all Pharaoh's horses, chariots and cavalry.

And the Egyptians chased after them—all Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and horsemen—and followed them into the sea.

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

Commentary

Exodus 14:23 describes the critical moment when Pharaoh and his entire military force, driven by vengeful pride, plunged into the Red Sea, directly following the Israelites who had just crossed on miraculously dry ground.

Context

This verse is a pivotal point in the narrative of the Red Sea crossing. After God delivered the Israelites from centuries of slavery in Egypt through a series of devastating plagues, Pharaoh initially allowed them to leave. However, his heart was hardened, and he quickly regretted his decision, mobilizing his elite army to recapture his former slaves. The Israelites, trapped between Pharaoh's approaching forces and the sea, witnessed God's incredible power as Moses stretched out his hand, causing the waters to part and form a dry pathway. Despite seeing this undeniable miracle, Pharaoh's arrogance and determination to re-enslave Israel led him to pursue them directly into the heart of the sea, a decision that would prove fatal for his forces.

Key Themes

  • Pharaoh's Hardened Heart and Persistence: Even after experiencing ten plagues and witnessing the sea divide, Pharaoh's defiance against God reached its peak. His relentless pursuit into the sea exemplifies the dangers of a heart hardened by pride and rebellion, refusing to acknowledge divine authority. This stubbornness is a recurring theme in the Exodus narrative, serving God's ultimate purpose to display His power (see Exodus 14:4).
  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: This verse sets the stage for God's decisive judgment upon Egypt. Pharaoh's pursuit, though seemingly his own choice, was part of God's overarching plan to demonstrate His sovereignty and provide ultimate deliverance for His people. The very path God created for Israel's salvation became the trap for Egypt's destruction.
  • Futility of Human Opposition to God: Pharaoh's vast and powerful army—his "horses, his chariots, and his horsemen"—represented the pinnacle of ancient military might. Yet, against the will and power of God, their strength was utterly meaningless. Their entry into the sea underscored their impending doom and the impossibility of opposing the Almighty.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "pursued," רָדַף (radaph), suggests an intense, relentless chase. The phrase "to the midst of the sea" (בְּתוֹךְ הַיָּם - b'tokh hayyam) emphasizes that they didn't just dip their toes in, but fully committed themselves to entering the miraculously opened path, deepening their perilous position.

Practical Application

Exodus 14:23 serves as a powerful reminder of several timeless truths:

  • Warning Against Stubbornness: It vividly illustrates the perilous consequences of a hardened heart and persistent defiance against God's clear will and demonstrable power. When faced with divine signs, true wisdom lies in humble submission, not arrogant opposition.
  • Assurance of God's Protection: For believers, this verse, read in context, offers profound assurance. Just as God cleared a path for Israel and then used their pursuers' own folly against them, He continues to protect and deliver His people from their enemies and seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
  • God's Glory Through Judgment: God often uses the very actions of those who oppose Him to bring about His purposes and display His glory. Even in judgment, His justice and power are revealed, leading to a deeper understanding of His character, as seen in the ultimate fate of Pharaoh's army.
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Cross-References

  • Exodus 14:17 (4 votes)

    And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

  • Exodus 15:19 (3 votes)

    For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry [land] in the midst of the sea.

  • Exodus 15:9 (2 votes)

    The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.

  • Isaiah 14:24 (2 votes)

    ¶ The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, [so] shall it stand:

  • Isaiah 14:27 (2 votes)

    For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul [it]? and his hand [is] stretched out, and who shall turn it back?

  • Ecclesiastes 9:3 (2 votes)

    This [is] an evil among all [things] that are done under the sun, that [there is] one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness [is] in their heart while they live, and after that [they go] to the dead.

  • 1 Kings 22:20 (2 votes)

    And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner.