The Egyptians Pursue Israel

When word reached the king of Egypt that the Israelites were not planning to return to Egypt after three days, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds. "What have we done, letting all these slaves get away?" they asked. So Pharaoh called out his troops and led the chase in his chariot. He took with him six hundred of Egypt's best chariots, along with the rest of the chariots of Egypt, each with a commander. The LORD continued to strengthen Pharaoh's resolve and he chased after the people of Israel who had escaped so defiantly. All the forces in Pharaoh's army all his horses, chariots, and charioteers were used in the chase. The Egyptians caught up with the people of Israel as they were camped beside the shore near Pihahiroth, across from Baal-zephon.

As Pharaoh and his army approached, the people of Israel could see them in the distance, marching toward them. The people began to panic, and cried out to the LORD for help.

Then they turned against Moses and complained, "Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren't there enough graves for us in Egypt? Why did you make us leave? Didn't we tell you to leave us alone while we were in Egypt? Our Egyptian slavery was far better than dying out here in the wilderness!"

But Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the LORD rescue you. 'The Egyptians that you see today will never be seen again. The LORD himself will fight for you. You won't have to lift a finger in your defense!"