Exodus 14:7 Study Bible: and he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over all of them.

◄ Exodus 14:7 ►

He took 600 of the best chariots, and all the other chariots of Egypt, with officers over all of them.

He took
This phrase indicates Pharaoh's decisive action. The Hebrew root "laqach" implies taking possession or seizing, reflecting Pharaoh's determination to pursue the Israelites. This action is a direct response to the hardening of his heart, a recurring theme in Exodus, showcasing God's sovereignty and Pharaoh's resistance.

six hundred of the best chariots
The number "six hundred" signifies a substantial military force, emphasizing the might of Egypt. Chariots were the pinnacle of military technology in ancient Egypt, symbolizing power and speed. The "best chariots" suggests a selection of elite units, indicating Pharaoh's commitment to reclaiming the Israelites. Historically, chariots were crucial in warfare, and their mention underscores the seriousness of Pharaoh's pursuit.

along with all the other chariots of Egypt
This phrase expands the scope of the military force, indicating that Pharaoh did not rely solely on the elite units but mobilized the entire chariotry. The comprehensive nature of this mobilization reflects the desperation and determination of Pharaoh to subdue the Israelites. It also highlights the vast resources of Egypt, a superpower of the ancient world.

with officers over all of them
The presence of "officers" suggests a structured and organized military campaign. The Hebrew term "shalishim" refers to commanders or captains, indicating a hierarchy and strategic planning. This organization contrasts with the seemingly vulnerable position of the Israelites, emphasizing the miraculous nature of their eventual deliverance. The officers' role underscores the seriousness of Pharaoh's intent and the formidable nature of the Egyptian military machine.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who hardened his heart against letting the Israelites go, leading to the pursuit of the Israelites with his army.

2. Egypt
The land where the Israelites were enslaved and from which they were being delivered by God through Moses.

3. Chariots
Representing the military strength and technological advantage of Egypt, used by Pharaoh to pursue the Israelites.

4. Officers
Military leaders appointed over the chariots, indicating a well-organized and formidable force.

5. The Israelites
The people of God, led by Moses, fleeing from Egyptian bondage towards the Promised Land.

Teaching Points

Reliance on Human Strength vs. Divine Power
The Egyptians relied on their military might, but God demonstrated His superior power. Believers should trust in God's strength rather than human resources.

God's Sovereignty in Adversity
Pharaoh's pursuit was part of God's plan to display His glory. In our trials, we can trust that God is in control and working for His purposes.

Faith in the Face of Fear
The Israelites faced a formidable enemy, yet God called them to trust Him. We are encouraged to have faith even when circumstances seem overwhelming.

The Futility of Opposing God
Pharaoh's hardened heart led to his downfall. Resisting God's will is ultimately futile and leads to destruction.

Leadership and Responsibility
The officers over the chariots had a role in Pharaoh's plan. Leaders today must consider whether their actions align with God's purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the reliance on chariots in Exodus 14:7 reflect our own tendencies to trust in human strength? Can you identify areas in your life where you might be doing this?

2. In what ways does the account of Pharaoh's pursuit of the Israelites illustrate the concept of God's sovereignty? How can this understanding impact your response to difficult situations?

3. Compare the Israelites' situation in Exodus 14 with a time when you faced a seemingly insurmountable challenge. How did your faith play a role in that situation?

4. Reflect on a time when you resisted God's direction in your life. What were the consequences, and how did you eventually align with His will?

5. Consider the role of leadership in this passage. How can you apply the lessons of godly leadership and responsibility in your own context, whether at work, home, or church?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 14:9
This verse continues the account, showing the Egyptians overtaking the Israelites, emphasizing the imminent danger and God's deliverance.

Psalm 20:7
Contrasts trust in chariots and horses with trust in the name of the Lord, highlighting the futility of relying on human strength.

Isaiah 31:1
Warns against relying on Egypt and its chariots, encouraging trust in God instead.

Romans 9:17
References Pharaoh's role in God's plan, illustrating God's sovereignty and purpose even in opposition.

Hebrews 11:29
Celebrates the faith of the Israelites as they crossed the Red Sea, underscoring the triumph of faith over fear.

Sermons

Trial and Judgment	J. Urquhart	Exodus 14:1-9
Israel Stricken with Terror by Reason of a Deliverance not Yet Completed	D. Young	Exodus 14:1-12
Difficulty in Duty	Homilist	Exodus 14:5-10
Israel Pursued	J. Parker, D. D.	Exodus 14:5-10
Pursuit of the Entangled	Owen, John	Exodus 14:5-10
The Good Pursued by Old Enemies	J. S. Exell, M. A.	Exodus 14:5-10
The Pursuit	J. Orr	Exodus 14:5-10

People

Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, Pharaoh, Zephon

Places

Baal-zephon, Egypt, Etham, Migdol, Pi-hahiroth, Red Sea

Topics

Along, Best, Captains, Carriages, Chariots, Chosen, Egypt, Hundred, Officers, Picked, Select, Six, Taketh

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Exodus 14:7

5434 officer

Exodus 14:5-9

5208 armies

Exodus 14:6-7

5252 chariots

Library

A Path in the Sea
'And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: 20. And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night. 21. And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Entangled in the Land
"For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in."--Exodus 14:3. ISRAEL WAS CLEAN escaped from Egypt. Not a hoof of their cattle was left behind; nor foot of child or aged man remained in the house of bondage. But though they were gone, they were not forgotten by the tyrant who had enslaved them. They had been a very useful body of workers; for they had built treasure cities and storehouses for Pharaoh. Compelled to work without wages, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

Epistle Lxiii. To Brunichild, Queen of the Franks.
To Brunichild, Queen of the Franks. Gregory to Brunichild, &c. What good gifts have been conferred on you from above, and with what piety heavenly grace has filled you, this, among all the other proofs of your merits, intimates evidently to all that you both govern the savage hearts of barbarians with the skill of prudent counsel, and (what is still more to your praise), adorn your royal power with wisdom. And since, as you are above many nations in both these respects, so also you excel them in …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

They who have not Been Promoted to that Office. ...
They who have not been promoted [to that office] by the bishop, ought not to adjure, either in churches or in private houses. Notes. Ancient Epitome of Canon XXVI. No one shall adjure without the bishop's promotion to that office. Balsamon. Some were in the habit of "adjuring," that is catechising the unbelievers, who had never received the imposition of the bishop's hands for that purpose; and when they were accused of doing so, contended that as they did not do it in church but only at home, they …
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils

The Personality of Power.
A Personally Conducted Journey. Everyone enjoys the pleasure of travel; but nearly all shrink back from its tiresomeness and drudgery. The transportation companies are constantly scheming to overcome this disagreeable side for both pleasure and business travel. One of the popular ways of pleasure travel of late is by means of personally conducted tours. A party is formed, often by the railroad company, and is accompanied by a special agent to attend to all the business matters of the trip. A variation …
S.D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on Power

The Faults Committed in this Degree --Distractions, Temptations --The Course to be Pursued Respecting Them.
As soon as we fall into a fault, or have wandered, we must turn again within ourselves; because this fault having turned us from God, we should as soon as possible turn towards Him, and suffer the penitence which He Himself will give. It is of great importance that we should not be anxious about these faults, because the anxiety only springs from a secret pride and a love of our own excellence. We are troubled at feeling what we are. If we become discouraged, we shall grow weaker yet; and reflection …
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents

Answer to Mr. W's Sixth Objection.
6. and lastly, Let us consider the intrinsick absurdities, and incredibilities of the several stories of these three miracles, p. 36.--As to Jairus's daughter, and her resurrection from the dead, St. Hilary [13] hints, that there was no such person as Jairus;--and he gives this reason, and a good reason it is, why he thought so, because it is elsewhere intimated in the gospel that none of the rulers of the synagogues confessedly believ'd on Jesus, John vii. 48. and xii. 42. St. John's words in the …
Nathaniel Lardner—A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles

The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture.
"He hath hardened their heart."-- John xii. 40. The Scripture teaches positively that the hardening and "darkening of their foolish heart" is a divine, intentional act. This is plainly evident from God's charge to Moses concerning the king of Egypt: "Thou shalt speak all that I command thee; and I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not harken unto you, and I will lay My hand upon Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Blessed are they that Mourn
Blessed are they that mourn. Matthew 5:4 Here are eight steps leading to true blessedness. They may be compared to Jacob's Ladder, the top whereof reached to heaven. We have already gone over one step, and now let us proceed to the second: Blessed are they that mourn'. We must go through the valley of tears to paradise. Mourning were a sad and unpleasant subject to treat on, were it not that it has blessedness going before, and comfort coming after. Mourning is put here for repentance. It implies …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Epistle iv. To Cyriacus, Bishop.
To Cyriacus, Bishop. Gregory to Cyriacus, Bishop of Constantinople. We have received with becoming charity our common sons, George the presbyter and Theodore your deacon; and we rejoice that you have passed from the care of ecclesiastical business to the government of souls, since, according to the voice of the Truth, He that is faithful in a little will be faithful also in much (Luke xvi. 10). And to the servant who administers well it is said, Because thou hast been faithful over a few things, …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
"Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God" (Rom. 11:22). In the last chapter when treating of the Sovereignty of God the Father in Salvation, we examined seven passages which represent Him as making a choice from among the children of men, and predestinating certain ones to be conformed to the image of His Son. The thoughtful reader will naturally ask, And what of those who were not "ordained to eternal life?" The answer which is usually returned to this question, even by those who profess …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in the Soul.
Titus iii. 5, 6. Titus iii. 5, 6. Not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. IF my business were to explain and illustrate this scripture at large, it would yield an ample field for accurate criticism and useful discourse, and more especially would lead us into a variety of practical remarks, on which it would be pleasant …
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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