The Egyptians--all Pharaoh's horses and chariots, horsemen and troops--pursued the Israelites and overtook them as they camped by the sea near Pi-hahiroth, opposite Baal-zephon. The EgyptiansThis phrase refers to the people of Egypt, specifically the military forces under Pharaoh's command. In Hebrew, "Mitzrayim" is the term used, which not only denotes the nation but also symbolizes oppression and bondage, as Egypt was the land where the Israelites were enslaved. Historically, Egypt was a powerful and advanced civilization, known for its military prowess and strategic capabilities. all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots
The mention of "all" emphasizes the totality and might of the Egyptian military force. Chariots were a significant part of ancient warfare, representing speed, strength, and technological advancement. The Hebrew word for chariot, "rekeb," indicates a formidable military unit. This phrase underscores the overwhelming odds against the Israelites, highlighting the miraculous nature of their eventual deliverance. horsemen and troops
This phrase further details the composition of the Egyptian army. "Horsemen" refers to the cavalry, which was a crucial component of ancient military strategy, providing mobility and a tactical advantage. "Troops" indicates the foot soldiers, the backbone of any ancient army. The combination of these forces illustrates the comprehensive military effort Pharaoh employed to recapture the Israelites. pursued and overtook
The verbs "pursued" and "overtook" convey a sense of urgency and determination. In Hebrew, "radaph" (pursued) implies a relentless chase, while "nasag" (overtook) suggests catching up with the intent to capture or destroy. This reflects Pharaoh's hardened heart and his refusal to let the Israelites go, despite the plagues and previous warnings from God. the Israelites
This term refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. In Hebrew, "Yisrael" means "God prevails," which is significant in this context as it foreshadows the divine intervention that will soon occur. The Israelites were God's chosen people, set apart to fulfill His covenant and purpose. as they camped by the sea
This phrase sets the scene for the impending miracle. The Israelites were encamped by the Red Sea, a seemingly vulnerable position with no apparent escape route. The Hebrew word "chanah" (camped) suggests a temporary dwelling, indicating their transient state and dependence on God's guidance. near Pi-hahiroth, opposite Baal-zephon
These geographical markers provide historical and archaeological context. "Pi-hahiroth" is believed to be a location near the Red Sea, though its exact location remains uncertain. "Baal-zephon" was likely a place associated with a Canaanite deity, symbolizing the spiritual battle between the God of Israel and the false gods of the surrounding nations. This setting underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and power over all creation. Persons / Places / Events 1. PharaohThe ruler of Egypt who hardened his heart against God and pursued the Israelites after initially letting them go. 2. The EgyptiansRepresenting the military might of Egypt, including horses, chariots, horsemen, and troops, they pursued the Israelites to bring them back into slavery. 3. The IsraelitesGod's chosen people, recently freed from slavery in Egypt, now facing a seemingly insurmountable obstacle at the Red Sea. 4. Pi HahirothA location near the Red Sea where the Israelites camped, strategically significant as it seemed to trap them between the sea and the Egyptian army. 5. Baal ZephonA location opposite Pi Hahiroth, possibly a place of worship for a Canaanite deity, symbolizing the spiritual battle between the God of Israel and pagan gods. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in TrialsThe Israelites were led to a place where they seemed trapped, yet it was part of God's plan to demonstrate His power and deliverance. Trust in God's sovereignty even when circumstances seem dire. The Illusion of PowerPharaoh's army appeared invincible, yet they were powerless against God's will. Earthly power is an illusion when compared to God's omnipotence. Faith in the Face of FearThe Israelites faced a terrifying situation, yet they were called to trust in God. In our lives, we must choose faith over fear when confronted with overwhelming challenges. God's DeliveranceJust as God delivered the Israelites, He delivers us from spiritual bondage through Jesus Christ. Reflect on the parallels between the Exodus and salvation through Christ. Spiritual WarfareThe presence of Baal Zephon highlights the spiritual battle between God and false gods. Recognize the spiritual dimensions of our struggles and rely on God's power for victory. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the situation of the Israelites at the Red Sea reflect times in our lives when we feel trapped or overwhelmed? What can we learn from their experience? 2. In what ways does the pursuit by Pharaoh's army symbolize the spiritual battles we face today? How can we apply Ephesians 6:10-18 in these situations? 3. How does the account of the Red Sea crossing encourage us to trust in God's timing and methods, even when they seem unconventional or risky? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's deliverance in a difficult situation. How did that experience strengthen your faith and trust in Him? 5. How can we apply the lesson of God's sovereignty and power over earthly authorities in our current social and political climate? What scriptures support this understanding? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 13:17-18Describes God's guidance of the Israelites on a specific route to avoid confrontation with the Philistines, showing His protective strategy. Psalm 77:16-20Reflects on God's power over the sea, emphasizing His control over creation and His ability to deliver His people. Hebrews 11:29Highlights the faith of the Israelites as they passed through the Red Sea, underscoring the importance of faith in God's deliverance. People Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, Pharaoh, ZephonPlaces Baal-zephon, Egypt, Etham, Migdol, Pi-hahiroth, Red SeaTopics Army, Baal, Baalzephon, Baal-zephon, Ba'al-ze'phon, Beside, Camped, Camping, Carriages, Chariot, Chariots, Chased, Egyptians, Encamped, Encamping, Force, Front, Hahiroth, Horsemen, Horses, Israelites, Opposite, Overtake, Overtook, Pharaoh, Pharaoh's, Pi, Pihahiroth, Pi-hahiroth, Pi-ha-hi'roth, Pursue, Pursued, Tents, Troops, ZephonDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 14:9 4657 horse
8728 enemies, of Israel and Judah Exodus 14:5-9 5208 armies 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 ScriptureEntangled 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 Links Exodus 14:9 NIVExodus 14:9 NLTExodus 14:9 ESVExodus 14:9 NASBExodus 14:9 KJV
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