The event of Pharaoh pursuing the Israelites is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of the Exodus, illustrating God's deliverance and the fulfillment of His promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This episode is primarily recorded in the Book of Exodus, chapters 13 and 14, and serves as a testament to God's power and faithfulness.

Context and Background

The Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for several centuries, suffering under harsh conditions. God raised up Moses as a deliverer to lead His people out of bondage. After a series of plagues that demonstrated God's supremacy over the Egyptian gods, Pharaoh finally relented and allowed the Israelites to leave Egypt. The Israelites departed in haste, guided by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, as they journeyed toward the Promised Land.

Pharaoh's Change of Heart

Despite initially allowing the Israelites to leave, Pharaoh soon regretted his decision. Exodus 14:5 states, "When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about them and said, 'What have we done? We have released Israel from serving us.'" Pharaoh's heart was hardened once more, and he resolved to pursue the Israelites with his army, including "six hundred of his best chariots, along with all the other chariots of Egypt, with officers over all of them" (Exodus 14:7).

The Pursuit

As Pharaoh's forces closed in on the Israelites, they found themselves trapped between the Egyptian army and the Red Sea. The people were terrified and cried out to the Lord, expressing their fear and doubt to Moses. In response, Moses reassured them of God's deliverance, declaring, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again" (Exodus 14:13).

Divine Intervention

God instructed Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea, and He miraculously parted the waters, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. The pillar of cloud moved behind them, providing a barrier between the Israelites and the Egyptians. As the Egyptian army pursued them into the sea, God caused confusion among their ranks, and the wheels of their chariots became stuck. Exodus 14:25 records the Egyptians' realization: "Let us flee from the Israelites, for the LORD is fighting for them against Egypt."

The Destruction of the Egyptian Army

Once the Israelites had safely crossed, God commanded Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea again, causing the waters to return to their place. The entire Egyptian army that had entered the sea was swept away, fulfilling God's promise of deliverance. Exodus 14:28 states, "The waters flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had chased the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived."

Significance

The pursuit of the Israelites by Pharaoh and the subsequent destruction of the Egyptian army is a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty and His ability to protect and deliver His people. This event is celebrated in the Song of Moses, found in Exodus 15, where the Israelites praise God for His mighty acts and His faithfulness to His covenant. The crossing of the Red Sea is a foundational account in the history of Israel, symbolizing liberation from bondage and the beginning of a journey toward a new identity as God's chosen people.