Exodus 14:23
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּרְדְּפ֤וּ
pursued
H7291
וַיִּרְדְּפ֤וּ
pursued
Strong's:
H7291
Word #:
1 of 12
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
מִצְרַ֙יִם֙
And the Egyptians
H4714
מִצְרַ֙יִם֙
And the Egyptians
Strong's:
H4714
Word #:
2 of 12
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ
and went in
H935
וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ
and went in
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
3 of 12
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אַֽחֲרֵיהֶ֔ם
after
H310
אַֽחֲרֵיהֶ֔ם
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
כֹּ֚ל
H3605
כֹּ֚ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
פַּרְעֹ֔ה
even all Pharaoh's
H6547
פַּרְעֹ֔ה
even all Pharaoh's
Strong's:
H6547
Word #:
7 of 12
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
רִכְבּ֖וֹ
his chariots
H7393
רִכְבּ֖וֹ
his chariots
Strong's:
H7393
Word #:
8 of 12
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
וּפָֽרָשָׁ֑יו
and his horsemen
H6571
וּפָֽרָשָׁ֑יו
and his horsemen
Strong's:
H6571
Word #:
9 of 12
a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry
Cross References
Exodus 14:17And 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 15:19For 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.
Historical Context
Egyptian chariots following unarmed civilians into a path between water-walls shows irrational determination. Their hardened hearts prevented recognizing the obvious: God was fighting for Israel.
Questions for Reflection
- How does continued hardening make people pursue obviously self-destructive courses despite clear warnings?
- What warning signs are you currently ignoring in areas where you persist in opposing God's will?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Egyptian pursuit 'went in after them to the midst of the sea' shows the blinding power of hardened hearts. Despite witnessing miraculous water-walls, Egypt's entire military force—'even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen'—follows into the trap. This defiant pursuit into obvious miracle demonstrates judicial hardening's effects. Those determined to oppose God become blind to clear evidence, rushing to destruction despite warning.