Exodus 14:5
And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?
Original Language Analysis
וַיֻּגַּד֙
And it was told
H5046
וַיֻּגַּד֙
And it was told
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
1 of 21
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הָעָ֔ם
against the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
against the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
6 of 21
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וַ֠יֵּֽהָפֵךְ
was turned
H2015
וַ֠יֵּֽהָפֵךְ
was turned
Strong's:
H2015
Word #:
7 of 21
to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert
הָעָ֔ם
against the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
against the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
12 of 21
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
14 of 21
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
עָשִׂ֔ינוּ
Why have we done
H6213
עָשִׂ֔ינוּ
Why have we done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
16 of 21
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
17 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שִׁלַּ֥חְנוּ
go
H7971
שִׁלַּ֥חְנוּ
go
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
18 of 21
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
19 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
The timing suggests Israel had traveled several days, perhaps three. Egypt's reversal shows how quickly fear-driven releases reverse once immediate danger passes. Economic interests outweigh recent trauma.
Questions for Reflection
- How quickly do you forget God's judgments when inconvenience makes sin seem attractive again?
- What does Egypt's regret over losing slaves teach about valuing people as tools rather than image-bearers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The report to Pharaoh 'that the people fled' triggers regret. The question 'Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?' reveals the economic motive behind slavery—losing workforce, not concern for Israel's welfare. The phrase 'Pharaoh and his servants' indicates both king and court reversed position. Hardened hearts forget terror quickly when inconvenience arises. This illustrates human tendency to prioritize comfort over righteousness.