Exodus 14:9
But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pi-hahiroth, before Baal-zephon.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּרְדְּפ֨וּ
pursued
H7291
וַיִּרְדְּפ֨וּ
pursued
Strong's:
H7291
Word #:
1 of 20
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
אַֽחֲרֵיהֶ֗ם
after
H310
אַֽחֲרֵיהֶ֗ם
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
3 of 20
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
אוֹתָם֙
H853
אוֹתָם֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
חֹנִ֣ים
them encamping
H2583
חֹנִ֣ים
them encamping
Strong's:
H2583
Word #:
6 of 20
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַיָּ֔ם
by the sea
H3220
הַיָּ֔ם
by the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
8 of 20
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
רֶ֣כֶב
and chariots
H7393
רֶ֣כֶב
and chariots
Strong's:
H7393
Word #:
11 of 20
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
וּפָֽרָשָׁ֖יו
and his horsemen
H6571
וּפָֽרָשָׁ֖יו
and his horsemen
Strong's:
H6571
Word #:
13 of 20
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
וְחֵיל֑וֹ
and his army
H2428
וְחֵיל֑וֹ
and his army
Strong's:
H2428
Word #:
14 of 20
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
15 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Exodus 15:9The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.Joshua 24:6And I brought your fathers out of Egypt: and ye came unto the sea; and the Egyptians pursued after your fathers with chariots and horsemen unto the Red sea.
Historical Context
The Egyptian army overtaking Israel at their camp by the sea placed Israel in perfect strategic trap: sea ahead, mountains on sides, army behind. No human escape possible.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God's plan in your life unfolded exactly as He said, even through apparent disasters?
- What does Israel's position—trapped by sea with army approaching—teach about faith when circumstances seem hopeless?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The comprehensive pursuit—'the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army'—emphasizes total military commitment. Finding Israel 'encamping by the sea' confirms they're trapped in the strategic location God commanded. The specific place names recall verse 2's instructions. God's plan unfolds exactly as predicted—crisis created, enemy engaged, stage set for deliverance.