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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.

Exodus 15:4
Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.

Joshua 17:16-18
And the children of Joseph said, The hill is not enough for us: and all the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron,both they whoare of Bethshean and her towns, andthey whoare of the valley of Jezreel…

and all the other chariots of Egypt
This phrase emphasizes the total mobilization of Egypt's military resources. It suggests a comprehensive effort to ensure the Israelites' return, indicating Pharaoh's desperation and anger. The inclusion of "all the other chariots" underscores the scale of the operation, showing that Pharaoh spared no effort. This can be seen as a foreshadowing of God's power to overcome even the greatest human forces, as later demonstrated in the Red Sea crossing.

with officers over all of them
The presence of officers indicates a well-organized military campaign, with leadership and strategy in place. This structure reflects the Egyptian military's sophistication and Pharaoh's intent to exert control and authority. The officers' role was to maintain order and execute Pharaoh's commands, highlighting the disciplined nature of the Egyptian army. This organization contrasts with the seemingly vulnerable position of the Israelites, who were led by Moses under God's guidance. The mention of officers also sets the stage for the miraculous defeat of this formidable force, showcasing God's supremacy over human leadership and power.

Pharaoh personally mobilized for pursuit.Exodus 14:6 says, “So Pharaoh prepared his chariot and took his army with him.” This shows:

• A deliberate act of defiance after God’s repeated signs (Exodus 7–12).

• The king’s own presence, mirroring earlier scenes where rulers led in person (2 Samuel 11:1).

• A heart hardened yet again, exactly as God foretold (Exodus 14:4).

By taking charge, Pharaoh places himself squarely against the LORD, foreshadowing the judgment that follows.

The text gives an exact, historical number—“six hundred”—and calls them “the best,” underscoring elite status. Consider:

• Elite forces: like Sisera’s 900 iron chariots inJudges 4:3 or Shishak’s 1,200 in2 Chronicles 12:3, these represent state-of-the-art weaponry.

• Confidence in military technology:Isaiah 31:1 warns those “who rely on chariots,” highlighting the same misplaced trust.

• A complete commitment: Pharaoh is not holding back reserves; he stakes his finest troops on recapturing Israel.

The figure is literal, reminding us that God confronts tangible, earthly power with His own superior might (Exodus 15:4-6).

Beyond the 600 elites, every remaining chariot rolls out.Exodus 14:9 repeats, “all Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, horsemen, and army.” This communicates:

• Total mobilization—no partial effort, no plan B.

• National pride: Egypt’s famed chariot corps (1 Kings 10:28-29) now stands against the LORD.

• A dramatic contrast to Israel, weaponless and hemmed in (Exodus 14:10-12).

The comprehensive scope magnifies the miracle that none of these formidable units survive the Red Sea (Exodus 15:19).

Military hierarchy accompanies the hardware. Trained commanders direct every squadron, similar to Solomon’s officers placed over chariot cities (1 Kings 9:22). This detail shows:

• Order and discipline, not a disorderly chase.

• Heightened threat—experienced leadership increases Egypt’s tactical advantage.

• God’s larger purpose: even the best-led army cannot prevail when the Sovereign LORD intervenes (Psalm 20:7).

The presence of officers also fulfills God’s word to “gain glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen” (Exodus 14:17-18).

Exodus 14:7 paints a vivid, literal picture of Egypt’s full military might—elite chariots, every last vehicle, and seasoned officers—all personally deployed by Pharaoh. The verse highlights human power at its peak, setting the stage for God to demonstrate that no weapon, number, or leader can thwart His salvation. The Red Sea victory that follows proves the LORD’s supremacy, encourages faith, and reminds believers today that our God still overcomes the strongest forces arrayed against His people.

dynasty. Diodorus Siculus assigns to his Sesostris (probably Rameses II.) a force of 27,000 chariots; but this is, no doubt, an exaggeration. The largest number of chariots brought together on any one occasion that issufficiently attested, is believed by the present writer to be 3,940, which were collected by various confederates against an Assyrian king (Ancient Monarchies, vol. ii, p. 103, Note). In1Samuel 13:5, 30,000 chariots are mentioned, no doubt by some numerical error. A force of 2,500 is said by Rameses II. to have been brought against him in his great Hittite campaign (Records of the Past, vol. ii., pp. 69, 71). Sheshonk I. (Shishak) invaded Judaea with 1,200 (2Chronicles 12:3). The "six hundredchosen chariots" of the present passage are thus quite within the limits of probability. Most likely they constituted a division of the royal guard, and were thus always at the king's disposal.

And all the chariots of Egypt.--The word "all" must not be pressed. The writer means "all that were available--that could be readily summoned." These could only be the chariots of Lower Egypt--those stationed at Memphis, Heliopolis, Bubastis, Pithom, Sebennytus perhaps, and Pelusium. They would probably amount to several hundreds.

Captains over every one of them.--Rather,over the whole of them. These "captains" are again mentioned inExodus 15:4. The word in the original--a derivative from the numeral three--is supposed to have meant, primarily, "persons occupying the third rank below the king."