Ex 14
1-4 To one looking on, it would seem that Israel was lost. Moses, must not be a great leader, and sure isn't much of an outdoors men. Though this was done to make Pharaoh think the same way, it had a clear purpose. The wording here leaves one to think that Israel was going back the way they came, as if the power of Baal-zephon, had forced them to turn around. After all it was the only god of Egypt that had not been destroyed before Israel left Egypt. This according to the sages, was done, to give Pharaoh the idea that at lest one of his gods, was stronger than HaShem. It is hard to argue with this idea, when one understands that HaShem doesn't do anything without reason. Pharaoh still hurting from the plagues, may not have been able to find the courage to go after Israel, had HaShem not placed in his heart to do so. He had all ready shown that he was unable to make peace with Israel being free, and most likely wish to reclaim them if for no other reason than to show he was still in control. HaShem just gave him the courage he needed to do so.
5-9 All it took was for Pharaoh to be told the Israel had left. It may be that spies had gone with them, and reported back to Pharaoh. Letting him know that Israel had on intention of coming back. That along with the news of them seeming to be confused, gave the courage needed. So Pharaoh went out and harnessed his own chariot, to help encourage others. Though it can't be shown, many think that Pharaoh took every horse, man, and chariot with him. Though it would be uncommon to leave your city with no protection at all.
10-14 Israel became so scared, they both prayed, and ask Moses why. Seeing a force that you know was better trained, and equipped is enough to make anyone take a look at what are doing. Yet in my heart, I find it ever so sad. They had just days before seen the might of HaShem, in all that He had done. Moses tries to remind of this in his own way.
15-18 It would seem Moses to was in prayer. HaShem did ask, "Why do you call out to me?" Once more we see that HaShem will strengthen Pharaohs heart. Though this had been done, it stands to reason that once he sees the sea partt, doubt would once more enter his mind.
19-20 If we don't read the words, "The angle of HaShem", and think of Yeshua, we may be missing something. Yet as the sages tell us that their were both a pillar of fire, and this can be shown by verse 19. In that it tells us the angle move, and so did the cloud. Yet as I am sure we all know, it was a cloud by day, and fire by night. Or was it?
21-22 There were some interesting theories I once heard. It can't be show in any of the Word, so take it how you will. Though Moses had done what he was told, Israel remained where they were, and the water didn't part until one of them went in, showing their faith, then the water parted. One other, only the top 1/4 of the water parted, the water under that was made solid. If not for this, it would have been to steep for the chariots to enter. Then comes the one I really love. In an effort to make it fit their worldly needs, some one said, were they crossed was only about 2" deep. So why do I love that one? Well in their hopes of making things sound less than they were, they in fact made it sound like an even greater miracle. To think that HaShem drown all of Pharaoh's army in only 2" of water, that would show His power in a way only He could come up with.
23-31 Though Egypt was so willing to go after Israel at first. When the wheels of their chariots came off, and they seen it had to be the hand of HaShem, they tried to turn back. One teaching is that they had been toasted around so badly, their joints were dislocated. Paying them back measure for measure. Any that were able to run turned only to find the water had closed their path.
It is sad in a way that Israel seemed to believe in HaShem after they seen the bodies of the Egyptians wash to shore. We must keep in mind, that though it seems to read this way, it would be wrong of us to place this form of judgment on them. You see, they had already seen His power, and knew Him a little better. Yet this one act, opened their hearts to a new understanding of Him. Sadly, as we will see, it was short lived, and their faith like many of ours, faltered.