7. He set out with all his chariots, including the 600 finest, commanded by their officers.
8. The Lord made the king stubborn, and he pursued the Israelites, who were leaving triumphantly.
9. The Egyptian army, with all the horses, chariots, and drivers, pursued them and caught up with them where they were camped by the Red Sea near Pi Hahiroth and Baal Zephon.
10. When the Israelites saw the king and his army marching against them, they were terrified and cried out to the Lord for help.
11. They said to Moses, “Weren't there any graves in Egypt? Did you have to bring us out here in the desert to die? Look what you have done by bringing us out of Egypt!
12. Didn't we tell you before we left that this would happen? We told you to leave us alone and let us go on being slaves of the Egyptians. It would be better to be slaves there than to die here in the desert.”
13. Moses answered, “Don't be afraid! Stand your ground, and you will see what the Lord will do to save you today; you will never see these Egyptians again.
14. The Lord will fight for you, and there is no need for you to do anything.”
15. The Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out for help? Tell the people to move forward.
16. Lift up your stick and hold it out over the sea. The water will divide, and the Israelites will be able to walk through the sea on dry ground.
17. I will make the Egyptians so stubborn that they will go in after them, and I will gain honour by my victory over the king, his army, his chariots, and his drivers.
18. When I defeat them, the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.”
19. The angel of God, who had been in front of the army of Israel, moved and went to the rear. The pillar of cloud also moved until it was
20. between the Egyptians and the Israelites. The cloud made it dark for the Egyptians, but gave light to the people of Israel, and so the armies could not come near each other all night.