1. Then the lord gave these instructions to Moses:
2. “Order the Israelites to turn back and camp by Pi-hahiroth between Migdol and the sea. Camp there along the shore, across from Baal-zephon.
3. Then Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are confused. They are trapped in the wilderness!’
4. And once again I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after you. I have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. After this the Egyptians will know that I am the lord!” So the Israelites camped there as they were told.
5. When word reached the king of Egypt that the Israelites had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds. “What have we done, letting all those Israelite slaves get away?” they asked.