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.
6. So Pharaoh harnessed his chariot and called up his troops.
7. He took with him 600 of Egypt’s best chariots, along with the rest of the chariots of Egypt, each with its commander.
8. The lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, so he chased after the people of Israel, who had left with fists raised in defiance.