Exodus 14:8

8 And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he pursued after the sons of Israel, but the sons of Israel had already left with great power.

Exodus 14:8 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 14:8

And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt
As he said he would, ( Exodus 14:4 ) ,

and he pursued after the children of Israel;
took their rout in pursuit of them:

and the children of Israel went out with an high hand:
not once dreaming they should be pursued by Pharaoh as an enemy, when they went out with his full consent, and with such pressing solicitations to be gone, and with so much favour shown them by the Egyptians; wherefore they set out, and went on with great boldness, courage, and intrepidity; "with an uncovered head", as the Targum of Onkelos, without any fear, and with great alacrity and cheerfulness; they carried both their heads and their hands high, were fearless and thoughtless of any danger when this mighty preparation was making against them.

Exodus 14:8 In-Context

6 And he made ready his chariot and took his people with him;

7 and he took six hundred chosen chariots and all the chariots of Egypt and the captains over them.

8 And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he pursued after the sons of Israel, but the sons of Israel had already left with great power.

9 The Egyptians, nevertheless, pursued after them with all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen, and all his army, and overtook them setting up camp by the sea beside Pihahiroth before Baalzephon.

10 And when Pharaoh drew near, the sons of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they feared greatly, and the sons of Israel cried out unto the LORD.