34. Pharaoh and the Egyptian army chase the Jewish people:

A. Bnei Yisrael journey after leaving Egypt:

The route: After Pharaoh sent the nation, Hashem, rather than taking them through the land of the Philistines which was a shorter route, he took them the roundabout route through the desert of the Sea of Reeds. This is because Hashem feared perhaps the people would turn back if taken by the short route.

Arms: The Jewish people were armed when they left Egypt.

Yosef’s bones:  Moshe took with him Yosef’s bones out of Egypt, as Yosef made the Jewish people swear to take them when they left.

Journeying to Eisam: They traveled from Sukkos to Eisam, which was at the end of the desert.

The clouds of glory: Hashem went before the Jewish people in a pillar of cloud in order to guide them. At night He went before them in a pillar of fire, to shine for them the night, so they could travel by day and by night.

Turning back to Pi Hachiros: Hashem instructed Moshe to turn back and encamp by Pi Hachiros which is between Migdal and the sea, opposite Baal Tzefon. “Pharaoh will then exclaim regarding Bnei Yisrael that they have trapped themselves in the desert and I will harden his heart so he gives chase, and then Egypt will know that I am Hashem.” 

The Jewish people did as they were instructed.

B. Pharaoh chases after Bnei Yisrael:

Pharaoh was told that the Jewish people had fled, and he and his servants regretted having sent them out. He thus harnessed his chariot and took his people with him. He took six hundred select chariots, together with all of Egypt’s chariots to chase after the Jewish people. Hashem hardened the heart of Pharaoh to chase after Bnei Yisrael and meanwhile the Jewish people were going out with a raised hand.

C. Bnei Yisrael realize they are under attack by the Egyptian army:

The Egyptians gave chase after the Jewish people and caught up with them by Pi Hachiros near the sea.

The reaction of the Jewish people: The Jewish people looked up in fright seeing Pharaoh and his army coming in on them. The Jewish people cried out to Hashem. They said to Moshe “Were there not enough graves in Egypt for you to take us out to die in the desert? Why did you take us out of Egypt? Did we not already tell you that we would rather continue in slavery than to die in the desert?

Moshe’s response: Moshe said to the nation: “Do not fear, stand fast and you will see the salvation of G-d that he will do for you today. You will never see Egypt again. Hashem will fight for you and you shall remain silent.”

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