Exodus 14:23Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Indeed, He did not cause their destruction all at once; rather, it was when they, having witnessed numerous miracles, chose to plunge into the depths. Even though they displayed the utmost insensitivity, they ought to have been in awe of His might, humbled themselves, and ceased their reckless defiance, especially after witnessing both past and present wonders. Yet, despite observing nature shifting at His command, they persisted in their folly. In the face of such an astonishing miracle, they boldly ventured onto this unprecedented path. Consequently, the sea became their grave, not the result of natural forces, but a divine decree. Thus, soon after, contrasting events unfolded, and the sea was parted—not at one single point, but according to the number of all the tribes.

Yet the Egyptians chased after the Hebrews. Despite the darkness that separated them, they showed no fear of the parted waters. In the night, they followed the people, guided by the fiery pillar, as they advanced forcefully along the dry path of the divided sea.

It may be inferred that the Egyptians did not pursue the Israelites into the depths of the sea simultaneously; otherwise, they would have created chaos among their ranks. Instead, this must have happened after a significant interval, by which time the Israelites had made considerable progress away from the shore, and the cries of those they believed to be fleeing had faded from the ears of the Egyptians. Not hearing these sounds and concerned about losing sight of the Israelites entirely, the Egyptians hastened their pursuit into the depths of the sea. Unaware that the Hebrews had departed from the shore, they mistook the ocean floor for an extension of the land, failing to notice the walls of water towering on their right and left.