Exodus 14:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Pharaoh led his forces against the Hebrews, who emerged triumphantly with silver, gold, garments, and livestock, displaying strength, just as God had assured Abraham.

The Lord orchestrated events in such a way that Pharaoh's inescapable drive to prevent the Israelites from leaving Egypt intensified. Consequently, the children of Israel moved onward, following closely behind their own footsteps. As they proceeded along the same path, the Egyptians pursued them, reaching the northern tip of the Suez. From there, they began their descent along the western shore. The Israelites departed with a mighty hand, which signifies not their own strength but the powerful hand of the Lord Himself. As the prophet declared, "O Lord, Thy arm is high" (Isaiah 26:11). Under this divine protection, the Israelites left Egypt (Num. 33:3) and continued their journey, even when the path ahead seemed fraught with challenges.

O. Gerlach interprets the phrase as meaning 'walked with joy' (with hand raised), contrasting it with the desolation of their spirits depicted in verses 11 and 12. However, it may be more accurately understood as 'journeyed under the shadow of Jehovah’s hand' or 'beneath the protection of the mighty hand of the Lord.'