And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them.

EXODUS 14:7KJV
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Exodus 14:7 (KJV)

What does Exodus 14:7 mean?

Exodus 14:7 describes how Pharaoh gathered six hundred of his best chariots, along with all the other chariots of Egypt, each led by a captain, to pursue the Israelites after they left Egypt. This verse highlights the scale and seriousness of Pharaoh’s military response as he chases after the people who had just been freed from slavery.

In this scene, Pharaoh is acting out of anger and determination after realizing the Israelites have truly left. The verse emphasizes not just the number of chariots—six hundred specially selected ones—but also that every chariot had a captain, showing a well-organized and powerful force. This sets the stage for the dramatic confrontation at the Red Sea, underscoring the danger facing the Israelites.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 14:7

  • "Chosen" (בָּחוּר, bachur): This word means specially selected or picked out, emphasizing that these six hundred chariots were not just any chariots, but the best and most elite in Pharaoh’s army.
  • "Captains" (שָׁלִשִׁים, shalishim): This term refers to high-ranking officers or commanders. Including a captain over each chariot shows the military precision and seriousness with which Pharaoh pursued the Israelites.
  • "Chariots" (רֶכֶב, rekhev): The repeated mention of chariots, both the chosen ones and all the rest, stresses the overwhelming military might Pharaoh brought to bear.

Why Exodus 14:7 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Pharaoh sent a small or disorganized force; instead, he mobilized his best troops and leaders, showing how desperate he was to recapture the Israelites.
  • The emphasis on "chosen" chariots and captains reveals the threat facing the Israelites was not just numerical, but also highly skilled and well-led.
  • This detail sets up the dramatic tension for the miracle at the Red Sea, making the Israelites’ escape even more remarkable in light of the overwhelming Egyptian force.

Where else these words appear

“captains” Hebrew H7991 · used in 19 verses

  • Exodus 15:4 Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.
  • 2 Kings 7:19 And that lord answered the man of God, and said, Now, behold, if the LORD should make windows in heaven, might such a thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.
  • 2 Chronicles 8:9 But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no servants for his work; but they were men of war, and chief of his captains, and captains of his chariots and horsemen.

“chariots” Hebrew H7393 · used in 104 verses

  • Genesis 50:9 And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen: and it was a very great company.
  • 1 Kings 16:9 And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of his house in Tirzah.
  • 2 Chronicles 12:3 With twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand horsemen: and the people were without number that came with him out of Egypt; the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians.