Exodus 14:5-6

New International Version

When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about them and said, “What have we done? We have let the Israelites go and have lost their services!” So he had his chariot made ready and took his army with him.

For Meditation

What have we done?

 The sound echoes through centuries of history from the Palace of the king of the most powerful nation on earth at the time—Egypt. Four hundred plus years of suffering under slavery and inhuman treatment had ended for Jacob’s descendants. They were seventy when they entered Egypt, but by the time of their emancipation, they had grown into a nation of over two million, but Egypt oppressed and harassed them. Their cry for deliverance rose to the Most High, and He came down to deliver them.

 Moses, the chosen instrument of God, delivered the message of God to Pharaoh to let His people go, but Pharaoh defied the Most High.

 “I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand compels him. So I will stretch out my hand and strike the Egyptians with all the wonders that I will perform among them. After that, he will let you go”—Exodus 3:19-20.

 And a mighty hand compelled Pharaoh indeed! God devastated Egypt with one plague after another until Pharaoh drove Israel out. The people breathed the fresh air of liberty and freedom and set out on the road to the Promised Land.

Smell the aroma of joy and anticipation as thousands of families and their entire belongings march out of Egypt. Hear the booming sound of melodious voices singing freedom songs and the expressions of joy—with the cracking sound of marching sandals fading behind the multitude of the redeemed. Hope has finally arrived, and a better tomorrow lies within reach. 

“We are free at last!” 

But No! Not so fast, people!

It hurts to lose free labor. Egypt cannot adjust to doing the things their slaves did for free. How can they function without the pleasure of bullying some people and calling them awful names? It is uncomfortable for Pharaoh and his officials to see their former slaves develop into a new nation with so much potential to outclass Egypt someday. They feel the threat because they have lived with them and know their ability if given the opportunity. So, the anguished cry of regret:

“What have we done?” 

Pharaoh gives chase with the best of his charioteers—six hundred of his elite squad. He has to bring them back. They have to remain in servitude, for that is their only position in life.

All over the world today, the struggle continues. It is a class war—those who fear losing superiority against the down-trodden and the liberated folks they seek to subdue.

The end of the story is sweet, though. When Egypt thought they had Israel trapped without a possibility of escape, the Red Sea decided the matter at the command of the Most High, who rules over all and does not play favoritism.

Pharaoh and his best charioteers found their graves in the bed of the Red Sea, while Moses and Israel walked through the parted sea on dry ground into the Sinai wilderness, and on to possess their possession in Canaan.

Isn’t God good?

 So, you who are oppressed, take heart, for our compassionate God will deliver you in good time for His glory in Christ Jesus. Amen.