John Calvin Commentary Exodus 14:24

"And it came to pass in the morning watch, that Jehovah looked forth upon the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of cloud, and discomfited the host of the Egyptians." — Exodus 14:24 (ASV)

And it came to pass, that, in the morning-watch. In the morning the angel began to look upon the Egyptians, not because they had escaped his sight before, but for the purpose of destroying them by sudden submersion, though he had seemed previously to forget them when hidden by the cloud.¹⁵⁷

And first, He opened their eyes, so that too late they might see to where their mad impetuosity had brought them. He also enabled them to perceive that they were contending not only with man but with God. Consequently, overwhelmed with sudden astonishment, they were unable to escape to the shore in time.

For this reason they were overtaken in the midst of the sea, because terror had thrown them into utter confusion when they perceived that God was against them.

They saw that there was no greater hope of safety than to retreat, because God fought for Israel. But being in complete disorder, they could make no headway, and while they instead proved hindrances to each other, the sea engulfed them all.

¹⁵⁷ La nuit. — Fr..