John Calvin Commentary Exodus 14:6

"And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him:" — Exodus 14:6 (ASV)

And he made ready his chariot. Moses briefly describes the warlike preparation of Pharaoh, not only to magnify the greatness of God’s power in delivering the people, but also to show with what violent and obstinate audacity the wicked go forward when they give way to their depraved and criminal lusts.

Just now the Egyptians were almost frightened to death and cried out that all was over with them; scarcely has a day passed when they collect a powerful army as if their forces were uninjured.

If anyone objects that 600 chariots, and even many more, although filled with armed men, were insufficient to conquer 600,000 men: I reply that, since they knew the battle would be with an unwarlike multitude, among whom women and children were also mixed, they relied on this consideration and hoped they would have no difficulty in routing this enormous number, since it was both inexperienced and undisciplined.

Nor would their hope have been disappointed had God not been against them. But the event proved how truly Solomon says:

There is no wisdom, nor understanding, nor counsel against the Lord, (Proverbs 21:30).

And how justly Isaiah defies the enemies of the Church:

Associate yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; take counsel together, and it shall come to naught; speak the word, and it shall not stand. (Isaiah 8:9, 10).

For this presumption brings the wicked to nothing; and while they rush forward with unbridled violence, they do not conceive that God has a secret bridle to restrain their lusts.