John Calvin Commentary Exodus 14:8

"And Jehovah hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: for the children of Israel went out with a high hand." — Exodus 14:8 (ASV)

And the children of Israel went out.¹⁵³ Moses indirectly rebukes their excessive security, which had freed them completely from care and fear. From this security, even the desire to call on God had cooled in them, as security always produces drowsiness and an idle spirit. Consequently, this great danger, which they had not expected, caused even greater fear.

But, on the other hand, Moses magnifies God’s grace, because He came to help the wretched Israelites at such an opportune and critical moment while they were exulting in their foolish joy. Otherwise, if suddenly overtaken, they would have immediately fallen into confusion at the first shout of the enemy.

Thus, we are admonished by this example that while we are safe under God’s protection, we should be aware of the dangers that might occur—not so that we become anxious and alarmed, but so that we may humbly rest under His wings and not be carried away by reckless joy.

In the next verse, Moses briefly relates how formidable a sight appeared to the Israelites when they saw themselves trapped on one side by the sea, engulfed, so to speak, on both sides by the jaws of the narrow pass, with the army of Pharaoh closing in on them. He specifically mentions the strength of this army so that the glory of the help divinely provided to them might be more fully evident through the opposition.

¹⁵³ Exierant. — Dathe..