When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, the mind of Pharaoh and his servants was changed toward the people, and they said, “What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Pharaoh and his servants don't just regret losing Israel's labor; they're consumed by a profound sense of loss and betrayal over their own foolishness. Their question, "Why have we done this?" reveals a deep, almost unbelievable repentance for their single good deed, driven by the sudden realization of just how much their economy depended on Israel's service.
When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, the mind of Pharaoh and his servants was changed toward the people, and they said, “What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Israel has just left Egypt, and Pharaoh and his advisors are suddenly realizing the immense economic loss of six hundred thousand laborers. What began as a permission to travel has now been interpreted as a permanent departure, sparking regret and a desperate desire to reclaim their enslaved workforce. This realization fuels Pharaoh's immediate decision to pursue the Israelites and drag them back into bondage.
When the Israelites finally walked away, it wasn't just a departure; it was a disruption. Pharaoh and his court suddenly realized what they'd lost.
Imagine a business suddenly losing its entire workforce overnight. That's the economic shock Pharaoh experienced.
Freedom gained can quickly become a perceived loss, turning regret into a furious desire to reclaim what was 'given away'.
Pharaoh's initial reaction wasn't about the Israelites' well-being, but about his own perceived loss and the disruption to his power.
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Understand the original words
‘abodah · Hebrew Noun
A word describing forced labor or religious devotion. It captures the state of Israel as slaves to Egypt, contrasting with the freedom and service God intended for them as His people.
This verse highlights the sudden, stark shift in Pharaoh's attitude from reluctant permission to furious pursuit, driven by the economic loss of enslaved labor. It underscores how deeply sin can blind leaders and their nations, even to the point of self-destruction when they oppose God's purposes.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Israel's Departure from Egypt
After enduring generations of slavery and experiencing God's mighty plagues, the Israelites, with Pharaoh's reluctant permission, finally leave Egypt. They had been in Egypt for 430 years.
c. 1446 BC
Pharaoh's Change of Heart
Upon learning that the Israelites were not returning but had fled, Pharaoh and his officials deeply regretted letting them go, realizing the immense loss of slave labor. This regret fueled their decision to pursue.
c. 1446 BC
Pharaoh Pursues Israel
Mobilizing his army, including six hundred chosen chariots, Pharaoh and his forces chase after the fleeing Israelites. God had hardened Pharaoh's heart, ensuring this pursuit would take place.
c. 1446 BC
Israel Trapped at the Red Sea
The Israelites found themselves cornered between the pursuing Egyptian army and the impassable Red Sea, leading to widespread panic and cries to Moses and the Lord.
c. 1446 BC
The Parting of the Red Sea
In a spectacular display of divine power, God parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. This miraculous intervention set the stage for the destruction of Pharaoh's army.
c. 1446 BC
Destruction of the Egyptian Army
As the Israelites crossed, the waters returned, engulfing Pharaoh's pursuing army and drowning them completely. This decisive act secured Israel's freedom and demonstrated God's power over Egypt.
This verse speaks of the ongoing spiritual conflict between God's people and the forces that oppose them, mirroring the conflict Pharaoh and his servants now feel towards Israel after their departure.
Exodus 13:17-18This passage immediately precedes the verse in question and explains *why* Pharaoh felt this way – God intentionally led Israel a roundabout way to provoke this very reaction and demonstrate His power.
Joshua 24:11-12This passage recounts the same event from a later perspective, emphasizing God's sovereign hand in driving out Pharaoh's army, which is the direct result of Pharaoh's regret and pursuit.
Psalm 106:7-11This psalm reflects on the Exodus, highlighting how Pharaoh and his people rebelled against God and His people, underscoring the depth of Pharaoh's hardened heart and his regret as depicted in Exodus 14:5.
Romans 9:17-18This New Testament passage directly references God hardening Pharaoh's heart to display His power and mercy, showing that Pharaoh's change of heart and subsequent pursuit were part of God's larger plan.
cambridgeExodus 14:5: "And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?"
5 . were fled ] i.e. were not gone merely on a pilgrimage, to ‘serve’ Jehovah ( Exodus 4:23 , Exodus 7:16 , &c.), but had departed altogether. the heart … was changed ] i.e. their mind, or opinion, was altered; they regretted that they had given the permission of Exodus…
bensonExodus 14:5: "And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?"
Exodus 14:5 . It was told the king that the people fled — As they had been ordered by the Lord to turn a different way from that which led directly to mount Horeb, it is probable that, as soon as Pharaoh heard of it, he concluded they had no intention of going thither,…
Pharaoh and his servants don't just regret losing Israel's labor; they're consumed by a profound sense of loss and betrayal over their own foolishness. Their question, "Why have we done this?" reveals a deep, almost unbelievable repentance for their single good deed, driven by the sudden realization of just how much their economy depended on Israel's service.
Israel has just left Egypt, and Pharaoh and his advisors are suddenly realizing the immense economic loss of six hundred thousand laborers. What began as a permission to travel has now been interpreted as a permanent departure, sparking regret and a desperate desire to reclaim their enslaved workforce. This realization fuels Pharaoh's immediate decision to pursue the Israelites and drag them back into bondage.
Israel has just left Egypt, and Pharaoh and his advisors are suddenly realizing the immense economic loss of six hundred thousand laborers. What began as a permission to travel has now been interpreted as a permanent departure, sparking regret and a desperate desire to reclaim their enslaved workforce. This realization fuels Pharaoh's immediate decision to pursue the Israelites and drag them back into bondage.
"When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, the mind of Pharaoh and his servants was changed toward the people, and they said, “What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?”" — Pharaoh and his servants don't just regret losing Israel's labor; they're consumed by a profound sense of loss and betrayal over their own foolishness. Their question, "Why have we done this?" reveal…
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Last reviewed October 2026