The Hebrews were encamped beside the sea, whose waters 284 presented a seemingly impassable barrier before them, while on the south a rugged mountain obstructed their further progress. Suddenly they beheld in the distance the flashing armor and moving chariots betokening the advance guard of a great army. As the force drew nearer, the hosts of Egypt were seen in full pursuit. Terror filled the hearts of Israel. Some cried unto the Lord, but far the greater part hastened to Moses with their complaints: "Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness."

Hebræerne havde slået lejr ved bredden af havet, der tilsyneladende dannede en uoverstigelig hindring foran dem, mens et forrevet bjerg spærrede dem vejen mod syd. Pludselig så de blinkende våben og rullende vogne i det fjerne. Det var et varsel om, at en stor hær var under fremrykning. Da den kom nærmere, så de, at de blev skarpt forfulgt af den ægyptiske hær.