Exodus 14:17

I will harden. Here only is it stated that God hardened the hearts of the Egyptians, apparently in the same sense that He hardened the heart of Pharaoh (see on ch. 4:21). By following his bidding they had become partakers of his guilt (cf. Rev. 18:4). Without doubt the Egyptians eagerly anticipated the recovery of their lost treasure, and bloody revenge upon any who should resist capture (chs. 12:35; 15:9). Under the circumstances human nature would be quite sufficient to make them cold and heartless.

They shall follow them. Ordinary common sense, based on previous experience, would have made the Egyptians cautious about becoming involved in so dangerous an adventure as following the Hebrews through the sea. It was stupidity and blood-thirstiness which urged them forward into danger (see Rom. 1:21, 22). Rash action usually characterizes those who deliberately spurn the leading of God’s Spirit. Heedless of the judgments of God so recently experienced, infatuated with confidence in themselves, they defied to the last the God of Israel (see 2 Thess. 2:9-12; Rev. 17:14; 19:19; 20:7-9).