Exodus 14:3

Pharaoh will say. This passage explains the purpose of God in leading the Israelites in so unusual a direction (see on v. 2). To human judgment this route appeared to be the most foolish that could have been taken. Canaan lay to the northeast of Egypt, yet the pillar of cloud led them in a southwesterly direction when they reached the eastern borders of Egypt. It would be only natural for Pharaoh, learning of the strange route the Israelites had taken, to think that they had lost their way and were wandering about in confusion in the eastern Egyptian desert. Escape now appeared impossible. God, however, had arranged this very situation that Egypt and the surrounding nations might learn to fear and respect His name (see v. 4).