Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 5. And it was told the king-that the people fled] Of their departure he could not be ignorant, because himself had given them liberty to depart: but the word fled here may be understood as implying that they had utterly left Egypt without any intention to return, which is probably what he did not expect, for he had only given them permission to go three days' journey into the wilderness, in order to sacrifice to Jehovah; but from the circumstances of their departure, and the property they had got from the Egyptians, it was taken for granted that they had no design to return; and this was in all likelihood the consideration that weighed most with this avaricious king, and determined him to pursue, and either recover the spoil or bring them back, or both. Thus the heart of Pharaoh and his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we let Israel go from serving us? Here was the grand incentive to pursuit; their service was profitable to the state, and they were determined not to give it up.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-9 - Pharaoh would think that all Israel was entangled in the wilderness and so would become an easy prey. But God says, I will be honoured upo Pharaoh. All men being made for the honour of their Maker, those who he is not honoured by, he will be honoured upon. What seems to tend to the church's ruin, is often overruled to the ruin of the church' enemies. While Pharaoh gratified his malice and revenge, he furthere the bringing to pass God's counsels concerning him. Though with the greatest reason he had let Israel go, yet now he was angry with himsel for it. God makes the envy and rage of men against his people, torment to themselves. Those who set their faces heavenward, and wil live godly in Christ Jesus, must expect to be set upon by Satan' temptations and terrors. He will not tamely part with any out of his service.
Original Hebrew ויגד5046 למלך4428 מצרים4714 כי3588 ברח1272 העם5971 ויהפך2015 לבב3824 פרעה6547 ועבדיו5650 אל413 העם5971 ויאמרו559 מה4100 זאת2063 עשׂינו6213 כי3588 שׁלחנו7971 את853 ישׂראל3478 מעבדנו׃5647
