Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 7. Six hundred chosen chariots, &c.] According to the most authentic accounts we have of war-chariots, they were frequently drawn by two or by four horses, and carried three persons: one was charioteer, whose business it was to guide the horses, but he seldom fought; the second chiefly defended the charioteer; and the third alone was properly the combatant. It appears that in this case Pharaoh had collected all the cavalry of Egypt; (see Exodus xiv. 17;) and though these might not have been very numerous, yet, humanly speaking, they might easily overcome the unarmed and encumbered Israelites, who could not be supposed to be able to make any resistance against cavalry and war-chariots.
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 ויקח3947 שׁשׁ8337 מאות3967 רכב7393 בחור970 וכל3605 רכב7393 מצרים4714 ושׁלשׁם7991 על5921 כלו׃3605