Exodus 14:6

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Exodus 14:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him:
Exodus 14:6 — American Standard Version

Context — Exodus 14

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him:

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he made ready his chariot, etc.] Which he usually rode in when he went forth to war; for this seems to be a military chariot, and not for show or grandeur; and this was got ready not by himself, as Jarchi, but rather by his orders, as Aben Ezra: and took his people with him; the Greek version reads, “all his people”; not all his subjects, but his soldiers; at least a great number, and especially his cavalry.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“he made ready his chariot--His preparations for an immediate and hot pursuit are here described: A difference is made between "the chosen chariots" and "the chariots of Egypt." The first evidently composed the king's guard, amounting to six hundred, and they are called "chosen," literally, "third men"; three men being allotted to each chariot, the charioteer and two warriors. As to "the chariots of Egypt," the common cars contained only two persons, one for driving and the other for fighting; sometimes only one person was in the chariot, the driver lashed the reins round his body and fought; infantry being totally unsuitable for a rapid pursuit, and the Egyptians having had no cavalry, the…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“14:6-7 chariot: At this point in history, the Egyptian light chariot was the ultimate weapon. Pulled by three horses, it was swift and highly maneuverable. Sometimes it was manned by only one person, but some ancient illustrations show a driver with a warrior. The reference to a commander may indicate such two-man teams. The greatest military power in the world of that day was being marshaled against the Hebrews.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“people: Exo 14:23; Num 21:23; Deu 2:32, Deu 3:1 Exodus 14:7”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification