Exodus 14:10
ESV
When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the Lord.
NIV
As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord.
NASB
As Pharaoh approached, the sons of Israel looked, and behold, the Egyptians were coming after them, and they became very frightened; so the sons of Israel cried out to the Lord.
CSB
As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up and there were the Egyptians coming after them! The Israelites were terrified and cried out to the Lord for help.
NLT
As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord,
KJV
And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord.
NKJV
And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them. So they were very afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord.
What does Exodus 14:10 mean?
Israel saw the Lord decimate Egypt with supernatural plagues (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10, 24; 10:14, 23; 12:29–32). Finally, these broke Egypt's resolve and the Israelites were freed (Exodus 12:40–41). Led by God (Exodus 13:21–22; 14:1–2), they have followed an unexpected path to the southeast. Pharaoh changes his mind about releasing the Hebrews (Exodus 14:5). He thinks they are lost (Exodus 14:3). So, he leads a large, well-equipped army to bring them back under oppression (Exodus 14:6–9). When they meet up with the Israelites, God has arranged the people along the seashore.The Israelites are frightened by the appearance of these soldiers. As recently freed slaves, they are not well equipped for combat. Even if their numbers are large, the Egyptian chariots can do tremendous damage. The people begin badgering Moses with self-defeating, despairing criticism (Exodus 14:11–12). They also begin to pray: they "cried out to the Lord." This phrase appears often in the book of Judges when the people beg God for rescue (Judges 3:9, 15; 4:3; 6:7; 10:10).
Exodus 14:1–14 explains how Israel came to the seashore not long after being released from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12:40–41). Pharaoh, Egypt's king, once again changes his mind about releasing his slaves (Exodus 1:11–14). He sends the Egyptian army after the Israelites. The fleeing people are frightened, but Moses reassures them. This will be the last time Egypt troubles their people.
God leads Israel (Exodus 13:21–22) to make camp in front of the "Sea of Reeds." This is different from the modern-day Red Sea; it is more likely the Gulf of Suez or the wide Lake Timsah. As in the past (Exodus 8:15, 31–32; 9:34–35; 10:19–20), Pharaoh changes his mind about Israelite freedom. He gathers soldiers to pursue Israel and catches them at the shore. God blocks the incoming attackers and makes a dry path through the sea for Israel's escape. When the Egyptian forces attempt to follow, God closes the walls of water over them, drowning the entire army.
