That is, Pharaoh’s great host. The word order in the original favors the marginal rendering, which, with but one slight change, is from the LXX. The latter reads, “For as ye have seen the Egyptians today, ye shall see them again no more for ever.” Phrased thus, the statement means that they would see their enemies only as lifeless forms on the shores of the Red Sea (v. 30).

 Although the alarm of the Hebrews is understandable, the noble courage and confidence of Moses is surprising. A truly remarkable transformation had come over him since the time he timidly remonstrated with the Lord (chs. 4:1, 10, 13; 5:22, 23). Though he may have but vaguely understood that God would “be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host” (v. 4), he now remained calm and confident that all would be well. His own quiet confidence is reflected in his admonition to the people to wait patiently for the Lord to deliver them. There was obviously little else they could do. Moses knew not how God might accomplish His will, but his own experience in working with God in the land of Egypt made it certain He was fully able to rescue His people, however unlikely such a prospect might appear. Moses himself was distressed that his people manifested so little faith (PP 284).