“Did the pharaoh of the Israelite exodus die in the Red Sea?” Some commentators and artists are certain that this pharaoh died in the Red Sea with his military force. Consider this exemplar of that persuasion. “Whether he himself was drowned has been considered matter of uncertainty, as it is not so stated in the account of the exodus. Another passage, however, appears to affirm it (Ps 136:15)” (McClintock and Strong). Others are equally sure that though the army was destroyed in the Red Sea, pharaoh himself did not perish at that time. Still others are not sure, and I am uncertain whether pharaoh died in that miraculous incident at the Red Sea crossing of the Israelites. Fortunately, knowing for sure one way or the other does not affect salvation, Christian worship, Christian living, Christian service or Christian doctrine.
However, let us look at the available biblical information. Exodus 14:17-18 announces the intention of God to punish Pharaoh and his military host, but the verses fall short of specifically stating that the Egyptian king and his army would suffer the same fate.
And I indeed will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them. So I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, his chariots, and his horsemen. Then the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gained honor for Myself over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen. (Exodus 14:17-18 NKJV)
Likewise, after the Egyptians died in the Red Sea pursuit of the fleeing captives, the lyrics of the Israelite victory song are no more conclusive as to whether pharaoh drowned with his army. “Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has cast into the sea; His chosen captains also are drowned in the Red Sea” (Exodus 15:4). This verse only acknowledges that army with its leaders perished, but it stops short of declaring that pharaoh was in that number who died.
The verse of Scripture on which some rely to conclude that pharaoh also died in the Red Sea appears in Psalms. “But overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, For His mercy endures forever” (Psalm 136:15). Pharaoh was overthrown whether or not he died in the Red Sea on the basis of the overthrow of pharaoh’s army by drowning it in the Red Sea and by the escape of the Israelite slaves.
Now, let us briefly reflect on available secular, historical information. Amid conflicting efforts to harmonize biblical history and Egyptian history, agreement as to either the dates of the Jewish exodus or which Egyptian king was involved cannot be reached. In any case, secular history does not record the occasion of the catastrophic defeat of the Egyptians at the Red Sea at the time of the exodus; of course, biographies and histories tend to highlight triumphs and successes, while downplaying or ignoring uncomplimentary information.
The Bible is completely trustworthy and reliable regarding everything that through it Almighty God has determined for mankind to know. In the case of the inquiry before us, the lessons are the same irrespective of whether we can determine if pharaoh died in the Red Sea. The historical overview is certain, and God rules in the kingdoms of men.
Works Cited
“Pharaoh.” McClintock and Strong Encyclopedia. CD-ROM. Seattle: Biblesoft, 2006
