Kill Them All!

The Pharaoh has another change of heart after the Israelites leave Egypt and pursues them. Though there are those among the Israelites who fear that they will be killed by the advancing army, the Bible text does not specify Pharaoh's intentions in ordering his chariots to follow them. It seems to suggest, however, that he might simply want his slaves back. [Exodus 14:5]

What is unclear in the Bible is made clear in The Prince of Egypt, for Rameses orders his army: "Don't just stand there! Kill them! Kill them all!"

Simlar maniacal sentiments are related both in The Little Midrash Says: The Book of Sh'Mos, which cites Rashi, and in The Legends of the Jews, which references Mekilta Beshallah, Mekilta d'Rabbi Shimeon ben Yochai, and Midrash Tanchomah.