The most
westerly was surmounted by a ridge of high hills, higher probably than
any other chain within the boundaries of Egypt. The most easterly
overlooked the sea-beach and was originally, it may be, the old sea
margin. At points the table-land advanced within sight of the water;
at other localities an intervening space of several miles lay between
it and the sea. The summit was flat, at least smooth enough for the
passage of horsemen, and at all times it was a good field for strategic
manoeuverings by an army arrayed against anything which might be on the
beach below.
If Meneptah's scouts had reported truly, Israel had behind it a hill,
east of it the sea. West of it the army would approach. South only
could it flee, into a torrid, arid, uninhabited desert.
The slaves were entrapped. The pursuer had but to follow the pursued
in the only open direction, and overtake the starving, thirsting
multitude at last. But from Har-hat's movement he had meant to
continue along this plateau, out of sight of Israel, until he had
posted part of his army in the way of escape to the south. Kenkenes
reached this conclusion without much pondering. He had his own
manoeuverings in mind. Of the captain of Israel, Prince Mesu, he would
discover, first, if the Lord God had prepared him against Har-hat.
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