Moshe seems to have given a variety of answers to a variety of groups. How many groups were there and how did he answer each one?
Targum Yonasan and Yerushalmi Ta'anis, 2:5: There were four groups at the Yam-Suf: One said that they should proceed into the sea, and one, that they should return to Egypt; 1 one wanted to fight the Egyptian and one, to frighten them (by clashing their swords and shields and stomping their horses). To the first group Moshe said "Do not be afraid; stay where you are and see the salvation of Hashem"; to the second group he said "Do not go back, because as you see the Egyptians today you will never see them again"; To the third group he said "Do not attack them, because your victory will come about through Hashem"; and the fourth group he told to be silent and to sing the praise of Hashem and to honor and elevate Him. 2
What are the ramifications of the last phrase in the Pasuk "Ka'asher Re'isem es Mitzrayim Hayom ... "?
Rashi #1, Targum Onkelos and Targum Yonasan: Do not return to Egypt, because they are all about to die. 1
Rashi #2 (in Sanhedrin, 21b), Ramban (citing the Mechilta) and Yerushalmi Sukah, 5a: It is actually a Mitzvah never to return to Egypt, 2 (even to purchase horses - Rashi). 3
See Sifsei Chachamim. Perhaps Moshe was also hinting to the era of Egyptian dominance that was about to come to an end.
See also Devarim 17:16 (Ramban).
The Yerushalmi states that this is one of three locations were the Torah warns against returning to Egypt. See Torah Temimah, note 7.
