1)
Why does the Torah need to mention the fact that they caught up with Yisrael in front of Baal Tzefon?
1.
Rashi (to Iyov 12:23): Because when Pharaoh saw Yisrael encamped in front of Baal Tzefon, 1 he thought that Baal Tzefon agreed to drown Yisrael in the sea, to conform to their original decree to drown all the baby boys that are born in the river.