Parashat Beshalach opens with the words: "And it came to pass, when Pharaoh let the people go" (Exodus 13:17). In the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah Parasha 20, Siman 3), it is remarked upon the attribution of the sending of the people from Egypt to the wicked Pharaoh, implying as if this release was under his 'protection' and out of his great kindness—this is the language of the Midrash: Did Pharaoh send them? Balaam said: "God, who brought them out of Egypt" (Numbers 23:22), and here it is written 'when Pharaoh let the people go,' rather this teaches that Pharaoh accompanied them and said to them, "Pray and seek mercy for me," as it is said (Exodus 12:32), "Take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and go, and bless me also." The term 'sending' here is nothing but accompanying, as it is said (Genesis 18:16), "And Abraham went with them to send them off," thus concludes the Midrash.

What arises from the words of the Midrash is that Pharaoh had no part or merit in the sending of Israel from him. They departed against his will and not with his consent, and the term 'when Pharaoh let the people go' mentioned here means nothing but accompanying.