Indeed, these are a reference with a tool of proximity, belittling them, to indicate that they are in the grip, even if they are far away, due to their incapacity, and by the strength of the family of Pharaoh. They are not in a position to fear their strength or their resistance.

A small group, meaning: a faction and a piece of people.

And since their smallness is only in relation to the multitude of the family of Pharaoh and their strength, and what they have over them of the awe of servitude, and the expression of 'small group' is misleading to suggest that they are in the utmost smallness, this misconception is removed by expressing it in the plural rather than the singular to indicate that it is news after news, not a description. The expression of 'small group' is only to indicate the division of hearts. The plural, especially with regard to safety, while also being indicative of their smallness, is more indicative that they are scattered. It also indicates that they, despite their weakness due to their small number, are hopeless for assistance with support, and they have no preparation for fighting due to lack of equipment. For they were never counted among those who fight, as you would say to someone you belittle: he is less than to do such and such. So he said: 'Few,' meaning: in relation to what we have of troops that cannot be counted, even if they themselves are many. Thus, their multitude does not prevent you, O you who are gathered, from following them. Al-Baghawi reported from Ibn Mas'ud, may Allah be pleased with them both: they were six hundred thousand and ninety thousand, and the number of Pharaoh's companions is uncountable.

All of this is an explanation that Pharaoh, despite the extent of his greatness, could not affect what is in Moses, peace be upon him, nor those who followed him, fulfilling what was previously promised at the beginning of the story.