Exodus 15:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: You blew with your wind; the sea covered them; they sank like lead in the mighty waters.

NIV: But you blew with your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters.

NASB: You blew with Your wind, the sea covered them; They sank like lead in the mighty waters.

CSB: But you blew with your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters.

NLT: But you blew with your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters.

KJV: Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.

NKJV: You blew with Your wind, The sea covered them; They sank like lead in the mighty waters.

Poetically, it was God's own breath which parted the waters of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21; 15:8). This gave Israel the chance to escape an attacking Egyptian army (Exodus 14:5–9). The Egyptian chariots and horsemen arrogantly followed the Hebrews as they crossed (Exodus 14:22–23; 15:9). But when Israel was safe, the Lord released the sea and drowned the entire attacking army (Exodus 14:24–28). This did more than save the Israelites from a single attack. It also permanently ended any chance of Egypt enslaving them again. Moses is leading the people in celebration over this event (Exodus 15:1).

The destruction of the Egyptian army was sudden, catastrophic, and overwhelming. They did not struggle only to fail after putting up a good fight. Rather, God brought instant defeat (Exodus 15:4–5). In a single stroke, God permanently erased Egypt's threat over Israel. This demonstrated the Lord's power (Exodus 15:11–12).

Exodus 15:1–18 is Moses' song of celebration. Israel has just been saved from an attacking Egyptian army (Exodus 14:5–9). God miraculously parted the waters of the sea so His people could cross safely; the pursuing soldiers were all drowned (Exodus 14:21–29). In this song, Moses recounts this amazing series of events. He also looks ahead to Israel's conquest of the Promised Land (Genesis 13:12, 14–16).

Israel celebrates the supernatural event which eliminated the Egyptian army. God's power parted the waters of the Red Sea for the Hebrews to cross, then collapsed the same waters over the pursuing soldiers (Exodus 14:21–29). Moses, his sister Miriam, and the other Israelites praise the Lord for His works. They anticipate that this event will strike fear into the hearts of the wicked Canaanite nations (Deuteronomy 9:4). Yet, when the only water they find is undrinkable, the Israelites complain and criticize Moses. God provides a means to purify the water. He then provides a clear message about obedience and leads the people to a well-watered oasis.

When the nation of Israel was freed (Exodus 12:40–41), God led them to a specific place (Exodus 13:17–18). The Egyptians sent an army in pursuit (Exodus 14:5–9). God completed Israel's salvation by leading them across the Red Sea and wiping out the Egyptian army (Exodus 14:21–28). Here, the people celebrate their freedom with singing and dancing. However, they will soon complain when water runs short. In the following chapter, they will complain about food and be given the gift of "manna" (Exodus 16).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 6/18/2025 9:51:07 AM