Exodus 15:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?

NIV: Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?

NASB: Who is like You among the gods, Lord? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, Awesome in praises, working wonders?

CSB: Lord, who is like you among the gods? Who is like you, glorious in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?

NLT: 'Who is like you among the gods, O Lord — glorious in holiness, awesome in splendor, performing great wonders?

KJV: Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?

NKJV: “Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders?

Here, the Bible uses "rhetorical" questions: statements phrased as if asking for an answer, where the answer is obvious and assumed. These are part of a celebration (Exodus 15:1) over God's spectacular rescue of Israel at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21–29). Here, the Lord is described using a series of adjectives.

Each word has an important meaning. "Majestic" refers to something impressive or beautiful and is typically used of royalty. "Holiness" implies that God is entirely unique, "set apart" from the rest of creation. These awe-inspiring works bring Him "glory:" the rightful praise and honor which He deserves. The Lord's miracles are referred to as "wonders:" they are acts so powerful that people struggle to grasp what they have seen.

God's plagues on Egypt made it clear that Egyptian idols were powerless, imaginary gods (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10, 24; 10:14, 23; 12:29–32). His power was demonstrated over and over until Israel was freed (Exodus 12:33, 40–41). This was followed by further miracles (Exodus 13:21–22). Parting the Red Sea was another phenomenal demonstration of His ability. As intended (Exodus 5:2; 7:5; 14:4, 18), these miracles publicly declare the uniqueness of the One True God (John 17:3), the Lord of all creation (Genesis 1:1).

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.