Exodus 15:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "Pharaoh 's chariots and his host he cast into the sea, and his chosen officers were sunk in the Red Sea.

NIV: Pharaoh’s chariots and his army he has hurled into the sea. The best of Pharaoh’s officers are drowned in the Red Sea.

NASB: Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has thrown into the sea; And the choicest of his officers are drowned in the Red Sea.

CSB: He threw Pharaoh’s chariots and his army into the sea; the elite of his officers were drowned in the Red Sea.

NLT: Pharaoh’s chariots and army he has hurled into the sea. The finest of Pharaoh’s officers are drowned in the Red Sea.

KJV: Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.

NKJV: Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has cast into the sea; His chosen captains also are drowned in the Red Sea.

After Israel left Egypt (Exodus 12:40–41), Egypt's king, the pharaoh, decided to chase them down (Exodus 14:5). He led a group of select chariots and horsemen, catching Israel at the seashore (Exodus 14:6–9). This army tried to follow Israel along the dry path God had cleared, only to be drowned once the Hebrews were safely on the other side (Exodus 14:21–29). This chapter (Exodus 15:1–3) is mostly a record of Israel's celebration of this rescue.

At the time, Egypt's army was among the strongest military forces in the world. Their devastating defeat in full view of the Israelites (Exodus 15:6) proved God's power over those who oppose Him and His people. Despite their superior soldiers, wealth, and weaponry, the Egyptian soldiers were no match for the supernatural power of the Lord.

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 6/15/2025 4:30:46 PM