Exodus 15:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The floods covered them; they went down into the depths like a stone.

NIV: The deep waters have covered them; they sank to the depths like a stone.

NASB: The waters cover them; They went down into the depths like a stone.

CSB: The floods covered them; they sank to the depths like a stone.

NLT: The deep waters gushed over them; they sank to the bottom like a stone.

KJV: The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone.

NKJV: The depths have covered them; They sank to the bottom like a stone.

Moses is leading Israel (Exodus 1:11–14; 12:40–41) in a celebration of Israel's miraculous rescue from Egypt (Exodus 14:5–9). God allowed Israel to cross through a sea over dry land, only to drown the Egyptian army as they attempted to follow (Exodus 14:21–29). The chariots and horsemen (Exodus 14:5–9) tried to escape. But there was no way to avoid the entire sea returning to its natural place. All the attacking soldiers were lost, and Israel could see bodies washing up on the shoreline (Exodus 14:30).

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 7/13/2025 10:13:55 AM