Exodus 15 19

Exodus 15:19 kjv

For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea.

Exodus 15:19 nkjv

For the horses of Pharaoh went with his chariots and his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought back the waters of the sea upon them. But the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea.

Exodus 15:19 niv

When Pharaoh's horses, chariots and horsemen went into the sea, the LORD brought the waters of the sea back over them, but the Israelites walked through the sea on dry ground.

Exodus 15:19 esv

For when the horses of Pharaoh with his chariots and his horsemen went into the sea, the LORD brought back the waters of the sea upon them, but the people of Israel walked on dry ground in the midst of the sea.

Exodus 15:19 nlt

When Pharaoh's horses, chariots, and charioteers rushed into the sea, the LORD brought the water crashing down on them. But the people of Israel had walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground!

Exodus 15 verses

Exodus 15 19 Meaning

This verse serves as a conclusive prose statement summarizing the core event celebrated in the "Song of the Sea," detailing the complete destruction of Pharaoh's military might by the returning waters of the Red Sea, directly contrasting it with the miraculous, safe passage of the Israelites on dry ground. It emphasizes the Lord's absolute sovereignty and power in saving His people and judging their oppressors.

Exodus 15 19 Context

Exodus 15:19 serves as a prose summary following the triumphant "Song of the Sea" (Exodus 15:1-18). This song celebrates the Lord's victory over Pharaoh and his army at the Red Sea, marking the definitive act of redemption that sealed Israel's freedom from Egyptian bondage. The preceding chapters meticulously detail the ten plagues, the Passover, and the miraculous passage through the Red Sea. Verses 14:26-31 specifically narrate the actual events: Moses stretching his hand, the sea parting, Israel walking through on dry land, the Egyptians pursuing them, and finally the waters returning to engulf Pharaoh's entire army. Verse 19 brings the prose narrative portion of this climactic event to a conclusion, emphatically restating the key contrast between the perishing Egyptians and the preserved Israelites. Historically, the Egyptians were renowned for their formidable chariot divisions, symbols of military might and national power. For their army to be utterly destroyed, especially by an uncontrolled natural phenomenon that Pharaoh's own gods supposedly governed, constituted an irrefutable defeat and a direct polemic against the divinity of Pharaoh and the power of Egypt's numerous gods. It established the Lord's unique supremacy, not just as Israel's God, but as the only true God over creation and all nations.

Exodus 15 19 Word analysis

• For (כִּי - ki): A connective particle meaning "indeed," "for," or "surely," providing a causal explanation or confirmation for the song that has just been sung. It links the poetic praise to the factual, summarizing event.

• the horses of Pharaoh (סוּס פַּרְעֹה - sus Par'oh): "Horses" (sus) refers to the cavalry, a symbol of military power and speed in ancient warfare. "Pharaoh" denotes the reigning king of Egypt, presented as a supreme and divine authority. The combination highlights the top-tier military strength of Egypt contrasted with Israel's vulnerability.

• with his chariots (בְּרִכְבּוֹ - be'rikbo): "Chariots" (rekeb) represent the elite striking force of ancient armies. Egyptian chariots were technologically advanced, signifying the peak of human military might brought against God's people.

• and his horsemen (וּבְפָרָשָׁיו - u'b'farashav): "Horsemen" (parashim) refers to the riders or mounted soldiers, the personnel operating the chariots and cavalry. This emphasizes the complete array of Egypt's military ground forces deployed in pursuit.

• went into (בָּא - ba): Implies an entry or a going forth; here, into the path that seemed viable but led to their doom. The Egyptians' deliberate action in pursuing sets up their fate.

• the sea (הַיָּם - hayyam): Refers to the Red Sea (Yam Suph). In ancient thought, chaotic waters often represented untamed forces or even divine powers. Here, this very force becomes an instrument of God's judgment.

• and the LORD (וַֽיהוָה - va'YHWH): "The LORD" (Yahweh) is the personal, covenant name of God, revealing Him as the active agent and sovereign director. This direct attribution to YHWH makes it clear who caused the catastrophe.

• brought back (הֵשִׁיב - heshiv): From the root "shuv," meaning "to return" or "bring back." This verb emphasizes that the natural order of the sea, once held back by divine command, was deliberately restored by God.

• the waters of the sea (מֵי הַיָּם - mei hayyam): Specific mention of the "waters" emphasizes their reassertion of control, showing the completeness of the drowning. This phrase leaves no ambiguity about the method of destruction.

• upon them ('עֲלֵיהֶם - 'alehem): Clearly indicates that the returning waters specifically engulfed the pursuing Egyptian forces, a precise act of targeted judgment.

• but (וְ - ve): A strong disjunctive "waw" particle, creating a powerful contrast or antithesis. It sharply delineates the fate of the Egyptians from that of the Israelites, highlighting God's differential judgment and salvation.

• the children of Israel (בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל - benei Yisra'el): "Children of Israel" refers to the entire Israelite community, identifying them as God's chosen covenant people for whom this deliverance was wrought.

• walked (הָֽלְכוּ - halekhu): Simple past tense, indicating a direct, continuous, and successful journey through. This highlights their unhindered and secure passage, demonstrating God's provision and protection.

• on dry land (בַּיַּבָּשָׁה - bayyabbasha): "Dry land" emphasizes the miraculous nature of the passage. It was not muddy or difficult, but truly traversable ground, a stark physical impossibility turned into reality by divine power. It reverses the natural state of the sea.

• in the midst of the sea (בְּתוֹךְ הַיָּם - be'tokh hayyam): "In the midst" emphasizes the profoundness of the miracle; they were surrounded by the parted waters, demonstrating absolute divine control over nature and providing a unique "highway" through what should have been an impassable barrier.

• "For the horses of Pharaoh with his chariots and his horsemen went into the sea": This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the Egyptian military involvement and their aggressive pursuit into the seemingly dry path. It signifies human arrogance and reliance on military might, only to find it helpless before divine power.

• "and the LORD brought back the waters of the sea upon them": This phrase directly attributes the destructive act to YHWH, reinforcing His sovereignty over creation and His judgment on the wicked. It highlights the divine reversal of the earlier miracle (parting of the waters) as a deliberate act of retribution.

• "but the children of Israel walked on dry land in the midst of the sea": This climactic contrast underscores the selective nature of God's intervention – judgment for oppressors, salvation for His people. It vividly portrays the unprecedented miracle that secured Israel's liberation, highlighting the stark difference between those saved and those destroyed, all due to YHWH's mighty hand.

Exodus 15 19 Bonus section

• Literary Placement: Verse 19 acts as an explanatory postscript or "colophon" to the poetic Song of the Sea, transitioning from exalted praise back to a concise narrative summary. This confirms the historical veracity of the sung praises.
• Theological Climax: This verse represents the theological climax of the Exodus narrative up to this point. All previous plagues and confrontations built up to this final, decisive showdown where God demonstrates His absolute supremacy over both human empires and the forces of nature, ensuring Israel's complete freedom.
• Polemics Continued: This verse explicitly refutes Egyptian deities like Ra (sun god, linked to Pharaoh's authority) and Hapi (Nile god) by showing the Creator God controlling the very waters associated with their gods and using them as an instrument of destruction against Pharaoh, considered a divine king himself.
• Pattern of Salvation and Judgment: The clear distinction in outcome—Israel delivered, Egypt destroyed—establishes a foundational biblical pattern: God's salvation for His faithful people is inextricably linked with His righteous judgment upon their unrepentant enemies.
• Remembering the Miracle: The vivid, concise description of this verse, coupled with the song, ensures that the details of the Red Sea miracle are indelibly impressed upon the memory of Israel and subsequent generations. It serves as a concise summary for retelling God's mighty deed.

Exodus 15 19 Commentary

Exodus 15:19 functions as a pivotal prose summary, confirming the truth of the triumphant Song of the Sea by reiterating the core events from a factual perspective. It precisely outlines the stark contrast between two groups: the invincible Egyptian army and the vulnerable Israelites, both present in the sea. This verse underscores that the fate of both groups was orchestrated solely by the Lord (YHWH). Pharaoh's renowned military—his horses, chariots, and horsemen, representing the apex of ancient human power and confidence—actively "went into the sea," pursuing a perceived advantage. Yet, this very act led to their comprehensive downfall. The decisive action is God's: He "brought back the waters," transforming the previously dry path into a tomb for Egypt's forces. This act was not an accident but a divine judgment, silencing the formidable threat to His covenant people. Simultaneously, it reaffirms Israel's unparalleled salvation, as they "walked on dry land in the midst of the sea," emphasizing the perfect protection afforded by God's power. The verse serves as the definitive narrative close to the Red Sea event, cementing the memory of YHWH's exclusive omnipotence, His faithfulness to His promises, and His justice against those who oppose His will and oppress His people. It establishes the Red Sea crossing as the paradigmatic act of divine salvation and judgment, foundational to Israel's identity and worship.