Exodus 15:16

Exodus 15:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

and terror and dread will fall on them. By the power of Your arm they will be as still as a stone until Your people pass by, O LORD, until the people You have bought pass by.

King James Version KJV

Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.

American Standard Version ASV

Terror and dread falleth upon them; By the greatness of thine arm they are as still as a stone; Till thy people pass over, O Jehovah, Till the people pass over that thou hast purchased.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Fear and grief came on them; by the strength of your arm they were turned to stone; till your people went over, O Lord, till the people went over whom you have made yours.

Free Bible Version FBV

Terror and fright will fall on them. Lord, because of your great power, they will be as still as stone until your people pass by, until the people you bought pass by.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Feare and dread shall fall vpon them: because of the greatnesse of thine arme, they shalbe stil as a stone, till thy people passe, O Lord: til this people passe, which thou hast purchased.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Fall on them doth terror and dread; By the greatness of Thine arm They are still as a stone, Till Thy people pass over, O Jehovah; Till the people pass over Whom Thou hast purchased.

World English Bible WEB

Terror and dread falls on them. By the greatness of your arm they are as still as a stone, until your people pass over, LORD, until the people you have purchased pass over.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thy arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Let fear and dread fall upon them, in the greatness of thy arm: let them become unmoveable as a stone, until thy people, O Lord, pass by: until this thy people pass by, which thou hast possessed.

Translation for Translators T4T

They will be terrified and fearful because of your great strength [MTY]. But they will be as silent as stones until your people march past them, the people you freed from being slaves in Egypt,

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 15:16

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Exodus 15:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB תִּפֹּ֨ל עֲלֵי/הֶ֤ם אֵימָ֨תָ/ה֙ וָ/פַ֔חַד בִּ/גְדֹ֥ל זְרוֹעֲ/ךָ֖ יִדְּמ֣וּ כָּ/אָ֑בֶן עַד יַעֲבֹ֤ר עַמְּ/ךָ֙ יְהוָ֔ה עַֽד יַעֲבֹ֖ר עַם ז֥וּ קָנִֽיתָ

תִּפֹּ֨ל nâphal H5307 to fall V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

עֲלֵי/הֶ֤ם ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

אֵימָ֨תָ/ה֙ ʼêymâh H367 terror N-fs | Suff

וָ/פַ֔חַד pachad H6343 dread Conj | N-ms

בִּ/גְדֹ֥ל gâdôwl H1419 Great (Sea) Prep | Adj

זְרוֹעֲ/ךָ֖ zᵉrôwaʻ H2220 arm N-cs | Suff

יִדְּמ֣וּ dâmam H1826 to silence V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

כָּ/אָ֑בֶן ʼeben H68 stone Prep | N-fs

עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep

יַעֲבֹ֤ר ʻâbar H5674 to pass V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

עַמְּ/ךָ֙ ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms | Suff

יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

עַֽד ʻad H5704 till Prep

יַעֲבֹ֖ר ʻâbar H5674 to pass V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

עַם ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms

ז֥וּ zûw H2098 this Rel

קָנִֽיתָ qânâh H7069 to buy V-Qal-Perf-2ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 15:16

תִּפֹּ֨ל nâphal H5307 "to fall" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.

Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall

Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.

עֲלֵי/הֶ֤ם ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

אֵימָ֨תָ/ה֙ ʼêymâh H367 "terror" N-fs | Suff

The Hebrew word for terror or dread, used to describe fear or horror, and sometimes an idol that inspires fear. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of awe or fright. This word is used in various contexts, including descriptions of God's power.

Definition: terror, dread

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: dread, fear, horror, idol, terrible, terror. See also: Genesis 15:12; Job 20:25; Psalms 55:5.

וָ/פַ֔חַד pachad H6343 "dread" Conj | N-ms

This word refers to a feeling of terror or dread, often caused by something sudden or frightening. In the Bible, it describes the fear of God or the dread of His judgment. The prophet Isaiah used it to describe the terror of God's wrath.

Definition: 1) terror, dread 1a) dread 1b) object of dread

Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: dread(-ful), fear, (thing) great (fear, -ly feared), terror. See also: Genesis 31:42; Job 39:22; Psalms 14:5.

בִּ/גְדֹ֥ל gâdôwl H1419 "Great (Sea)" Prep | Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.

Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)

Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.

זְרוֹעֲ/ךָ֖ zᵉrôwaʻ H2220 "arm" N-cs | Suff

The Hebrew word for arm refers to the arm as stretched out, symbolizing strength, force, or power, as seen in the KJV translations of arm, mighty, and strength.

Definition: 1) arm, forearm, shoulder, strength 1a) arm 1b) arm (as symbol of strength) 1c) forces (political and military) 1d) shoulder (of animal sacrificed)

Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: arm, [phrase] help, mighty, power, shoulder, strength. See also: Genesis 49:24; Proverbs 31:17; Psalms 10:15.

יִדְּמ֣וּ dâmam H1826 "to silence" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

In the original Hebrew, this verb means to wail or mourn, often in response to a tragic event, like in Job 30:31 where Job laments his suffering. It can also mean to be astonished or stop an activity.

Definition: : stationary 1) to be silent, be still, wait, be dumb, grow dumb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be silent 1a2) to be still, die 1a3) to be struck dumb 1b) (Niphal) to be silenced, be made silent, destroyed 1c) (Poal) to make quiet 1d) (Hiphil) to make silent (cause to die)

Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: cease, be cut down (off), forbear, hold peace, quiet self, rest, be silent, keep (put to) silence, be (stand) still, tarry, wait. See also: Exodus 15:16; Psalms 62:6; Psalms 4:5.

כָּ/אָ֑בֶן ʼeben H68 "stone" Prep | N-fs

In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.

Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart

Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.

עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.

יַעֲבֹ֤ר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.

Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over

Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.

עַמְּ/ךָ֙ ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms | Suff

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

עַֽד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

יַעֲבֹ֖ר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.

עַם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

ז֥וּ zûw H2098 "this" Rel

Similar to H2097, this word is used to identify something, as in Exodus 32:1 where the people say 'this is your god'. It's a way of saying 'this' or 'that', often to point out a specific thing or person.

Definition: demons pron 1) this, such rel pron 2) (of) which, (of) whom

Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: that, this, [idiom] wherein, which, whom. See also: Exodus 15:13; Psalms 32:8; Psalms 9:16.

קָנִֽיתָ qânâh H7069 "to buy" V-Qal-Perf-2ms

This verb means to buy or acquire something, and is used to describe God's redemption of His people. It emphasizes ownership and possession, as seen in the stories of God's creation and redemption.

Definition: 1) to get, acquire, create, buy, possess 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to get, acquire, obtain 1a1a) of God originating, creating, redeeming His people 1a1a1) possessor 1a1b) of Eve acquiring 1a1c) of acquiring knowledge, wisdom 1a2) to buy 1b) (Niphal) to be bought 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to possess Aramaic equivalent: qe.na (קְנָא "to buy" H7066)

Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: attain, buy(-er), teach to keep cattle, get, provoke to jealousy, possess(-or), purchase, recover, redeem, [idiom] surely, [idiom] verily. See also: Genesis 4:1; 2 Chronicles 34:11; Psalms 74:2.

Study Notes — Exodus 15:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Exodus 15:16 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 15:16
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 15:16
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 15:16
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 15:16
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 15:16
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 15:16
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 15:16
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 15:16
Sermons on Exodus 15:16

Context — The Song at the Sea

14The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the dwellers of Philistia. 15Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; those who dwell in Canaan will melt away,

16and terror and dread will fall on them. By the power of Your arm they will be as still as a stone until Your people pass by, O LORD, until the people You have bought pass by.

17You will bring them in and plant them on the mountain of Your inheritance— the place, O LORD, You have prepared for Your dwelling, the sanctuary, O Lord, Your hands have established. 18The LORD will reign forever and ever!”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 2:25	This very day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon all the nations under heaven. They will hear the reports of you and tremble in anguish because of you.”
2	Psalms 74:2	Remember Your congregation, which You purchased long ago and redeemed as the tribe of Your inheritance— Mount Zion where You dwell.
3	Joshua 2:9	and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you.
4	1 Samuel 25:37	In the morning when Nabal was sober, his wife told him about these events, and his heart failed within him and he became like a stone.
5	Exodus 11:7	But among all the Israelites, not even a dog will snarl at man or beast.’ Then you will know that the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.
6	Titus 2:14	He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
7	Deuteronomy 11:25	No man will be able to stand against you; the LORD your God will put the fear and dread of you upon all the land, wherever you set foot, as He has promised you.
8	1 Peter 2:9	But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
9	Jeremiah 31:11	For the LORD has ransomed Jacob and redeemed him from the hand that had overpowered him.
10	2 Peter 2:1	Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.

Exodus 15:16 Summary

Exodus 15:16 tells us that God's power is so great that it can make even the strongest nations stand still with fear, giving His people safe passage. This verse reminds us that God is our protector and caretaker, just like a parent keeping their child safe (as seen in Psalm 23:4), and that He has the power to overcome any obstacle, as seen in Isaiah 43:2-3, where God promises to be with us in the fire and the water. As we reflect on this verse, we can trust in God's care for us and have confidence in His ability to keep us safe, just as He did for the Israelites. This trust can bring us peace and comfort, knowing that God is always with us, guiding and protecting us (Romans 8:28).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for nations to be 'as still as a stone'?

This phrase, found in Exodus 15:16, means that the nations will be paralyzed with fear and unable to move or resist God's people as they pass by, much like the Egyptians were when God parted the Red Sea in Exodus 14:13-31, and as prophesied in Zechariah 12:3 where God will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for the nations.

Who are the people that God has 'bought' in this verse?

The people God has bought, as mentioned in Exodus 15:16, refers to the Israelites, whom God has redeemed from slavery in Egypt, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:6-8, where it says God chose them to be His special people, and in 1 Corinthians 6:20, which reminds us that we are bought with a price, the blood of Christ.

How does this verse relate to God's power and sovereignty?

Exodus 15:16 showcases God's power and sovereignty over all nations, demonstrating that He can bring about stillness and fear in those who oppose Him, much like in Psalm 46:10, where God says 'Be still and know that I am God', and in Isaiah 40:15-17, where nations are compared to a drop in a bucket, highlighting God's greatness and control.

What does this verse teach us about God's care for His people?

This verse, Exodus 15:16, teaches us that God is fiercely protective of His people, ensuring their safe passage and guarding them from harm, as seen in Psalm 121:3-8, where God is described as our keeper and shade, and in Jeremiah 31:10, where God promises to gather His people and keep them safe.

Reflection Questions

As I reflect on this verse, how does it make me feel about God's power and control in my life, and what are some areas where I need to surrender to His sovereignty?
What are some ways that I can trust in God's protection and care for me, just as the Israelites did in Exodus 15:16, and how can I apply that trust in my daily life?
How does the image of nations being 'as still as a stone' challenge my perceptions of God's authority and might, and what does it teach me about His ability to overcome any obstacle?
In what ways can I, like the Israelites, be a part of God's plan to bring His people to a place of safety and rest, and what role can I play in His larger story of redemption?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 15:16

Fear and dread shall fall upon them.... On the several nations and people before mentioned, especially the Canaanites, which the Targums of Jonathan and Jerusalem interpret of the fear of death, lest

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 15:16

Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 15:16

Be as still, or, be as silent; they shall be so struck. with amazement, that they shall be impotent both for speech and motion.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 15:16

Exodus 15:16 Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be [as] still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, [which] thou hast purchased.Ver. 16. Till thy people pass over.] Over Jordan; as now they have done over the Red Sea, into Canaan.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 15:16

(16) Fear and dread shall fall upon them.—A portion of the Edomites felt so much fear of Israel that they allowed them to pass through their coasts (Deuteronomy 2:4). The Moabites of Aracted similarly (Deuteronomy 2:29). Till thy people pass over—i.e., cross the frontier of the Canaanites, and enter their country. There is no need to suppose that Moses had as yet any distinct idea of the place where the frontier would be crossed.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 15:16

Verse 16. Till thy people pass over] Not over the Red Sea, for that event had been already celebrated; but over the desert and Jordan, in order to be brought into the promised land.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 15:16

16.Terror and dread fell upon them; By the greatness of thine arm, they were as still as a stone: Till thy people passed through, O Yahweh, Till thy people passed through, which thou hadst purchased. Terror, &c.] Cf. Joshua 2:9 ‘and that your terror is fallen upon us.’ as still as a stone] i.e. at once motionless (Joshua 10:13 Heb.) and silent (Psalms 31:17) through fear. For the comparison, cf. the ‘dumb stone’ of Habakkuk 2:19. passed through] viz. the nations through whom they passed on their progress to Canaan (Di. Bä., &c.): cf. for the expression Deuteronomy 29:16 ‘and how we passed through the midst of the nations through which ye passed.’ The poet idealizes the past; and pictures the neighbouring peoples terror-struck, unable to move a hand to resist Israel, as it marched on to take possession of its inheritance in Canaan. The words do not refer, as the rend. of EVV. would imply that they do, to the passage of the Jordan. purchased] The word does mean (marg.) to get (Genesis 4:1, Proverbs 16:16 al.) or acquire; but it is commonly used in the sense of to get by purchase, or buy (Genesis 33:19, &c.). And this no doubt is its meaning here; the idea being that Jehovah has ‘redeemed’ Israel (v. 13, Exodus 6:6), like a slave, from servitude, and purchased it as His own possession (cf. Nehemiah 5:8 RVm.). The word is used similarly of Israel in Isaiah 11:11 (see RVm.), Psalms 74:2 (cf. Psalms 78:54 b).

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 15:16

14-17. Fifth strain. The Egyptians were conquered, but other foes yet lay between the Israelites and the promised inheritance.

Sermons on Exodus 15:16

	Sermon	Description
	Crossing the Red Sea by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith continues his verse-by-verse study through the book of Exodus. He focuses on the events surrounding the crossing of the Red Sea by the children o
	The Quiet and Easy Passage of Christ's Purchased People Through Death to Glory. by John Gill	John Gill preaches about the quiet and easy passage of Christ's purchased people through death to glory, drawing parallels between the Israelites' crossing of the Red Sea and the b
	Trembling at God's Righteousness by Joshua Daniel	This sermon focuses on the importance of not deferring obedience to God, using the example of Felix delaying his decision to follow Christ. It emphasizes the need for humility, rig
	Epistle 189 by George Fox	George Fox encourages his friends in New England and Virginia to remain steadfast in the truth and power of God, urging them to spread the gospel and confound deceit. He emphasizes
	Skyland Conference 1979-03 Elisha by Robert Constable	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of making room for God's blessings in our lives. He uses the story of a widow in debt to illustrate this point. The widow, wh
	Rahab: Holy or Hypocrite - Hebrews 11:31 by Jon Courson	Jon Courson delves into Hebrews 11, known as God's Hall of Faith, highlighting the surprising inclusions and exclusions. He focuses on Rahab, the only woman in the Hall of Faith be
	The Exodus - From Egypt to Canaan - Sermon 1 of 5 by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that all of humanity is under the domination of Satan due to sin. The power of Satan lies in sin, which gives him the ability to act as a ja