Exodus 15:1

KJV

¶ Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then sang {H7891} Moses {H4872} and the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} this song {H7892} unto the LORD {H3068}, and spake {H559}, saying {H559}, I will sing {H7891} unto the LORD {H3068}, for he hath triumphed {H1342} gloriously {H1342}: the horse {H5483} and his rider {H7392} hath he thrown {H7411} into the sea {H3220}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Moshe and the people of Isra'el sang this song to ADONAI: "I will sing to ADONAI, for he is highly exalted: the horse and its rider he threw in the sea.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD: “I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted. The horse and rider He has thrown into the sea.

American Standard Version

Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto Jehovah, and spake, saying, I will sing unto Jehovah, for he hath triumphed gloriously: The horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 15:1 inaugurates one of the Bible's most ancient and profound hymns, often referred to as the "Song of the Sea" or "Song of Moses." This pivotal verse captures the immediate, spontaneous, and communal outburst of praise from Moses and the Israelites, celebrating God's magnificent and decisive triumph over Pharaoh's army at the Red Sea. It marks a foundational moment where Israel, having witnessed divine deliverance, responds with a declarative act of worship, recognizing the LORD's unparalleled power and glorious victory as the sole source of their salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the climactic events of Exodus 14, where the LORD miraculously parted the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground, and then unleashed the waters to engulf the pursuing Egyptian chariots and horsemen. Exodus 14:30-31 explicitly states that Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore and witnessed the LORD's great power, leading them to fear the LORD and believe in Him and His servant Moses. Exodus 15:1 thus serves as the opening declaration of the "Song of the Sea," a lengthy poetic composition (Exodus 15:1-18) that functions as Israel's corporate theological response to this unprecedented act of divine intervention. It transitions from narrative prose to celebratory poetry, encapsulating the awe, gratitude, and newfound understanding of God's character that permeated the redeemed nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Red Sea crossing and the subsequent song occur shortly after Israel's liberation from centuries of brutal slavery in Egypt. This deliverance was not merely an escape but a profound act of national birth and covenant establishment, demonstrating Yahweh's unique power over all other gods and earthly rulers. In the ancient Near East, it was common for victorious nations or kings to compose triumphal hymns or epic poems celebrating their military conquests and the might of their deities. The "Song of the Sea" fits this cultural pattern but subverts it by attributing all victory not to human prowess or a national deity's limited power, but to the singular, overwhelming might of the LORD, the God of Israel, who fought on behalf of His defenseless people. This song would have served as a foundational narrative for Israel's identity, passed down through generations, reminding them of God's faithfulness and power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Song (Hebrew, _shirah'_):** This term refers to a poetic composition intended to be sung, often accompanied by musical instruments. In the biblical context, "song" is frequently a vehicle for praise, lament, instruction, or prophecy. Here, it signifies a spontaneous, heartfelt expression of worship and celebration, marking a pivotal moment of communal response to God's mighty act. It is not merely a recitation but an embodied act of adoration.
* **Triumphed Gloriously (Hebrew, _ga'ah ga'ah'_):** This is an intensive doubling of the verb גאה (ga'ah), meaning "to be exalted," "to be lifted up," or "to triumph." The repetition emphasizes the absolute, overwhelming, and magnificent nature of God's victory. It conveys a sense of unparalleled majesty and an utterly decisive, unchallengeable triumph. It's not just a victory, but a victory of the highest possible degree, demonstrating God's supreme power and majesty over all earthly forces.
* **Horse and his rider (Hebrew, _sus v'rokhevo'_):** This phrase is a metonymy or synecdoche representing the entire Egyptian army, particularly its elite chariot corps, which was the most formidable military force of its time. The mention of "horse and rider" encapsulates the epitome of human military might and pride, which God effortlessly cast into the sea, demonstrating His absolute dominion over all earthly power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD":** This clause highlights the communal and Spirit-inspired nature of the response. It was not just Moses, but the entire nation, united in a spontaneous act of worship. The "song" is directed "unto the LORD," emphasizing that the praise and glory belong solely to Him for His mighty deliverance. This collective singing marks a transition from passive observation of God's power to active, joyful participation in His praise.
* **"and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD":** This phrase indicates that the song was not merely an internal thought but an audible, declared commitment. The shift from "they sang" to "I will sing" suggests a corporate declaration where each individual identifies with the collective praise. It is a personal vow of worship embedded within the communal act, signaling a deep, individual conviction to praise God for His works.
* **"for he hath triumphed gloriously":** This is the foundational reason for their song. The "for" introduces the cause of their praise—God's magnificent and utterly decisive victory. The phrase "triumphed gloriously" (as discussed above) underscores the absolute and unparalleled nature of God's triumph, leaving no doubt about the source of their salvation and the extent of His power.
* **"the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea":** This vivid imagery provides the concrete evidence of God's glorious triumph. It specifically names the instruments of Egyptian oppression and military might—the chariots and their drivers—and describes their complete and utter destruction. "Thrown into the sea" depicts a forceful, effortless act of divine judgment, demonstrating God's complete sovereignty over the most formidable human power.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 15:1 employs several powerful **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, particularly in "triumphed gloriously," which uses an intensive doubling of the verb to emphasize the overwhelming and absolute nature of God's victory, transcending mere human understanding of triumph. This is further reinforced by **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** in the phrase "the horse and his rider," which stands for the entire formidable Egyptian army and its military might, symbolizing the pinnacle of human power. By stating that God "hath he thrown into the sea," the text uses **Vivid Imagery** to create a powerful mental picture of divine judgment and effortless destruction of the enemy. The structure of the verse, moving from a communal declaration ("sang Moses and the children of Israel") to an individual vow ("I will sing"), suggests an **Antiphonal** or responsive quality, even within a single verse, setting the tone for a song that likely involved call and response. The repetition of "sing unto the LORD" also functions as a form of **Anaphora** or **Repetition**, reinforcing the central theme of praise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 15:1 establishes a foundational theological truth: God is a deliverer who triumphs gloriously over all opposition on behalf of His people. This verse profoundly connects the act of divine salvation with the appropriate human response of worship and praise. It teaches that true deliverance, whether from physical bondage or spiritual oppression, naturally overflows into grateful adoration and recognition of God's supreme power. The song is not merely a historical record but a theological statement about God's character as a warrior who fights for His people, demonstrating His sovereignty over all creation and human empires. This theme of God as the triumphant deliverer who inspires worship echoes throughout the biblical narrative, from the Psalms to the prophetic books, culminating in the New Testament's celebration of Christ's victory.

* [Psalm 98:1](/psalms/98-1 "Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.")
* [Psalm 118:14](/psalms/118-14 "The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.")
* [Revelation 15:3](/revelation/15-3 "And they sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: 'Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations!'")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 15:1 serves as a timeless call to worship, reminding us that our response to God's mighty acts of deliverance should be one of profound gratitude and unreserved praise. Just as the Israelites, fresh from witnessing an unprecedented miracle, spontaneously burst into song, so too should our hearts overflow with adoration when we reflect on God's interventions in our lives. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of worship that is both communal and deeply personal, recognizing that God's triumphs are not just historical events but ongoing realities that invite our active participation in His praise. It challenges us to identify the "horses and riders"—the seemingly insurmountable obstacles, fears, or oppressive forces—in our own lives and trust that the same God who triumphed gloriously at the Red Sea is capable of delivering us today. Our worship, like theirs, should be a declaration of His sovereignty and an affirmation of His unfailing power to save.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "horses and riders" in your life or in the world today do you need to trust God to "throw into the sea"?**
* **How does recognizing God's "glorious triumph" in your past experiences inspire your present and future worship?**
* **In what ways can you, individually and communally, express a "song unto the LORD" that reflects His mighty acts of deliverance in your life?**

### FAQ
**Why is this song, particularly Exodus 15:1, so significant in biblical history and theology?**

Answer: Exodus 15:1 and the subsequent "Song of the Sea" are profoundly significant for several reasons. Theologically, it is one of the earliest and most powerful expressions of Israel's understanding of Yahweh as a divine warrior and deliverer, establishing a foundational narrative of salvation through divine intervention. Historically, it marks the pivotal transition from slavery to freedom, solidifying Israel's identity as a people redeemed by God. Liturgically, it serves as a prototype for future songs of praise and lament in the Bible, demonstrating that worship is the natural and necessary response to God's mighty acts. It also highlights the communal nature of faith and worship, as the entire nation participated. Furthermore, its imagery and themes of God's triumph over oppressive forces resonate throughout the Old Testament and are explicitly referenced in the New Testament (Revelation 15:3), underscoring its enduring theological importance as a testament to God's unwavering power and faithfulness to His covenant people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 15:1, with its declaration of God's glorious triumph over the "horse and his rider" at the Red Sea, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage, accomplished by God's mighty arm, prefigures the infinitely greater spiritual deliverance from sin, death, and the power of Satan achieved through Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. Just as God "threw into the sea" the forces that held Israel captive, so Christ, through His victory on the cross, decisively defeated the spiritual powers that enslaved humanity, triumphing "gloriously" over sin's dominion and death's sting (Colossians 2:15). The "Song of Moses" thus becomes a prophetic foreshadowing of the "Song of the Lamb," sung by those redeemed by Christ's blood (Revelation 15:3). Our salvation in Christ is the ultimate Red Sea moment, prompting an even deeper and more glorious song of praise, for He is the one who has truly triumphed gloriously, securing eternal freedom for all who believe (Hebrews 2:14-15).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 15:3

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous [are] thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true [are] thy ways, thou King of saints.

Exodus 15:21

And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

Psalms 106:12

Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.

Isaiah 12:1

¶ And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.

Isaiah 12:6

Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great [is] the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

Isaiah 51:10

[Art] thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?

Isaiah 51:11

Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy [shall be] upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; [and] sorrow and mourning shall flee away.