Exodus 15:10

KJV

Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou didst blow {H5398} with thy wind {H7307}, the sea {H3220} covered {H3680} them: they sank {H6749} as lead {H5777} in the mighty {H117} waters {H4325}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You blew with your wind, the sea covered them, they sank like lead in the mighty waters.

Berean Standard Bible

But You blew with Your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters.

American Standard Version

Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: They sank as lead in the mighty waters.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 15:10, a powerful declaration within the "Song of the Sea," vividly portrays God's effortless and absolute destruction of Pharaoh's pursuing army. Through the evocative imagery of a divine breath and the engulfing sea, it underscores the Lord's supreme sovereignty over creation and His adversaries, culminating in the complete annihilation of the Egyptians who sank like lead, thereby securing Israel's miraculous and foundational deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 15:10 is intricately woven into the fabric of the "Song of the Sea" (Exodus 15:1-18), a magnificent hymn of praise and thanksgiving sung by Moses and the Israelites. This song serves as the climactic and theological response to the preceding narrative in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea"), which recounts the miraculous parting of the Red Sea and the subsequent drowning of the Egyptian army. Within this triumphant ode, verse 10 specifically hones in on the decisive moment of the Egyptians' utter defeat, forming a crucial narrative pivot that extols Yahweh's unparalleled power and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. The song's structure moves from declaration of victory to detailed recounting of God's acts, culminating in the affirmation of His eternal reign, thus setting the theological stage for Israel's journey into the wilderness and their developing relationship with God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events encapsulated in Exodus 15:10 are foundational to the identity and collective memory of ancient Israel. Having endured centuries of brutal oppression and forced labor under the formidable Egyptian empire, the Israelites' dramatic escape through the parted Red Sea and the subsequent annihilation of the pursuing army represented an unprecedented act of divine liberation. In the ancient Near East, military prowess was often attributed to the power of a nation's gods, with pharaohs often depicted as divine warriors. Therefore, the utter defeat of Pharaoh's army, arguably the most powerful military force of its era, by the God of Israel, Yahweh, served as a profound demonstration of His supremacy over all other deities and earthly powers. This pivotal event not only secured Israel's physical freedom but also established the covenant relationship between God and His people, deeply shaping their understanding of divine justice, omnipotence, and faithfulness for generations to come, distinguishing Yahweh as uniquely sovereign.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 15:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes found throughout the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is **Divine Sovereignty**, illustrating God's absolute control over creation and history. His effortless "blowing with His wind" and the sea's immediate response demonstrate that no force can withstand His will, a theme echoed in [Psalm 33:9](/psalms/33-9 "Psalm 33:9 - God's Creative Power"). This verse also highlights **Divine Judgment**, portraying God as a righteous judge who brings swift and decisive retribution upon oppressors, a concept consistently presented in passages like [Genesis 18:25](/genesis/18-25 "Genesis 18:25 - Abraham's Plea for Sodom"). Simultaneously, it underscores **Miraculous Deliverance**, as God's judgment upon His enemies is inextricably linked to His salvation of His people, a central tenet of His covenant faithfulness seen throughout the narrative of [Exodus](/exodus "The Book of Exodus"). The imagery of the Egyptians sinking "as lead" further emphasizes the **Completeness of God's Victory**, leaving no doubt about the finality of His triumph and the security of His chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wind (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** From H7307, _rûwach'_ carries a rich semantic range, encompassing "wind," "breath," and "spirit." In this context, "Thou didst blow with thy wind" suggests not merely a natural meteorological event but a direct, effortless emanation of God's very being or spirit. It implies an irresistible, unseen force originating from God Himself, orchestrating the elements to accomplish His divine will. This highlights God's immediate and personal involvement in the destruction of the Egyptians, emphasizing His omnipotence and the ease with which He executes His purposes.
* **Sank (Hebrew, _tsâlal'_):** From H6749, _tsâlal'_ means "to tumble down" or "to settle by a waving motion," ultimately signifying "to sink." Coupled with the vivid simile "as lead," this verb powerfully conveys the swift, heavy, and utterly irreversible nature of the Egyptians' demise. Lead, being exceptionally dense, sinks rapidly and completely, leaving no possibility of survival or recovery. This imagery underscores the finality and totality of God's judgment, leaving no trace of the oppressive forces.
* **Mighty (Hebrew, _ʼaddîyr'_):** From H117, _ʼaddîyr'_ describes something "wide" or "large," but figurately, it means "powerful," "excellent," "glorious," or "noble." When applied to "waters" (mayim), it emphasizes the immense, formidable, and overwhelming nature of the sea. The "mighty waters" are not merely large, but possess an inherent power and grandeur that makes the Egyptians' sinking within them all the more absolute and inescapable. This adjective elevates the destructive power of the sea, making it a fitting instrument for God's glorious judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou didst blow with thy wind":** This opening clause immediately attributes the catastrophic event to God's direct and personal agency. The "wind" (Hebrew, _rûwach'_) is not a random meteorological occurrence but God's instrument, perhaps His very breath or spirit, demonstrating His effortless control over creation. It signifies that the destruction was not accidental or coincidental, but a deliberate, powerful act of divine will, initiated by a simple exhalation.
* **"the sea covered them":** Following the divine action, the natural element of the sea becomes the immediate instrument of judgment. This phrase emphasizes the overwhelming and inescapable nature of the destruction. The waters, which had previously parted to save Israel, now returned as a force of divine judgment, completely engulfing the Egyptian army. This highlights God's mastery over the elements, using creation itself to execute His righteous decrees.
* **"they sank as lead in the mighty waters":** This powerful simile provides a vivid and visceral image of the Egyptians' fate. Like dense lead, they plunged swiftly, heavily, and irrevocably to the depths of the sea. The phrase "mighty waters" (Hebrew, _mayim ʼaddîyrîm_) further emphasizes the vastness, power, and overwhelming force of the sea, making their sinking all the more absolute and final. This imagery communicates the completeness of their annihilation and the absolute triumph of God over His enemies.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 15:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine power and judgment. The most prominent is **Simile**, evident in "they sank as lead," which powerfully illustrates the swift, heavy, and irreversible nature of the Egyptians' demise. This comparison to a dense, sinking metal immediately communicates the finality and totality of their destruction. **Anthropomorphism** is present in "Thou didst blow with thy wind," attributing a human-like action (blowing) to God, which emphasizes His direct, personal, and effortless involvement in the event, making His power relatable yet awe-inspiring. The verse also utilizes vivid **Imagery**, painting a clear mental picture of the divine breath, the overwhelming sea, and the sinking bodies, engaging the reader's senses to convey the overwhelming force of God's judgment. Furthermore, the verse employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the completeness of the destruction, reinforcing God's absolute triumph and the utter helplessness of His enemies in the face of His divine might.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 15:10 profoundly underscores the themes of divine sovereignty, righteous judgment, and miraculous deliverance. It reveals a God who is not distant or passive but actively intervenes in human history, wielding ultimate power over both creation and the forces of evil. The effortless manner in which God "blows with His wind" and the sea "covers them" demonstrates His absolute control, asserting that no power, human or natural, can stand against His will. This act of judgment on Egypt simultaneously serves as a profound act of salvation for Israel, illustrating that God's justice is inextricably linked to His covenant faithfulness. For believers, it affirms that God is a mighty deliverer who will ultimately bring justice to oppressors and secure the freedom of His people, often through means beyond human comprehension, reinforcing His unique identity as the Lord of hosts.

* [Psalm 77:16-20](/psalms/77-16-20 "Psalm 77:16-20 - God's powerful deliverance through the sea")
* [Nahum 1:3](/nahum/1-3 "Nahum 1:3 - The Lord's power in storms and His just wrath")
* [Revelation 15:3](/revelation/15-3 "Revelation 15:3 - The Song of Moses and the Lamb, celebrating God's righteous acts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 15:10 offers timeless encouragement and a profound challenge for believers today. In a world often marked by injustice, oppression, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's unfailing omnipotence. Just as He effortlessly defeated the mightiest empire of His day, He remains capable of delivering His people from any foe, whether spiritual, emotional, or physical. We are called to cultivate a faith that trusts in God's ultimate sovereignty, even when circumstances appear dire, remembering that His power is not limited by human impossibilities. This passage also reminds us that God is a God of justice; while His patience is vast, His judgment is sure and righteous, ensuring that evil will not ultimately prevail. Our response should be one of humble worship and confident expectation, knowing that the God who parted the sea and drowned Pharaoh's army is the same God who walks with us through every challenge, guaranteeing ultimate victory and freedom for those who trust in Him and obey His call.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust more fully in God's effortless power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles?**
* **How does the imagery of God's decisive judgment in this verse deepen your understanding of His character, particularly His justice and faithfulness?**
* **What "songs of deliverance" from God's past faithfulness in your personal life or in the history of the Church can you recall and celebrate today?**

### FAQ
**How does Exodus 15:10 reconcile God's destructive power with His character of love and mercy?**

Answer: Exodus 15:10, while depicting God's destructive power against the Egyptians, must be understood within the broader narrative of His covenant relationship with Israel and His ultimate justice. God's actions here are not arbitrary cruelty but a righteous judgment against a tyrannical regime that had brutally enslaved His chosen people for centuries and defiantly resisted His repeated commands to let them go, even after experiencing devastating plagues (see [Exodus 7-12](/exodus/7-12 "Exodus 7-12 - The Plagues of Egypt")). From Israel's perspective, this act of destruction was the ultimate expression of God's love, mercy, and faithfulness, as it secured their deliverance from bondage and established their freedom as a nation dedicated to Him. Thus, God's power is not divorced from His character but is a necessary component of His holy justice, defending the oppressed and upholding righteousness. It demonstrates that His love for His people necessitates His opposition to evil and injustice, ensuring that His mercy is not at the expense of His holiness or His commitment to His covenant promises, as seen in [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 15:10, with its vivid portrayal of God's decisive victory over His enemies and the miraculous deliverance of His people through the waters, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Red Sea crossing, where God's people passed through a watery judgment to salvation, serves as a powerful Old Testament type of baptism, foreshadowing the spiritual deliverance wrought by Christ, as explicitly noted in [1 Corinthians 10:1-2](/1_corinthians/10-1-2 "1 Corinthians 10:1-2 - Israel's Baptism in the Cloud and Sea"). Just as God's "wind" (Hebrew, _rûwach'_, signifying His Spirit) effortlessly brought judgment upon Pharaoh and salvation to Israel, so too does the Spirit of Christ operate to defeat the ultimate enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Christ "blew with His wind" against the powers of darkness, utterly submerging them in His decisive victory, disarming them and triumphing over them (see [Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). He is the true Deliverer who liberates His people from spiritual bondage, leading them through the "mighty waters" of judgment and death into new and eternal life. The complete annihilation of the Egyptians prefigures Christ's decisive triumph over all opposing forces, ensuring that those who are "in Christ" are truly free, having passed from death to life through His mighty act of salvation (as affirmed in [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Conquest of Death")).

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

Isaiah 11:15

And the LORD shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his mighty wind shall he shake his hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make [men] go over dryshod.

Exodus 15:5

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

Exodus 14:21

¶ And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go [back] by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry [land], and the waters were divided.

Deuteronomy 11:4

And what he did unto the army of Egypt, unto their horses, and to their chariots; how he made the water of the Red sea to overflow them as they pursued after you, and [how] the LORD hath destroyed them unto this day;

Genesis 8:1

¶ And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that [was] with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged;

Matthew 8:27

But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Amos 4:13

For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what [is] his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, [is] his name.