Exodus 15:14

KJV

The people shall hear, [and] be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.

KJV (with Strong's)

The people {H5971} shall hear {H8085}, and be afraid {H7264}: sorrow {H2427} shall take hold {H270} on the inhabitants {H3427} of Palestina {H6429}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The peoples have heard, and they tremble; anguish takes hold of those living in P'leshet;

Berean Standard Bible

The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the dwellers of Philistia.

American Standard Version

The peoples have heard, they tremble: Pangs have taken hold on the inhabitants of Philistia.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 15:14 is a profound prophetic declaration embedded within the Israelites' triumphant "Song of Moses," foretelling the widespread terror and anguish that will seize the surrounding nations, particularly the formidable Philistines, upon hearing of Yahweh's unparalleled act of deliverance at the Red Sea. This verse anticipates the psychological and spiritual impact of God's overwhelming power on the inhabitants of Canaan, demonstrating His sovereign control over historical events and His unwavering commitment to preparing the way for His covenant people's secure entry into the Promised Land and their eventual inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 15:14 is a crucial component of the grand "Song of Moses and Miriam" (found in [Exodus 15:1-18](/exodus/15-1-18 "The Song of Moses and Miriam")), a magnificent hymn of praise and prophecy sung by the Israelites immediately following their miraculous passage through the Red Sea and the complete annihilation of Pharaoh's army. The song initially celebrates God's decisive victory over Egypt, recounting His mighty acts of judgment and salvation in verses [Exodus 15:1-12](/exodus/15-1-12 "God's Triumph at the Red Sea"). However, the song then shifts from a retrospective recounting of past salvation to a forward-looking, prophetic declaration of God's future actions, particularly His divine guidance of Israel to His holy dwelling and the terror He will instill in the surrounding nations. Verse 14 serves as the initial pronouncement of this impending dread, setting the stage for the subsequent verses that detail the specific nations and the ultimate establishment of God's people in the land He has prepared. It powerfully underscores that God's victory at the Red Sea was not an isolated event but the foundational act of a larger divine plan for Israel's secure settlement in Canaan, ensuring their safe passage and eventual inheritance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The immediate historical context is the dramatic emergence of Israel from centuries of slavery in Egypt, culminating in their miraculous passage through the Red Sea and the utter destruction of the Egyptian military. This event, unparalleled in its scope and divine intervention, would have sent shockwaves across the ancient Near East. In a polytheistic world where national deities were believed to contend for supremacy, the complete defeat of Egypt's powerful gods and army by Yahweh would have been a terrifying prospect for neighboring peoples. The mention of "Palestina" (the land of the Philistines) is particularly significant. While the Philistines are most prominently featured in later Israelite history, archaeological evidence confirms their presence along the southwestern coastal plain of Canaan prior to the major Israelite conquest, indicating they were already a formidable people. Their inclusion here highlights that even well-established and militarily strong adversaries would be gripped by fear. News of such monumental events spread rapidly through ancient trade routes, oral traditions, and diplomatic channels, ensuring that the reputation of Yahweh's power would indeed precede Israel's advance. The concept of divine terror causing nations to melt away was a recognized phenomenon in ancient Near Eastern thought, often interpreted as a clear sign of a superior deity's favor towards a particular people, thereby psychologically preparing the ground for conquest or dominance.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 15:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the **Sovereignty and Power of Yahweh**, demonstrating that God is not merely Israel's deliverer but the supreme ruler of all nations, capable of orchestrating events and influencing the hearts of men to fulfill His purposes. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Protection and Guidance** for God's covenant people, assuring Israel that their journey to the Promised Land would be facilitated by God's active intervention, including the psychological subjugation of their enemies. This ties into the theme of **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**, as He had promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would inherit the land of Canaan (e.g., [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "God's Covenant with Abraham")). The verse also introduces the theme of **Fear of the Lord among the Nations**, a recurring motif in the Old Testament where God's mighty acts cause awe and dread among those who oppose Him, ultimately serving to magnify His name and clear the way for His people (e.g., [Joshua 2:9-11](/joshua/2-9-11 "Rahab's Confession of Fear and God's Power") and [Deuteronomy 2:25](/deuteronomy/2-25 "God Instilling Dread in Nations")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **people (Hebrew, _ʻam'_):** This term (H5971) refers to "a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock; folk, men, nation, people." In this context, it refers broadly to the various nations and inhabitants surrounding Israel, emphasizing that the impact of God's deeds would be widespread and affect diverse groups.
* **hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This word (H8085) signifies "to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.); [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness." It implies more than mere auditory perception; it suggests a deep comprehension and acknowledgment of the profound implications of Yahweh's power, leading to a compelled response of fear.
* **sorrow (Hebrew, _chîyl'_):** This term (H2427) denotes "a throe (expectant of childbirth); pain, pang, sorrow." It describes a deep, gripping dread, often associated with intense anguish, trembling, and the debilitating pains of childbirth. This is not a superficial apprehension but a visceral, overwhelming terror that paralyzes and disorients, suggesting a loss of courage and the inability to resist or act decisively.
* **take hold (Hebrew, _ʼâchaz'_):** This primitive root (H270) means "to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession); [phrase] be affrighted, bar, (catch, lay, take) hold (back), come upon, fasten, handle, portion, (get, have or take) possess(-ion)." It vividly portrays sorrow as an active force that seizes and possesses the inhabitants, indicating an inescapable and overwhelming grip on their minds and spirits, leaving them helpless.
* **inhabitants (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** This word (H3427) from a primitive root means "properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry; (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry." In this context, it refers to those settled in the land, emphasizing that even the established, seemingly secure populations would be affected.
* **Palestina (Hebrew, _Pᵉlesheth'_):** This term (H6429) is derived from a root meaning "rolling, i.e. migratory; Pelesheth, a region of Syria; Palestina, Palestine, Philistia, Philistines." While the KJV uses "Palestina," the original Hebrew refers specifically to the land of the Philistines. This powerful, non-Semitic people settled in the coastal plain of Canaan (encompassing cities like Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron). Their specific mention here, even before their major conflicts with Israel in the periods of the Judges and Monarchy, highlights their prominence and anticipates that even strong, established peoples would be profoundly affected by the news of Yahweh's might.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The people shall hear, [and] be afraid":** This opening clause emphasizes the widespread dissemination of the news concerning Yahweh's mighty acts at the Red Sea. It implies that the divine intervention was so profound and undeniable that its fame would travel far and wide, reaching all the surrounding nations. This "hearing" is not merely casual information but a deep recognition of a new, formidable power in the region, leading directly to a profound, paralyzing terror. This fear is a divinely orchestrated response, designed to soften resistance and demonstrate God's absolute sovereignty over all peoples.
* **"sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina":** This specifies the Philistines as a prime example of the nations that will be gripped by this fear. The phrase "sorrow shall take hold" personifies sorrow or anguish, suggesting an inescapable, physical, and psychological grip. It paints a vivid picture of a people overwhelmed by dread, their resolve broken, and their ability to act decisively against Israel compromised by the sheer terror of Yahweh's reputation. This highlights God's strategic use of psychological warfare to prepare the way for His people's entry into the Promised Land.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 15:14 is rich in literary devices that amplify its prophetic message and theological depth. The primary device is **Prophecy**, as the verse clearly foretells future events—the widespread fear and anguish among surrounding nations—that would indeed come to pass as Israel approached and entered Canaan. This prophetic element powerfully underscores God's sovereign control over history and His ability to declare the end from the beginning, demonstrating His meticulous plan for His people. **Personification** is strikingly evident in the phrase "sorrow shall take hold," where an abstract emotion (sorrow or anguish) is given the human-like ability to grasp and seize, vividly conveying the inescapable, overwhelming, and almost physical nature of the dread that will consume the inhabitants. The verse also employs **Anticipation**, building suspense and expectation for Israel's future encounters with these nations, suggesting that their path into the Promised Land will be eased and secured by the terror that precedes them. Furthermore, there is an element of **Hyperbole** in the comprehensive nature of the fear ("the people shall hear, and be afraid"), emphasizing the universal and profound impact of God's reputation, ensuring no nation would be untouched by the news of His mighty deeds.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 15:14 powerfully articulates the profound theological truth that God's redemptive acts for His people have far-reaching implications, extending beyond the immediate beneficiaries to impact the entire world. It highlights God's sovereign power not only to deliver His people from bondage but also to orchestrate the conditions for their inheritance by instilling fear and dread in their enemies. This fear is not arbitrary but a divinely purposed instrument to clear the way for Israel, demonstrating that Yahweh is the supreme God whose reputation precedes His people, causing nations to tremble and acknowledge His unrivaled might. It underscores the theme of God's active protection and guidance for His covenant people, ensuring their journey to the Promised Land is facilitated by His awesome presence and the psychological subjugation of their adversaries. This verse serves as a testament to God's ultimate control over all earthly powers and His unwavering commitment to fulfilling His promises.

* [Joshua 2:9-11](/joshua/2-9-11 "Rahab's Confession of Fear of the LORD")
* [Deuteronomy 2:25](/deuteronomy/2-25 "God Instilling Dread in Nations")
* [Psalm 48:4-6](/psalm/48-4-6 "Kings Tremble at God's Presence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 15:14 offers profound assurance and a compelling call to faithful living for believers today. Just as God's mighty acts instilled fear in ancient nations, His redemptive work through Jesus Christ and the ongoing spread of the Gospel continue to have a powerful, world-altering impact. We are reminded that our God is not small or confined to our personal experiences; He is a sovereign Lord whose fame and power reverberate throughout history and across cultures. This truth should bolster our confidence in His ability to overcome any obstacle, whether personal or global, and to make a way for His purposes to be fulfilled. When we face daunting challenges, feel surrounded by opposition, or witness the seemingly insurmountable strongholds of evil, this verse encourages us to remember that the reputation of our God, who has already triumphed over sin, death, and the grave, precedes us. Our faithful witness and reliance on His power can, by His grace, cause spiritual "sorrow" and "fear" in the strongholds of darkness, preparing the way for His kingdom to advance. It calls us to live boldly, knowing that the God who parted the Red Sea and terrified nations is still actively at work, making His name known and clearing paths for His people to fulfill His divine mission.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the knowledge that God's reputation precedes His people, even to the point of instilling fear in their enemies, strengthen your faith in His ability to guide and protect you today?**
* **In what areas of your life or in the world around you do you need to trust that God's sovereign power can "take hold" of obstacles and prepare a way for His purposes?**
* **How might our lives, as those who bear God's name and are indwelt by His Spirit, serve as a testament to His power that causes others to "hear and be afraid" (in a sense of awe and reverence) of Him and His kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Why is "Palestina" mentioned in Exodus 15:14, given that the Philistines became prominently known much later in Israelite history?**

Answer: The King James Version's use of "Palestina" is an example of an anachronism, meaning it employs a later, more familiar name for a region that was known by a different designation at the time of the events described. The original Hebrew word is *Pelešeth* (פְּלֶשֶׁת), which refers specifically to the land of the Philistines. While the Philistines are most famously known for their extensive conflicts with Israel during the period of the Judges and the early Monarchy (e.g., the stories of Samson in [Judges 13-16](/judges/13-16 "Samson and the Philistines") and David's encounters in [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "David and Goliath")), archaeological evidence indicates their presence in the region, particularly along the southwestern coastal plain of Canaan, prior to the major Israelite conquest. The mention here is therefore prophetic, indicating that even these formidable inhabitants of the land Israel was destined to inherit would be profoundly affected by the news of Yahweh's power. It highlights God's comprehensive plan to instill dread in all the inhabitants of Canaan, including those who would later become significant and powerful adversaries, thereby preparing the psychological ground for Israel's eventual entry and settlement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 15:14, with its vivid depiction of divine power causing nations to tremble and fear, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as Yahweh’s reputation for mighty deeds preceded Israel, preparing the way for their entry into the earthly Promised Land, so too does the name and sovereign authority of Christ precede His church, preparing the way for the advance of His spiritual kingdom throughout the world. The "fear" and "sorrow" that took hold of ancient nations foreshadow the universal awe, reverence, and ultimate submission that will be rendered to Christ, for "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Every Knee Bows to Jesus")). His victory over sin, death, and the devil on the cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's power, far surpassing the Red Sea deliverance. The spread of the Gospel, the "hearing" of Christ's triumph and the call to repentance, continues to cause a profound spiritual effect: for those who believe, it brings salvation, peace, and new life (e.g., [Romans 10:17](/romans/10-17 "Faith Comes by Hearing")); for those who reject Him, it portends ultimate judgment and a "fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the adversaries" ([Hebrews 10:27](/hebrews/10-27 "Fearful Expectation of Judgment")). Christ is the ultimate deliverer who leads His people to their eternal inheritance, and His sovereign authority ensures that all spiritual adversaries will ultimately be subdued, making way for His everlasting reign.

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

Deuteronomy 2:25

This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations [that are] under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of thee, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of thee.

Joshua 2:9

And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.

Joshua 2:10

For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that [were] on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.

Joshua 9:24

And they answered Joshua, and said, Because it was certainly told thy servants, how that the LORD thy God commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you, therefore we were sore afraid of our lives because of you, and have done this thing.

Numbers 14:14

And they will tell [it] to the inhabitants of this land: [for] they have heard that thou LORD [art] among this people, that thou LORD art seen face to face, and [that] thy cloud standeth over them, and [that] thou goest before them, by day time in a pillar of a cloud, and in a pillar of fire by night.

Isaiah 14:31

Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, [art] dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none [shall be] alone in his appointed times.

Psalms 48:6

Fear took hold upon them there, [and] pain, as of a woman in travail.