Exodus 15:15

KJV

Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {H227} the dukes {H441} of Edom {H123} shall be amazed {H926}; the mighty men {H352} of Moab {H4124}, trembling {H7461} shall take hold {H270} upon them; all the inhabitants {H3427} of Canaan {H3667} shall melt away {H4127}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then the chiefs of Edom are dismayed; trepidation seizes the heads of Mo'av; all those living in Kena'an are melted away.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; those who dwell in Canaan will melt away,

American Standard Version

Then were the chiefs of Edom dismayed; The mighty men of Moab, trembling taketh hold upon them: All the inhabitants of Canaan are melted away.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 15:15, a prophetic declaration embedded within the triumphant Song of Moses, vividly foretells the profound terror and demoralization that will seize the surrounding nations—specifically the leaders of Edom, the strong men of Moab, and all the inhabitants of Canaan—upon hearing the awe-inspiring account of Yahweh's miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egypt at the Red Sea. This verse anticipates the overwhelming psychological impact of God's mighty acts, portraying the fear of these powerful peoples as a divine preparation for Israel's impending journey and the conquest of the Promised Land, thereby underscoring God's absolute sovereignty and His active role in fulfilling His covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the "Song of Moses and Miriam" (Exodus 15:1-19), a magnificent hymn of praise and prophecy sung by the Israelites immediately after their miraculous passage through the Red Sea and the utter destruction of Pharaoh's army. Following the initial exultation over God's mighty deliverance (Exodus 15:1-12), the song shifts to a forward-looking perspective (Exodus 15:13-18), anticipating Israel's journey to the Promised Land and the impact of God's power on the nations they will encounter. Verse 15 specifically details the anticipated fear of Edom, Moab, and Canaan, serving as a prophetic declaration that God is not only their deliverer but also their vanguard, clearing the way for their inheritance. It highlights the far-reaching reputation of Yahweh's power, extending beyond Egypt to the entire region, setting the stage for the subsequent narrative of Israel's wilderness wanderings and eventual entry into Canaan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Exodus 15:15 occur immediately after the Exodus from Egypt, a pivotal moment in Israelite history. The nations mentioned—Edom, Moab, and Canaan—were significant regional entities or inhabitants of the land Israel was destined to inherit. Edom, descended from Esau, and Moab, descended from Lot, were considered kin but often hostile neighbors, occupying territories Israel would need to traverse or bypass. The "inhabitants of Canaan" were the various peoples (e.g., Amorites, Hittites, Jebusites) who occupied the land promised to Abraham's descendants. The news of such an unprecedented divine intervention as the Red Sea crossing would undoubtedly spread rapidly through ancient Near Eastern trade routes and oral traditions, striking fear into the hearts of any who might oppose Israel's advance. This fear was not merely a psychological phenomenon but a strategic one, as demoralization often preceded military defeat in ancient warfare, weakening potential adversaries before direct confrontation.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 15:15 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Power**, demonstrating His absolute control over nations and natural forces, not just for Israel's deliverance but for the fulfillment of His promises. It also highlights the theme of **Divine Warfare**, where God Himself fights for His people, paving the way for their inheritance. The anticipated fear of the nations serves as a testament to God's **Reputation and Glory**, which spreads far beyond Israel's borders, impacting even those who oppose Him. This prefigures later narratives where the fame of Yahweh precedes Israel, such as [Joshua 2:9-11](/joshua/2-9-11 "Rahab's Confession of the Fear of the Lord"), where Rahab explicitly states the terror that has fallen upon Jericho due to the reports of the Exodus. Finally, the verse reinforces the **Covenant Faithfulness of God**, assuring Israel that He will indeed bring them into the land He promised their ancestors, actively removing obstacles in their path, as seen in the broader narrative of the conquest of [Canaan](/joshua/1 "Joshua 1 - The Conquest of Canaan").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Amazed (Hebrew, _bâhal'_):** From H926, this word means "to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e. (figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously." When applied to the "dukes" (H441, _ʼallûwph_, chieftains) of Edom, it signifies a deep, incapacitating shock and sudden terror that paralyzes their leadership and decision-making capacity. It's not mere surprise, but a profound, unsettling fear that renders them helpless.
* **Trembling (Hebrew, _raʻad'_):** From H7461, this word denotes "a shudder" or "trembling." Combined with the verb "shall take hold" (H270, _ʼâchaz_, "to seize"), it paints a vivid picture of an uncontrollable, involuntary physical reaction to extreme fear. This is a visceral, debilitating terror that seizes the "mighty men" (H352, _ʼayil_, strong leaders) of Moab, rendering them physically weak and incapable of resistance.
* **Melt away (Hebrew, _mûwg'_):** From H4127, this primitive root means "to melt, i.e. literally (to soften, flow down, disappear), or figuratively (to fear, faint)." In this context, it powerfully describes the complete loss of courage, resolve, and strength among the inhabitants of Canaan. Like wax melting before fire, their collective will to resist would dissipate, leaving them demoralized and vulnerable. This imagery suggests a comprehensive breakdown of their societal and military cohesion, preparing the way for Israel's entry into the land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed":** This clause anticipates the immediate and profound impact of God's power on the leadership of Edom. The "dukes" (or chieftains) represent the strength and decision-making capacity of the nation. Their being "amazed" or "dismayed" signifies a deep, incapacitating shock that paralyzes their ability to respond or resist. This is not mere surprise but a terror that undermines their authority and confidence, rendering them utterly helpless before the news of Yahweh's might.
* **"the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them":** This phrase further elaborates on the physical and psychological effects of the divine display. The "mighty men" of Moab, presumably their elite warriors or strong leaders, will be gripped by an uncontrollable "trembling." This vivid imagery conveys a visceral fear that renders them physically weak and unable to act, highlighting the overwhelming nature of God's reputation and its power to demoralize even the most formidable adversaries. It suggests a complete loss of composure and military readiness.
* **"all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away":** This climactic statement broadens the scope of the terror to encompass the entire population of the Promised Land. The phrase "melt away" is a powerful metaphor for the complete loss of courage, resolve, and the will to fight. It suggests a dissolution of their collective strength and a pervasive sense of helplessness, effectively preparing the land for Israel's conquest by removing the spirit of resistance from its inhabitants, making their eventual defeat a foregone conclusion.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 15:15 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of divine power and its impact. Primarily, it functions as a **prophecy**, foretelling future events with certainty, demonstrating God's foreknowledge and control over history. The language is rich in **vivid imagery** and **hyperbole**, using strong verbs like "amazed," "trembling shall take hold," and "melt away" to create a dramatic and visceral sense of fear and demoralization. This is not a literal melting, but a metaphorical description of psychological and societal collapse. The structure of the verse also exhibits a form of **parallelism**, where similar ideas of fear and incapacitation are applied to successive groups—Edom, Moab, and Canaan—building in intensity and scope across the region. Furthermore, the concept of "trembling shall take hold upon them" can be seen as a subtle form of **personification**, where an abstract emotion is given the agency to seize individuals, emphasizing its overwhelming and inescapable power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 15:15 powerfully articulates the theological truth that God's acts of salvation for His people are simultaneously acts of judgment and revelation to the world. The fear and demoralization of the surrounding nations are not incidental but are divinely orchestrated consequences designed to clear the path for Israel's inheritance of the Promised Land. This demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. The verse underscores the theme of God's reputation spreading throughout the earth, establishing Him as the supreme and terrifyingly powerful deity, a force before whom no human power can stand. It reveals that God's glory is not confined to Israel but is displayed for all to see, compelling even His adversaries to acknowledge His might, albeit in fear, thus preparing the way for His redemptive purposes.

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 15:15 serves as a profound reminder that God's power is not merely a historical concept but a living reality that continues to shape the world and our individual lives. For believers today, this verse offers immense encouragement and a deep wellspring of confidence. It assures us that the God who delivered Israel with such overwhelming might is still at work, capable of disarming and demoralizing any opposition that stands in the way of His purposes for His people. When we face daunting challenges, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, or powerful adversaries, we can draw strength from the knowledge that our God can cause even the strongest to "melt away." This should inspire us to trust Him more fully, to walk in greater boldness, and to remember that His reputation, established through His mighty acts, continues to precede us, paving the way for His kingdom to advance in our lives and in the world. Our faith is not in our own strength or strategies, but in the God whose very presence causes the mightiest to tremble and the most resolute to lose heart, ensuring His will is accomplished.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the anticipated fear of the nations in this verse strengthen your personal faith in God's ability to overcome obstacles in your life?**
* **In what ways might God be "melting away" resistance or preparing the way for His purposes in your current circumstances or in the world today?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the pervasive and far-reaching impact of God's actions, even on those who do not acknowledge Him?**

### FAQ

**Why are Edom, Moab, and Canaan specifically mentioned in this prophecy?**

Answer: Edom, Moab, and Canaan are specifically mentioned because they represent key nations or peoples that Israel would directly encounter on their journey to and within the Promised Land. Edom and Moab were related peoples (descendants of Esau and Lot, respectively) who occupied territories adjacent to Israel's intended path, and with whom Israel would have significant interactions, sometimes hostile, as detailed later in books like [Numbers 20](/numbers/20 "Numbers 20 - Edom Refuses Passage") and [Numbers 22](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22 - Balaam and Balak of Moab"). The "inhabitants of Canaan" were the various indigenous groups occupying the land God had promised to Abraham's descendants. By naming these specific groups, the prophecy highlights God's strategic preparation for Israel's future, demonstrating His sovereignty over their immediate challenges and His commitment to fulfilling His covenant to give them the land. This specificity grounds the prophecy in the immediate historical and geographical realities of Israel's impending journey, assuring them of God's active role in clearing their path.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 15:15, with its depiction of nations trembling and melting away before the power of Yahweh, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the immediate context speaks of physical conquest and the fear of earthly kingdoms, the New Testament reveals a greater spiritual reality where all powers and authorities ultimately bow before the King of kings. Christ's victory on the cross and His resurrection represent the definitive "Exodus" for humanity, defeating sin, death, and the devil—the true adversaries that held humanity captive. Just as the report of God's power caused the nations to tremble, so the gospel, the good news of Christ's triumph, spreads throughout the world, causing spiritual strongholds to "melt away" and hearts to be "amazed" (or convicted) before His sovereign reign. The fear of God that gripped ancient nations now leads to a reverent awe and submission to Christ, as prophesied in passages like [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Every Knee Will Bow to Jesus") and [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ Disarmed the Powers"). In Christ, God's ultimate purpose is not merely to give a land, but to establish an eternal kingdom where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father, drawing all people to Himself (as seen in [John 12:32](/john/12-32 "Jesus Will Draw All People to Himself")).

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

Joshua 5:1

¶ And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which [were] on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which [were] by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel.

Joshua 2:11

And as soon as we had heard [these things], our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he [is] God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.

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.

Deuteronomy 2:4

And command thou the people, saying, Ye [are] to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore:

Genesis 36:40

And these [are] the names of the dukes [that came] of Esau, according to their families, after their places, by their names; duke Timnah, duke Alvah, duke Jetheth,

Nahum 2:10

She is empty, and void, and waste: and the heart melteth, and the knees smite together, and much pain [is] in all loins, and the faces of them all gather blackness.

Numbers 20:14

¶ And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us: