Exodus 15:16

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Fear {H367} and dread {H6343} shall fall {H5307} upon them; by the greatness {H1419} of thine arm {H2220} they shall be as still {H1826} as a stone {H68}; till thy people {H5971} pass over {H5674}, O LORD {H3068}, till the people {H5971} pass over {H5674}, which {H2098} thou hast purchased {H7069}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Terror and dread fall on them; by the might of your arm they are still as stone until your people pass over, ADONAI, till the people you purchased pass over.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 15:16, a powerful declaration within the triumphant Song of Moses, prophetically asserts God's absolute sovereignty and unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It foretells the overwhelming fear and paralysis that will seize the nations surrounding Israel, rendering them utterly immobile "as still as a stone" by the sheer magnitude of God's "arm" as His "purchased" people advance toward their promised inheritance. This verse serves as both a profound testament to God's past deliverance and a confident assurance of His future divine protection and guaranteed victory for His chosen ones.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 15:16 is a pivotal and prophetic utterance embedded within the "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 theological reflection sung by the Israelites immediately following their miraculous deliverance through the Red Sea and the catastrophic destruction of Pharaoh's army. This song transcends a mere retrospective celebration of God's past acts of salvation; it functions as a forward-looking declaration of His continued faithfulness and irresistible power. While verses 1-12 recount the awe-inspiring Red Sea event, verses 13-18 shift dramatically to a prophetic anticipation of Israel's arduous journey through the wilderness, their eventual entry into the Promised Land of Canaan, and the ultimate establishment of God's sanctuary among them. Verse 16 specifically acts as a crucial bridge, connecting the overwhelming display of God's power at the sea to the future encounters Israel will inevitably have with the formidable inhabitants of Canaan, assuring them that the same divine might will clear their path. The powerful repetition of "till thy people pass over" underscores the absolute certainty of their divinely orchestrated journey and God's unwavering protective presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Exodus event, culminating in the unprecedented Red Sea miracle, constituted an unparalleled display of divine power that would have sent profound ripples of fear and awe throughout the entire ancient Near East. News of such a potent deity delivering a nation from a global superpower like Egypt would have traveled with astonishing speed, generating widespread apprehension. The surrounding nations, frequently embroiled in warfare and territorial disputes, would perceive the advancing Israelites not merely as a nomadic tribe but as a people unequivocally backed by an incredibly potent and victorious God. The concept of a nation's god fighting on its behalf was common in this era, but the God of Israel's decisive victory over Egypt was utterly unparalleled in its scope and demonstration of power. The phrase "fear and dread shall fall upon them" powerfully reflects the common ancient Near Eastern understanding of divine terror (often associated with "holy war")—a supernatural incapacitation that could seize enemies, rendering them helpless even before battle commenced. Furthermore, the profound idea of God "purchasing" or "acquiring" a people resonated deeply with prevailing covenantal practices where a deity would choose, protect, and establish a unique relationship with a specific group, signifying a bond of ownership and loyalty, thereby setting Israel apart as God's special, treasured possession.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 15:16 contributes significantly to several overarching theological and narrative themes present throughout the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, demonstrating that Yahweh's power is absolute and irresistible, capable of both delivering His people and judging their adversaries. It highlights **Covenant Faithfulness**, as God's actions are consistently rooted in His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ensuring that His "purchased" people will inherit the land. The verse also develops the theme of **God as Warrior and Deliverer**, portraying Him actively fighting for Israel, not merely as a distant observer but as the one who "redeemed" them with a "strong hand and an outstretched arm" ([Deuteronomy 5:15](/deuteronomy/5-15 "God's Redemption with a Strong Hand")). Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **Divine Terror and Judgment upon Nations**, where the fear and dread inflicted upon Israel's enemies serve as a testament to God's glory and a means of clearing the path for His chosen people, emphasizing that no human force can thwart His divine plans. This verse powerfully reinforces the unique status of Israel as God's **Special Possession** ([Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Israel, a Treasured Possession")), a people set apart by His redemptive act and destined for His holy purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Arm (Hebrew, _zᵉrôwaʻ'_):** This anthropomorphic term (H2220) refers to God's strength, power, and active intervention. Derived from a root meaning "to stretch out," it specifically denotes the arm as extended for action, particularly in military contexts or acts of labor. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the "arm" or "outstretched arm" was a common symbol of military might, conquering power, and the ability of a king or deity to subdue enemies and deliver his people. When applied to God, as here in the phrase "greatness of thine arm," it signifies His irresistible, tangible, and effective power in history, particularly in acts of salvation and judgment. It conveys the immense, active force by which God provides help and demonstrates His mighty strength.
* **Still (Hebrew, _dâmam'_):** This word (H1826) conveys a profound sense of silence, stillness, or paralysis. Its root meaning suggests "to be dumb," implying an inability to speak, which extends to being astonished or stopped. When combined with "as a stone," it paints a vivid picture of utter immobility, shock, and terror. It suggests that the enemies will be so overwhelmed by the reputation and reality of God's power that they will be rendered helpless, unable to move, resist, or even utter a sound. This is not merely a physical stillness but a psychological and spiritual incapacitation, a cessation of all activity, born of overwhelming dread.
* **Purchased (Hebrew, _qânâh'_):** While often translated simply as "buy," this primitive root (H7069) carries a broader and richer meaning of acquiring, creating, or possessing. It implies an act of establishment or creation, and by extension, to procure, especially through purchase, thereby leading to ownership. In this context, it signifies God's deliberate and sovereign act of acquiring Israel as His own unique possession through the powerful act of deliverance from Egypt. It implies a deep, covenantal relationship, where God has redeemed them at a great cost (the plagues, the destruction of Pharaoh's army) and therefore has a special claim, ownership, and unwavering commitment to them. This term underscores Israel's unique status as God's chosen and specially acquired people, distinct from all other nations, established by His mighty hand.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Fear and dread shall fall upon them":** This opening clause immediately sets a tone of divine judgment and the profound psychological impact of God's actions. "Them" refers to the surrounding nations and the inhabitants of Canaan who would hear of Israel's God and their miraculous deliverance. The "falling upon" suggests an overwhelming, inescapable, and divinely orchestrated terror that will grip these adversaries, not merely as a human emotion but as a supernatural imposition, a divinely induced panic and horror.
* **"by the greatness of thine arm they shall be [as] still as a stone":** This clause precisely reveals both the cause and the effect of the terror. The "greatness of thine arm" points directly to God's immense, unparalleled power as the sole source of this incapacitation. The vivid simile "as still as a stone" powerfully illustrates the complete paralysis and utter immobility that will seize the enemies. They will be rendered helpless, unable to offer any resistance or hinder Israel's progress, much like an inanimate, unmoving object. This is a potent image of divine intervention rendering all human opposition utterly impotent.
* **"till thy people pass over, O LORD":** This phrase defines the specific duration and the ultimate purpose of the enemies' paralysis. It is a temporary, strategic paralysis meticulously designed to facilitate Israel's unhindered passage. The repetition of "pass over" emphasizes the absolute certainty and divine orchestration of Israel's journey, highlighting its inevitability. The invocation "O LORD" (Yahweh, H3068) highlights the personal, covenantal name of God, emphasizing that this powerful action is undertaken specifically for His people, by His sovereign will and for His glory.
* **"till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased":** This repetition powerfully reinforces the preceding clause while adding a crucial and profound theological dimension. The identification of Israel as "which thou hast purchased" reiterates their unique and cherished status as God's special possession, acquired through His redemptive act. This act of "purchasing" (redeeming them from slavery in Egypt) forms the foundational basis of their covenant relationship and God's unwavering commitment to protect, guide, and bring them into their promised inheritance. The double emphasis on "pass over" underscores the divine guarantee of their successful journey into the Promised Land, secured by God's ownership and irresistible power.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 15:16 is exceptionally rich with **imagery** and **figurative language** that profoundly amplify its prophetic message. The phrase "greatness of thine arm" employs striking **anthropomorphism**, attributing a human physical characteristic (an arm) to God. This device makes God's active, powerful intervention in human affairs relatable and His might tangible, conveying His direct and forceful action. The **simile** "as still as a stone" creates a vivid, memorable, and impactful picture of utter paralysis and immobility, powerfully emphasizing the profound terror and helplessness that will grip Israel's enemies. This can also be seen as **hyperbole**, exaggerating the stillness to convey the extreme and supernatural nature of their fear and incapacitation. The deliberate **repetition** of "till thy people pass over" serves to underscore the certainty and divine purpose of Israel's journey, building a powerful sense of unwavering assurance and inevitability. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a potent **prophecy**, looking forward to future events and assuring the Israelites of God's continued protective presence and irresistible power, transforming a song of past deliverance into a confident declaration of future triumph and divine fulfillment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 15:16 powerfully articulates the foundational theological themes of divine sovereignty, covenant faithfulness, and God's protective, providential care for His chosen people. The "greatness of thine arm" signifies God's absolute control over all of history and His irresistible power to accomplish His purposes, even in the face of formidable human and spiritual opposition. This verse profoundly underscores the unique and unbreakable relationship between Yahweh and Israel, a relationship established and solidified through their redemption ("purchased") from slavery. It teaches that God's actions are not arbitrary but are deeply rooted in His eternal covenant promises, thereby ensuring that His people will reach their divinely appointed destiny. The terror inflicted upon the nations serves as a powerful testament to God's glory and a divinely orchestrated means of clearing the path for His people, demonstrating unequivocally that no human force or earthly power can thwart His majestic plans for those He has redeemed and claimed as His own.

* [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Israel as God's Chosen Possession")
* [Psalm 77:14-15](/psalms/77-14-15 "God's Arm Redeeming His People")
* [Isaiah 43:1-3](/isaiah/43-1-3 "God's Protection of His Redeemed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 15:16 offers profound encouragement and a compelling call to unwavering trust for believers today. Just as God's mighty arm cleared the path for ancient Israel, rendering their enemies helpless and immobile, so too does He remain sovereign over every obstacle, every adversary, and every challenge we face in our lives. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that when we feel overwhelmed by seemingly insurmountable challenges—be they spiritual attacks, pervasive societal pressures, daunting personal trials, or the anxieties of an uncertain future—we are never alone. We are God's "purchased" people, bought at the immeasurable and infinite cost of Christ's precious blood, and therefore eternally secure in His powerful, protective, and unfailing care. Our ultimate security and ability to overcome are not based on our own strength, ingenuity, or resilience, but solely on the "greatness of His arm." This profound truth should inspire us to step forward boldly in faith, knowing with absolute certainty that the same God who miraculously parted the Red Sea and paralyzed mighty nations is still actively at work, making a way where there seems to be none, and ensuring our passage through life's wilderness to our ultimate, eternal inheritance in Him. It calls us to rest deeply and confidently in His omnipotent power, not to succumb to the "fear and dread" of the world, but to trust that He will silence our spiritual foes and enable us to "pass over" victoriously through every trial, ultimately leading us to glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you currently need to trust more deeply in the "greatness of God's arm" to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles or to see spiritual opposition paralyzed?**
* **How does understanding yourself as God's "purchased" possession, bought by Christ's blood, deepen your sense of security, identity, and divine purpose in your daily walk?**
* **What "fear and dread" might the world experience today as it witnesses the transformative power of God actively at work through His church, and how can we, as believers, live in a way that truly magnifies His power and draws others to Him?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that God "purchased" His people, and how does this relate to the New Testament concept of redemption?**

Answer: In Exodus 15:16, the Hebrew word for "purchased" (*qânâh*, H7069) signifies God's sovereign act of acquiring Israel as His own unique and special possession through their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian slavery. It establishes a profound covenantal relationship where God, at great cost (the devastating plagues, the destruction of Pharaoh's army), redeemed them and claimed them as His treasured people. This concept highlights His sovereign choice, His protective ownership, and His unwavering commitment to those He has set apart. In the New Testament, this theme finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Christ's redemptive work. Believers are "purchased" or "bought with a price" ([1 Corinthians 6:20](/1_corinthians/6-20 "Bought with a Price") and [1 Corinthians 7:23](/1_corinthians/7-23 "Bought with a Price")) by the precious and atoning blood of Jesus Christ ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "Redeemed with Precious Blood")). This new covenant "purchase" is an even greater act of redemption, freeing us not from physical slavery, but from the spiritual bondage of sin and death, and bringing us into an eternal, intimate relationship with God as His beloved children and co-heirs with Christ. Just as ancient Israel was God's treasured possession, the Church, the new Israel, is now God's "purchased" people, destined for an eternal inheritance and an everlasting relationship with Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 15:16, with its powerful declaration of God's mighty "arm" paralyzing enemies for the sake of His "purchased" people, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "passing over" of Israel through the Red Sea and their secure entry into the Promised Land serves as a magnificent foreshadowing of the greater spiritual exodus accomplished by Christ. He is the true Passover Lamb whose sacrificial blood "purchased" (redeemed) a people not from physical slavery to an earthly empire, but from the far more devastating bondage of sin, death, and the dominion of Satan, at the infinite cost of His own life on the cross [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "Redeemed with the Precious Blood of Christ"). By His "greatness of arm"—manifested supremely in His resurrection power and ascension—Christ has utterly defeated, disarmed, and paralyzed the ultimate spiritual enemies: sin, death, and the devil [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers"). Just as the nations were rendered "still as a stone" before ancient Israel, so too are all spiritual principalities and powers, all demonic forces, and even the sting of death itself, disarmed and made powerless before the ascended Christ, ensuring the secure passage of His Church, His new covenant people, through this fallen world and triumphantly into the eternal Promised Land. We, the Church, are now God's "purchased possession" [Ephesians 1:14](/ephesians/1-14 "The Holy Spirit as a Deposit"), eternally secure in His decisive victory and destined for everlasting glory because of Christ's completed and all-sufficient work.

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

Psalms 74:2

Remember thy congregation, [which] thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, [which] thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt.

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.

1 Samuel 25:37

But it came to pass in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, and his wife had told him these things, that his heart died within him, and he became [as] a stone.

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.

Titus 2:14

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

1 Peter 2:9

But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Jeremiah 31:11

For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of [him that was] stronger than he.