Exodus 15:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Miriam {H4813} answered {H6030} them, Sing {H7891} ye to 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

as Miryam sang to them: "Sing to ADONAI, for he is highly exalted! The horse and its rider he threw in the sea!"

Berean Standard Bible

And Miriam sang back to them: “Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 15:21 powerfully encapsulates the immediate and joyous response of the Israelites following their miraculous deliverance through the Red Sea. Led by Miriam, the prophetess, this verse serves as a concise, responsive chorus to the grand "Song of Moses," emphatically declaring Yahweh's unparalleled and magnificent triumph over the formidable Egyptian army, whose horse and rider were decisively cast into the depths of the sea. It highlights the spontaneous eruption of communal praise as the appropriate human response to divine, overwhelming victory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 15:21 concludes the initial outpouring of praise after the Red Sea crossing. It directly follows the extended "Song of Moses" (Exodus 15:1-19), which details God's mighty acts against Pharaoh and His guidance of Israel. Miriam's responsive song acts as an antiphonal echo, summarizing the core message of God's decisive victory. This verse is immediately preceded by Exodus 15:20, which introduces Miriam, identifies her as a prophetess and Aaron's sister, and describes her leading the women with timbrels and dancing, setting the scene for this powerful declaration. The entire chapter serves as a theological climax to the Red Sea narrative, shifting from narrative action to worshipful reflection before the journey into the wilderness continues in Exodus 15:22.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the immediate aftermath of the most significant event in Israel's early history: their liberation from Egyptian slavery and the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea. They had just witnessed God's overwhelming power as the waters parted, allowing them to pass on dry ground, and then returned to utterly destroy Pharaoh's pursuing army, including his elite chariotry and cavalry, as described in [Exodus 14:28](/exodus/14-28 "Exodus 14:28 - Destruction of Pharaoh's Army"). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, military victories were often celebrated with songs, dances, and musical instruments, particularly by women, as seen with [Jephthah's daughter](/judges/11-34 "Judges 11:34 - Jephthah's daughter meets him with timbrels and dances") and [the women celebrating David's victory over Goliath](/1_samuel/18-6 "1 Samuel 18:6 - Women celebrate David's victory"). Miriam's role as a prophetess and leader of this responsive chorus underscores her significant spiritual authority and the communal, gender-inclusive nature of this spontaneous worship, a powerful testament to God's intervention and the people's grateful response.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Answered (Hebrew, _'anah'_):** While literally meaning "to answer," in this context, it carries the nuance of responding in song, often in an antiphonal or responsive manner. Miriam's "answering" implies she is leading a responsive chorus, echoing the themes of Moses' song, and inviting the women to join in a collective declaration of praise. It signifies a call-and-response dynamic characteristic of ancient communal worship.
* **Triumphed gloriously (Hebrew, _ga'oh ga'ah'_):** This is a powerful repetition of the verb *ga'ah* (גָּאָה), meaning "to be exalted," "to be lifted up," or "to triumph." The doubling of the verb (an infinitive absolute construction) serves to intensify the meaning, conveying an overwhelming, majestic, and utterly decisive victory. It signifies a triumph of unparalleled magnitude, leaving no doubt as to the absolute power and supremacy of the Lord. It is a declaration of God's magnificent exaltation through His mighty deed.
* **Thrown (Hebrew, _ramah'_):** This verb means "to throw," "to cast," or "to hurl." In this context, it conveys a sense of decisive, effortless, and complete destruction. God did not merely defeat the enemy; He "threw" them into the sea, implying a forceful, contemptuous, and absolute act of annihilation. It underscores the ease with which God, in His sovereignty, dealt with the most formidable military power of the ancient world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Miriam answered them,"**: This phrase establishes Miriam's leadership and the responsive nature of the song. As a prophetess and Aaron's sister, she steps forward to lead the women in their part of the communal celebration, echoing the men's song led by Moses. Her action signifies the full, collective participation of the community in worship.
* **"Sing ye to the LORD,"**: This is an imperative command, a direct call to worship. Miriam is not merely singing herself but is directing the entire assembly of women to join in the praise. It emphasizes that the focus of their song is Yahweh, the one true God, who has demonstrated His power on their behalf.
* **"for he hath triumphed gloriously;"**: This clause provides the reason and the central theme of their praise. The "glorious triumph" refers to God's overwhelming victory over Egypt, a triumph so magnificent and complete that it demands an equally magnificent response of worship. It highlights God's unparalleled power and majesty.
* **"the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea."**: This final clause vividly describes the specific act of God's triumph. "The horse and his rider" represent the epitome of Egyptian military might – their chariots and cavalry, which were considered invincible. God's act of "throwing" them into the sea signifies their complete and utter destruction, a decisive and irreversible defeat orchestrated by divine power alone.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 15:21 is rich in **Repetition**, echoing the core declaration of God's triumph found in the opening verse of the "Song of Moses" (Exodus 15:1), thereby reinforcing the central message of divine victory. The verse employs **Antiphonal Structure**, with Miriam "answering" or responding to the men's song, creating a call-and-response dynamic that underscores the communal and participatory nature of Israelite worship. **Vivid Imagery** is present in the phrase "the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea," which creates a powerful mental picture of the complete and decisive destruction of the enemy, highlighting God's absolute power. This imagery also functions as a form of **Merism**, where "horse and rider" represents the entirety of Pharaoh's military force. The declaration "he hath triumphed gloriously" is an example of **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration** used to emphasize the unparalleled magnitude and majesty of God's victory. The verse's concise, rhythmic structure also lends itself to **Poetic Parallelism**, common in Hebrew poetry, making it memorable and suitable for communal recitation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 15:21 is a profound theological statement affirming God's absolute sovereignty and His active intervention in human history for the salvation of His people. It declares that Yahweh is not merely a deity but a mighty warrior who fights for Israel, demonstrating His power over all earthly forces, even the most formidable empire of the day. The immediate and joyous worship response underscores the theological principle that God's mighty acts demand fervent praise and acknowledgment from His redeemed people. It also highlights God's use of diverse leaders, including women like Miriam, to lead His people in worship and prophetic declaration, affirming that spiritual leadership is not limited by gender. The Red Sea deliverance thus becomes the paradigmatic act of salvation, setting the pattern for all future deliverances and cementing God's covenant faithfulness.

* [Psalm 118:14-15](/psalm/118-14-15 "Psalm 118:14-15 - The LORD is my strength and song; he has become my salvation.")
* [Deuteronomy 32:3-4](/deuteronomy/32-3-4 "Deuteronomy 32:3-4 - Ascribe greatness to our God, the Rock, whose work is perfect.")
* [Revelation 15:3-4](/revelation/15-3-4 "Revelation 15:3-4 - The Song of Moses and the Lamb, praising God's great and marvelous deeds.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 15:21 serves as a timeless reminder for believers today to cultivate a heart of immediate and fervent praise in response to God's deliverances. Just as the Israelites did not delay their worship after witnessing God's overwhelming power at the Red Sea, we too are called to acknowledge and celebrate God's faithfulness in our lives. This applies not only to grand, miraculous interventions but also to the daily acts of grace, provision, and protection. The verse encourages us to remember God's past triumphs—whether personal breakthroughs, spiritual victories over sin, or communal experiences of His faithfulness—and to allow those memories to fuel our present worship. It challenges us to participate actively in communal praise, recognizing that God's victories often benefit His collective people, fostering unity and shared gratitude. Our worship should be a spontaneous, joyful, and public declaration of His glorious triumph over the "horses and riders" that threaten our peace and spiritual freedom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past acts of deliverance strengthen your faith in present challenges?**
* **In what ways can you, individually and communally, express your "glorious triumph" praise to the Lord today?**
* **What "horses and riders" (obstacles, enemies, spiritual strongholds) has God "thrown into the sea" in your life, and how have you acknowledged His victory?**

### FAQ
**Who was Miriam, and why is her role significant here?**

Answer: Miriam was a prophetess, the elder sister of Moses and Aaron. Her role in Exodus 15:21 is highly significant as she leads the women in a responsive song and dance, echoing the "Song of Moses." This highlights her spiritual authority and leadership within early Israel, demonstrating that God used women in prominent roles, including prophetic and worship leadership, even in a patriarchal society. Her leadership here is a powerful example of communal and gender-inclusive worship, as also seen in her later mention alongside Moses and Aaron as a leader for Israel in [Micah 6:4](/micah/6-4 "Micah 6:4 - God sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to lead Israel").

**What does "triumphed gloriously" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "triumphed gloriously" translates the Hebrew *ga'oh ga'ah*, an intensified form of the verb *ga'ah*. It signifies an overwhelming, majestic, and utterly decisive victory. It's not just a win, but a triumph of unparalleled magnitude, demonstrating God's absolute power and supremacy over all opposition. This same powerful declaration opens the "Song of Moses" in [Exodus 15:1](/exodus/15-1 "Exodus 15:1 - Moses' song of triumph"), emphasizing the central theme of God's magnificent exaltation through His mighty deed.

**How does this verse relate to the longer "Song of Moses"?**

Answer: Exodus 15:21 serves as a concise, responsive refrain or summary of the themes elaborated in the "Song of Moses" (Exodus 15:1-19). While Moses leads the men in a detailed recounting of God's mighty acts, Miriam's short chorus captures the essence of that song—God's glorious triumph and the complete destruction of the Egyptian army. It functions as an antiphonal response, inviting the entire community to participate in the central declaration of praise for God's ultimate victory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 15:21, with its declaration of God's glorious triumph over the "horse and his rider," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Red Sea deliverance, a historical act of salvation from physical bondage and a powerful enemy, serves as a profound type and shadow of the spiritual deliverance wrought by Christ. Just as God "threw into the sea" Pharaoh's seemingly invincible army, so too did Christ, through His death and resurrection, decisively triumph over the ultimate enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil. The New Testament proclaims that Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross, as declared in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's triumph over spiritual powers"). He became flesh to destroy "him who has the power of death, that is, the devil," and to deliver those who were held in slavery by their fear of death, as articulated in [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus destroys the power of death"). The "horse and his rider" of our spiritual bondage—the accusations of sin, the sting of death, and the dominion of evil—have been decisively "thrown into the sea" through Christ's victory on Calvary and His glorious resurrection, fulfilling the prophetic cry of [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory over death through Christ"). Therefore, the song of Miriam and Moses foreshadows the "Song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb" sung by the redeemed in heaven, celebrating the righteous and true ways of the Lord God Almighty, who alone is holy and worthy of all praise for His ultimate triumph over all cosmic evil, as revealed in [Revelation 15:3](/revelation/15-3 "Revelation 15:3 - Song of Moses and Lamb"). Our praise today, like Miriam's, is directed to the Lord who has triumphed gloriously through the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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.