Exodus 15:26

KJV

And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I [am] the LORD that healeth thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And said {H559}, If thou wilt diligently {H8085} hearken {H8085} to the voice {H6963} of the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, and wilt do {H6213} that which is right {H3477} in his sight {H5869}, and wilt give ear {H238} to his commandments {H4687}, and keep {H8104} all his statutes {H2706}, I will put {H7760} none of these diseases {H4245} upon thee, which I have brought {H7760} upon the Egyptians {H4714}: for I am the LORD {H3068} that healeth {H7495} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said, "If you will listen intently to the voice of ADONAI your God, do what he considers right, pay attention to his mitzvot and observe his laws, I will not afflict you with any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians; because I am ADONAI your healer."

Berean Standard Bible

saying, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His eyes, and pay attention to His commands, and keep all His statutes, then I will not bring on you any of the diseases I inflicted on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.”

American Standard Version

and he said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of Jehovah thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his eyes, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases upon thee, which I have put upon the Egyptians: for I am Jehovah that healeth thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 15:26 presents a foundational covenantal declaration from God to the Israelites, delivered immediately after their miraculous Red Sea deliverance and the provision of sweet water at Marah. This pivotal verse outlines a conditional promise of divine protection from the very diseases inflicted upon Egypt, contingent upon Israel's diligent and comprehensive obedience to God's voice, commandments, and statutes. Central to this promise is God's profound self-revelation as "the LORD that healeth thee," introducing His character as *Yahweh Ropheka*, signifying His holistic capacity and covenantal commitment to be the comprehensive Healer and Restorer of His people's well-being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned at a crucial juncture in the Israelites' nascent journey as a redeemed people. It immediately follows their awe-inspiring passage through the Red Sea, where God unequivocally demonstrated His sovereign power over both nature and their oppressors ([Exodus 14:21-31](/exodus/14-21-31 "Exodus 14:21-31 - Red Sea Crossing")). This epic deliverance was celebrated with the triumphant Song of Moses and Miriam ([Exodus 15:1-19](/exodus/15-1-19 "Exodus 15:1-19 - Song of Moses")), a testament to God's might. However, the euphoria quickly gave way to complaint when they encountered the bitter waters of Marah. God, in His gracious provision, instructed Moses to cast a tree into the water, miraculously making it sweet ([Exodus 15:23-25](/exodus/15-23-25 "Exodus 15:23-25 - Bitter Waters of Marah")). Exodus 15:26 then serves as God's immediate covenantal instruction and promise following this demonstration of both judgment and provision. It acts as a foundational declaration, setting the stage for the more extensive legal and moral codes to be revealed at Mount Sinai, emphasizing that the relationship God desires with His newly redeemed people is one of responsive obedience, linking their physical and spiritual well-being directly to their alignment with His divine will.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites were undergoing a profound transformation, transitioning from centuries of chattel slavery in Egypt to becoming a distinct, covenant nation under God's direct rule. They were in the harsh, testing environment of the wilderness, a place that necessitated absolute reliance on divine provision and protection. Having just witnessed the devastating plagues God brought upon Egypt, which included various forms of disease and affliction, the promise of protection from "these diseases" would have resonated deeply, underscoring God's distinct care for Israel and His sovereign power over health and sickness. In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, disease was frequently associated with divine displeasure or curses, while health and prosperity were seen as indicators of divine favor. Thus, God's declaration as "the LORD that healeth thee" was not merely a medical statement but a profound theological assertion of His unique identity as the benevolent, life-giving deity who actively intervenes for the holistic well-being of His chosen people, in stark contrast to the impotent, often capricious, gods of Egypt. This verse firmly establishes the conditional nature of the Old Covenant, where blessings and curses were directly tied to obedience and disobedience, a principle extensively elaborated in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience").

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 15:26 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Covenantal Relationship**, establishing the reciprocal nature of God's interaction with Israel: His promises of blessing and protection are contingent upon their faithful obedience. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **Divine Providence and Protection**, demonstrating God's active role in safeguarding His people from harm, specifically from the afflictions He brought upon their enemies. Thirdly, and most profoundly, it reveals the theme of **God as Healer and Restorer** (Yahweh Ropheka), emphasizing His character as the source of all well-being—physical, spiritual, and communal. This theme is further developed as God provides manna, water, and guidance, continually sustaining His people in the wilderness, as seen in passages like [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - God Provides Manna and Quail") and [Exodus 17](/exodus/17 "Exodus 17 - Water from the Rock"). Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Obedience as a Path to Blessing**, a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament, where adherence to God's revealed will is presented as the pathway to flourishing and experiencing His favor.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hearken (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** From H8085, this primitive root means "to hear intelligently," often with the strong implication of attention and obedience. When used in the infinitive absolute construction, as in "diligently hearken," it intensifies the verb, conveying the sense of hearing "attentively," "carefully," or "continually." It demands not merely a passive reception of sound but an active, intentional, and sustained commitment to listening to, understanding, and acting upon God's voice. This emphasizes a deep, wholehearted engagement with divine instruction, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to practical application.
* **healeth (Hebrew, _râphâʼ'_):** From H7495, this primitive root means "to mend (by stitching)," and figuratively, "to cure" or "to make whole." While it certainly encompasses physical healing from sickness, its semantic range is much broader. It can refer to the restoration of land, the mending of broken relationships, the spiritual renewal of a soul, or the comprehensive well-being of a nation. In the context of "the LORD that healeth thee" (*Yahweh Ropheka*), it signifies God's holistic capacity to bring complete restoration—physical, spiritual, emotional, and social—to His people, addressing all forms of brokenness and infirmity. It speaks to His character as the one who makes all things whole.
* **statutes (Hebrew, _chôq'_):** From H2706, this term refers to an "enactment" or "decree." It denotes an established rule, ordinance, or law that is fixed and binding. In this context, "all his statutes" refers to the comprehensive body of divine laws and regulations that God would reveal to Israel, designed to govern their conduct, worship, and societal structure. Keeping these statutes implies adherence to the entirety of God's revealed will, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the obedience required for the covenant relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes":** This opening protasis (the "if" clause) lays out the comprehensive conditions for God's promise. The repeated emphasis on "diligently hearken" (active, continuous listening), "do that which is right in his sight" (moral uprightness according to divine standards), "give ear to his commandments" (attentive reception and internalization of specific instructions), and "keep all his statutes" (faithful adherence to the entirety of God's laws) underscores the holistic nature of the required obedience. It demands a total alignment of intellect, will, and action with God's revealed truth, signifying a life lived in continuous, active submission to His authority.
* **"I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians":** This apodosis (the "then" clause) presents the immediate and tangible promise contingent on Israel's obedience. "These diseases" directly references the plagues and afflictions God had recently inflicted upon the Egyptians, serving as powerful demonstrations of His judgment and sovereignty. The promise here is one of divine protection and exemption from such calamities, highlighting God's distinctive care for His covenant people. It serves as a potent reminder of His power over life and death, health and sickness, and His ability to shield those who walk in His ways from the very judgments He inflicts upon the disobedient.
* **"for I [am] the LORD that healeth thee":** This concluding declaration provides the divine rationale and self-revelation behind the promise. God identifies Himself by a profound covenant name: *Yahweh Ropheka* (or *Jehovah Rapha*), "The LORD who heals you." This is not merely a statement of ability but an unveiling of His inherent character and covenant commitment. He is not just a God who *can* heal, but One whose very nature and redemptive purpose are to bring healing, restoration, and wholeness to His people. This revelation assures Israel that His promise of protection is rooted in His benevolent being as their powerful and ever-present Healer.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 15:26 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological significance and rhetorical power. The most prominent is the **Conditional Covenant** structure, clearly articulated by the "If...then" formulation ("If thou wilt... I will"). This establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship between Israel's obedience and God's promised blessing, foundational to the Old Covenant. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** or **Antithesis**, setting Israel apart from Egypt. God explicitly states He will not inflict "these diseases" upon Israel, which He *did* bring upon the Egyptians, highlighting His selective judgment and distinct covenantal favor for His people. The verse features a significant **Divine Name Revelation**, as God introduces Himself as *Yahweh Ropheka* ("the LORD that healeth thee"), a profound theological unveiling of His character as the Great Healer and a foundational aspect of His relationship with Israel. Furthermore, the use of **Repetition** and **Synonymy** in the opening clause ("diligently hearken," "do that which is right," "give ear," "keep all his statutes") serves to emphasize the comprehensive and continuous nature of the required obedience, reinforcing the idea that true devotion involves both attentive hearing and faithful doing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 15:26 profoundly establishes God's character as *Yahweh Ropheka*, the LORD who heals. This revelation transcends mere physical health, encompassing a holistic understanding of well-being—spiritual, emotional, and physical wholeness—that is intrinsically linked to a covenant relationship with God. It underscores the profound principle that human flourishing is deeply intertwined with diligent obedience to divine instruction, not as a means to earn favor, but as a response of trust and love that aligns one's life with the very source of all life and blessing. While the specific terms of the Old Covenant tied physical health directly to specific acts of obedience, the underlying theological truth remains: God is the ultimate source of all healing and restoration, and a life lived in harmony with His will often brings about greater well-being. This verse reveals God's deep desire for His people's complete restoration and His active, benevolent involvement in every dimension of their lives.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-15](/deuteronomy/28-1-15 "Deuteronomy 28:1-15 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Psalm 103:2-3](/psalms/103-2-3 "Psalm 103:2-3 - God Forgives and Heals")
* [Jeremiah 30:17](/jeremiah/30-17 "Jeremiah 30:17 - God Will Restore Health and Heal Wounds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 15:26 offers timeless principles for believers today, reminding us that God remains *Yahweh Ropheka*, the Healer, whose character is unchanging. While we live under the New Covenant of grace, the call to "diligently hearken" to God's voice and "do that which is right in his sight" remains a vital aspect of our relationship with Him. This involves actively listening to His Word through diligent study, seeking His will through prayer, and striving to live in obedience not out of legalism, but out of a grateful response to His redeeming love. Embracing God as our comprehensive Healer encourages us to trust Him with all aspects of our well-being—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. It challenges us to consider how our choices and our alignment with God's principles can contribute to a more flourishing life, recognizing that true wholeness and health come ultimately from Him. This verse invites us to cultivate a posture of attentive obedience, knowing that our loving God desires our complete restoration, protection, and flourishing in every area of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as *Yahweh Ropheka* (The LORD who heals) deepen your trust in His comprehensive care for your holistic well-being?**
* **What does it mean for you to "diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD your God" in your daily life, and how can you cultivate this posture?**
* **In what ways might a life of intentional obedience to God's commands contribute to your overall health and flourishing, extending beyond just physical health?**

### FAQ

**Is this verse a guarantee that obedient Christians will never get sick?**

Answer: No, this verse is not a blanket guarantee that obedient Christians will never experience sickness. It was given within the specific context of the Old Covenant to ancient Israel, promising protection from the specific diseases God had inflicted upon the Egyptians as part of His judgment and their unique covenant relationship. While God is indeed our Healer, and obedience often brings blessings, including improved well-being, sickness and suffering are still part of living in a fallen world, even for believers. The New Testament shows that even faithful apostles like [Paul experienced physical ailments](/2_corinthians/12-7 "2 Corinthians 12:7 - Paul's thorn in the flesh") and advised others like [Timothy on their health issues](/1_timothy/5-23 "1 Timothy 5:23 - Timothy's frequent ailments"). God's healing in the New Covenant is often holistic, encompassing spiritual and emotional restoration, and sometimes physical, but it is not always immediate or in the way we expect, nor does it negate the realities of a broken world.

**What does "the LORD that healeth thee" mean beyond physical healing?**

Answer: The Hebrew word *râphâʼ* (healeth) has a broad meaning that extends far beyond mere physical recovery. When God declares Himself as *Yahweh Ropheka*, He is revealing His character as the One who brings complete wholeness and restoration to every dimension of human existence. This includes spiritual healing from the brokenness of sin and alienation from God, emotional healing from trauma, grief, and pain, mental healing from distress and anxiety, and relational healing by mending fractured relationships within families and communities. God is able to [heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds](/psalms/147-3 "Psalm 147:3 - He heals the brokenhearted"), restore the soul, and bring profound peace to troubled minds. His healing is comprehensive, addressing every facet of human brokenness and bringing us back into alignment with His original design for flourishing.

**How does "diligently hearken" apply to believers today?**

Answer: For believers today, "diligently hearken" means actively and intentionally listening to God's voice as revealed in the Bible, through prayer, and by the Holy Spirit's guidance. It's not just passive hearing but an attentive, continuous engagement with God's Word, seeking to understand His will and apply it to our lives. This involves consistent study of Scripture, meditating on its truths, and allowing it to transform our thoughts and actions. It's a posture of humble submission and eager obedience, recognizing that [Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments"](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - Jesus on keeping commandments"). Our obedience is a response of love and trust to the One who has already healed us spiritually through His grace, demonstrating our commitment to follow Him and walk in His ways.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 15:26 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the perfect embodiment of *Yahweh Ropheka*. While the Old Covenant promised protection from disease based on conditional obedience, Jesus came to address the deepest root cause of all human brokenness and suffering: sin and its pervasive consequences. He is the Great Physician who not only healed countless physical ailments during His earthly ministry, demonstrating His divine power over sickness and death, but more importantly, He offered spiritual healing and forgiveness of sins, which is the most fundamental and comprehensive form of restoration. The prophet Isaiah foretold that the Messiah would [bear our griefs and carry our sorrows](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - Christ bore our infirmities"), and that by His stripes, we are healed—a prophecy explicitly linked to Jesus' healing ministry and His atoning work in [Matthew 8:16-17](/matthew/8-16-17 "Matthew 8:16-17 - Jesus heals, fulfilling prophecy"). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus took upon Himself the full weight of humanity's sin and its devastating consequences, including disease and death, providing the ultimate healing for our souls and the glorious promise of future bodily resurrection and complete wholeness. His resurrection is the definitive victory over all infirmity, guaranteeing that in the [new heavens and new earth, there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No more death or pain"), for the former things will have passed away. Thus, Jesus is the comprehensive Healer who brings not just temporary physical relief but eternal spiritual and physical restoration to all who believe.

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 103:3

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

Deuteronomy 7:15

And the LORD will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee; but will lay them upon all [them] that hate thee.

Exodus 23:25

And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.

Psalms 41:3

The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.

Psalms 41:4

I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.

Psalms 147:3

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

Jeremiah 33:6

Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.