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 stands as a foundational covenantal declaration given by God to the Israelites immediately after their miraculous deliverance through the Red Sea and the bitter waters of Marah. It outlines a conditional promise of divine protection from the diseases inflicted upon Egypt, predicated on their diligent obedience to His voice, commandments, and statutes. Central to this promise is God's self-revelation as "the LORD that healeth thee," introducing His character as *Yahweh Ropheka*, the comprehensive Healer and Restorer of His people's well-being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at a pivotal moment in the Israelites' wilderness journey. It immediately follows their miraculous passage through the Red Sea, where God demonstrated His overwhelming power against Egypt ([Exodus 14:21-31](/exodus/14-21 "Exodus 14:21-31 - Red Sea Crossing")). This epic deliverance was celebrated in the triumphant Song of Moses and Miriam ([Exodus 15:1-19](/exodus/15-1 "Exodus 15:1-19 - Song of Moses")). However, their initial joy quickly turned to complaint when they encountered bitter waters at Marah, which God miraculously made sweet by instructing Moses to cast a tree into the water ([Exodus 15:23-25](/exodus/15-23 "Exodus 15:23-25 - Bitter Waters of Marah")). Exodus 15:26 serves as God's immediate covenantal instruction and promise given after this provision, setting the stage for the more extensive laws to be revealed at Mount Sinai. It is a foundational declaration of the relationship God desires with His newly redeemed people, emphasizing obedience as a prerequisite for divine blessing and protection, linking their physical well-being directly to their spiritual alignment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites, a newly freed nation, were transitioning from centuries of slavery in Egypt to becoming God's covenant people. They were in a wilderness environment, a place of testing and reliance on divine provision. Having just witnessed the devastating plagues God brought upon Egypt, which included various diseases and afflictions, the promise of protection from "these diseases" would have resonated profoundly with them. It underscored God's distinct care for Israel, differentiating them from their former oppressors and demonstrating His sovereign power over sickness and health. Culturally, ancient Near Eastern peoples often associated disease with divine displeasure or curses, and health with 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 well-being of His chosen people, in stark contrast to the impotent gods of Egypt. This verse sets the tone for the conditional nature of the Old Covenant, where blessings and curses were tied to obedience and disobedience, respectively, as further elaborated in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **diligently hearken (Hebrew, _shamoa tishma'_):** This phrase employs an infinitive absolute construction, which in Hebrew grammar serves to intensify the verb. It does not merely mean "hear," but "hear attentively," "listen carefully," "obey wholeheartedly," or "continually give heed." It implies an active, intentional, and sustained commitment to listening to and acting upon God's voice, rather than a passive or occasional acknowledgment. This emphasizes the depth of obedience God expected from His people, indicating a continuous posture of attentiveness to His commands.
* **healeth (Hebrew, _rapha'_):** The verb *rapha* (רָפָא) is a comprehensive term meaning "to heal," "to cure," "to restore," "to make whole," or "to mend." While it certainly encompasses physical healing, its semantic range extends far beyond mere bodily restoration. It can refer to the healing of a nation, the restoration of land, the mending of broken relationships, or the spiritual renewal of a soul. In the context of "the LORD that healeth thee" (*Yahweh Ropheka*), it signifies God's holistic capacity to bring complete well-being—physical, spiritual, emotional, and social—to His people, addressing all forms of brokenness and infirmity.

#### 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 clause establishes the divine condition for the subsequent promise. The repeated emphasis on "hearken," "do," "give ear," and "keep" underscores the comprehensive nature of the required obedience. It is not just about hearing, but about active listening, discerning God's will ("that which is right in his sight"), internalizing His instructions ("give ear to his commandments"), and consistently living them out ("keep all his statutes"). This sets a high standard for the covenant relationship, requiring a total alignment of will and action with God's revealed truth.
* **"I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians":** This is the immediate and tangible promise contingent on the Israelites' obedience. "These diseases" directly refers to the plagues and afflictions God had recently inflicted upon the Egyptians, demonstrating His power and judgment. 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 powerful reminder of His sovereignty over life and death, health and sickness, and His ability to shield those who walk in His ways.
* **"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 character. He is not just a God who *can* heal, but One whose very nature and covenant commitment are to bring healing, restoration, and wholeness to His people. This revelation assures Israel that His promise of protection is rooted in His very being as their benevolent and powerful Healer.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 15:26 is rich in literary devices that underscore its theological weight. The most prominent is the **Conditional Covenant** structure, clearly articulated by the "If...then" formulation ("If thou wilt... I will"). This establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship between Israel's obedience and God's protective blessing. 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. The verse also features **Divine Name Revelation**, as God introduces Himself as *Yahweh Ropheka* ("the LORD that healeth thee"), a significant theological unveiling of His character 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 hearing and doing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 15:26 profoundly establishes God's character as *Yahweh Ropheka*, the LORD who heals. This revelation is not merely about physical health but encompasses a holistic understanding of well-being—spiritual, emotional, and physical wholeness—that is intrinsically linked to a covenant relationship with God. It underscores the principle that human flourishing is deeply intertwined with 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 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, even if not always guaranteeing exemption from suffering in a fallen world. This verse reveals God's desire for His people's complete restoration and His active involvement in their lives.

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

### 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, 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 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 comes from Him. This verse invites us to cultivate a posture of attentive obedience, knowing that our loving God desires our complete restoration and protection.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as *Yahweh Ropheka* (The LORD who heals) deepen your trust in His 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?**
* **In what ways might a life of obedience to God's commands contribute to your overall health and flourishing, 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.

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

Answer: The Hebrew word *rapha* (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. This includes spiritual healing from the brokenness of sin, emotional healing from trauma and pain, mental healing from distress, and relational healing by mending fractured relationships. God is able to [heal the brokenhearted](/psalms/147-3 "Psalm 147:3 - He heals the brokenhearted"), restore the soul, and bring peace to troubled minds. His healing is comprehensive, addressing every dimension 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. 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 studying 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, not a means to earn salvation, but a demonstration of our commitment to follow the One who has already healed us spiritually through His grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 15:26 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of *Yahweh Ropheka*. While the Old Covenant promised protection from disease based on conditional obedience, Jesus came to address the root cause of all human brokenness and suffering: sin. 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 deepest 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 by His stripes, we are healed—a prophecy explicitly linked to Jesus' healing ministry in [Matthew 8:16-17](/matthew/8-16 "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 consequences, including disease and death, providing the ultimate healing for our souls and the promise of future bodily resurrection and complete wholeness. His resurrection is the ultimate 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.