Exodus 15:6

KJV

Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thy right hand {H3225}, O LORD {H3068}, is become glorious {H142} in power {H3581}: thy right hand {H3225}, O LORD {H3068}, hath dashed in pieces {H7492} the enemy {H341}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Your right hand, ADONAI, is sublimely powerful; your right hand, ADONAI, shatters the foe.

Berean Standard Bible

Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power; Your right hand, O LORD, has shattered the enemy.

American Standard Version

Thy right hand, O Jehovah, is glorious in power, Thy right hand, O Jehovah, dasheth in pieces the enemy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
A central declaration within the triumphant "Song of the Sea," powerfully extols the unparalleled might and decisive action of God. It vividly portrays the Lord's "right hand"—a potent symbol of divine strength and authority—as having become resplendent in its power, utterly annihilating the enemy. This verse celebrates God's sovereign intervention in history, specifically His overwhelming victory over the formidable Egyptian army at the Red Sea, affirming His role as the divine warrior who brings salvation to His people through irresistible force.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 15:6 is an integral and climactic part of the "Song of the Sea" (Exodus 15:1-18), a magnificent hymn of praise sung by Moses and the Israelites immediately following their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage and the dramatic destruction of Pharaoh's army in the Red Sea. This song serves as the Israelites' immediate, Spirit-inspired response to the Red Sea narrative, transitioning from historical recounting to a poetic and theological celebration of God's awesome power and faithfulness. Verse 6 specifically focuses on the instrument of God's victory, His "right hand," elaborating on the themes of divine triumph introduced in earlier verses, such as the declaration that the Lord "is become my salvation" in [Exodus 15:2](/exodus/15-2 "Exodus 15:2 - The Lord is My Strength and Song"), and that He "is a man of war" in [Exodus 15:3](/exodus/15-3 "Exodus 15:3 - The Lord is a Man of War"). It sets the stage for further descriptions of His mighty deeds and future plans for His people, including leading them to His holy habitation, as mentioned in [Exodus 15:13](/exodus/15-13 "Exodus 15:13 - God's Steadfast Love"). This verse is a central declaration of God's active, decisive role as a divine warrior.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Exodus 15:6 is the foundational event of Israel's national identity: the Exodus from Egypt. After centuries of brutal slavery, God intervened dramatically through a series of ten plagues, culminating in the Passover and the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea. The subsequent destruction of the Egyptian army, which was arguably the most powerful military force of the ancient Near East, was an unprecedented act of divine intervention, demonstrating YHWH's absolute sovereignty and superiority over all other gods and earthly powers. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the "right hand" was universally understood as the symbol of strength, authority, honor, and decisive action, particularly in warfare. Kings and deities were frequently depicted wielding power or bestowing blessings with their right hand. Therefore, attributing this overwhelming victory to God's "right hand" would have powerfully conveyed an image of irresistible, sovereign control and unmatched might to the original Israelite audience, celebrating a triumph that defied all human explanation and cemented their identity as God's redeemed people, chosen and delivered by His mighty hand.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 15:6 significantly contributes to several pervasive themes found throughout the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Deliverance**, where God actively intervenes to rescue His people from oppression, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises. This verse highlights **God's Omnipotence and Sovereignty**, showcasing His absolute power over creation, human empires, and the forces of evil. The depiction of God as a **Divine Warrior** is also prominent, as He is portrayed as fighting on behalf of Israel, decisively defeating their enemies. This theme is crucial for understanding God's character and His role in salvation history, establishing a pattern of divine intervention that culminates in the ultimate victory of Christ. Furthermore, the verse underscores the theme of **Praise and Worship**, as the Israelites' response to God's mighty acts is immediate and profound adoration, setting a precedent for future generations to remember and celebrate God's saving acts, as seen in the call to worship God for His mighty deeds in [Psalm 106:7-8](/psalms/106-7-8 "Psalm 106:7-8 - Remembering God's Wonders").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Right hand (Hebrew, _yāmîn_):** This term is a prominent anthropomorphism used throughout the Old Testament to describe God. It does not imply a physical limb but rather serves as a powerful metaphorical representation of God's active strength, irresistible power, supreme authority, and decisive intervention. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the right hand was universally associated with power, honor, and blessing, making it an apt symbol for God's overwhelming might in battle and His ability to bring about salvation.
* **Glorious (Hebrew, _ʼâdar_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to expand, i.e., be great or (figuratively) magnificent," this word emphasizes the resplendent, awe-inspiring, and majestic nature of God's power. It suggests that God's strength is not merely effective but is displayed in a way that evokes wonder, admiration, and worship. The "glorious power" of God's right hand signifies power that is not only effective but also radiates His divine majesty and commands reverence.
* **Dashed in pieces (Hebrew, _râʻats_):** This verb is a strong, violent term meaning "to break in pieces" or "harass." It conveys the complete, utter, and irreversible destruction of the enemy. Its use here vividly portrays the overwhelming and decisive force with which God annihilated the Egyptian army, leaving no possibility for their recovery or continued threat. It emphasizes the totality of the victory and the finality of the judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power":** This opening clause immediately identifies YHWH as the sole source of Israel's deliverance, specifically through the metaphorical "right hand." The phrase "is become glorious in power" (or "is majestic in power") highlights the awe-inspiring and magnificent display of God's strength. It suggests that God's power was not merely inherent but actively manifested in a way that commanded reverence and demonstrated His supreme authority over all creation and earthly forces. This power is not just effective, but also beautiful and overwhelming in its display, inspiring worship and fear.
* **"thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy":** This second clause reiterates the divine agent ("thy right hand, O LORD") for emphatic effect, then describes the decisive action taken against "the enemy." The verb "dashed in pieces" (רָעַץ, _rā‘aṣ_) powerfully portrays the complete and utter annihilation of Pharaoh's army. It signifies a shattering, crushing blow that left no possibility of recovery or continued threat. This direct and forceful statement underscores the totality of God's victory and His role as the divine warrior who fights for and secures the salvation of His people by decisively defeating their oppressors, leaving no doubt about His supreme might.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 15:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Anthropomorphism** is central, as God is described with a "right hand," attributing a human-like physical attribute to Him to make His actions comprehensible and impactful to the human mind. This "right hand" functions as a potent **symbol** of divine strength, authority, and decisive action. The repetition of "Thy right hand, O LORD" is a form of **anaphora** and **emphasis**, underscoring the singular source of Israel's victory and reinforcing the divine agency. The verb "dashed in pieces" is a strong **metaphor** for complete destruction, vividly painting a picture of the overwhelming and irreversible defeat of the enemy, creating a sense of dramatic finality. The entire verse functions as a **hymn of praise**, using elevated, poetic language to celebrate God's triumph and inspire worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 15:6 is a foundational theological statement on the nature of God, portraying Him as a sovereign, all-powerful warrior who actively intervenes in history for the salvation of His people and the decisive defeat of their oppressors. It establishes the theme of divine power as the sole source of deliverance, emphasizing that human might is utterly insignificant in comparison to God's omnipotence. This verse lays a foundational truth that God is not a passive observer but an engaged, mighty deliverer, whose "right hand" is synonymous with irresistible power, ultimate victory, and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant. This truth resonates throughout Scripture, affirming God's unfailing commitment to His people and His ultimate triumph over all forms of evil and opposition, providing a blueprint for understanding His redemptive acts throughout salvation history and assuring believers of His continued protection and provision.

* [Psalm 44:3](/psalms/44-3 "God's Right Hand Brought Salvation")
* [Psalm 98:1](/psalms/98-1 "His Right Hand and Holy Arm Have Gained Him the Victory")
* [Isaiah 63:12](/isaiah/63-12 "Leading Them by His Glorious Arm")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 15:6 offers a timeless anchor for our faith, reminding us that the same God who powerfully delivered Israel from the might of Egypt is still actively at work today. In a world often characterized by overwhelming challenges, personal struggles, and spiritual warfare, this verse calls us to shift our focus from our limited strength to God's limitless power. It assures us that no enemy, whether it be sin, fear, oppression, despair, or the schemes of the adversary, can ultimately withstand the "glorious right hand" of the Lord. Our application, then, is to cultivate a deep, unwavering trust in God's sovereign ability to fight our battles, to provide deliverance, and to bring about ultimate victory. It encourages us to praise Him for His past faithfulness and to anticipate His future triumphs, resting in the assurance that His power is always available to those who call upon Him, empowering us to face life's battles with courage and hope, knowing that our ultimate victory is secured in His mighty hand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "glorious in power" right hand impact your perspective on the greatest challenges you face today?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to surrender control and trust God to "dash in pieces" the "enemy" (e.g., fear, doubt, addiction, spiritual oppression)?**
* **How can remembering God's past acts of deliverance, both in Scripture and in your own life, strengthen your faith for future interventions and cultivate a spirit of worship?**

### FAQ

**What does "Thy right hand, O LORD" signify in this verse?**

Answer: In Exodus 15:6, "Thy right hand, O LORD" is a powerful anthropomorphism, a figure of speech that attributes a human characteristic (a hand) to God. It does not imply that God has a physical body, but rather serves as a vivid symbolic representation of His active, irresistible power, strength, and authority. In ancient cultures, the right hand was universally associated with power, honor, and decisive action, particularly in battle. Therefore, when the Bible speaks of God's "right hand," it is emphasizing His effective and sovereign intervention, His ability to execute His will with overwhelming force, and His ultimate victory over all opposition. In this specific context, it refers to the divine power that utterly destroyed the Egyptian army in the Red Sea, demonstrating God's unmatched might and serving as a testament to His unique ability to deliver His people, as seen throughout the narrative of [the Exodus](/exodus/1-1-15-21 "The Book of Exodus - The Deliverance of Israel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 15:6, with its declaration of God's "glorious in power" right hand decisively defeating the enemy, finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's portrayal of God as a divine warrior, whose mighty arm brings salvation, culminates in Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's power and wisdom. His life, death, and resurrection represent the ultimate "dashing in pieces" of the true enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil. Through His crucifixion, Christ disarmed principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross, as declared in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"). His resurrection from the dead, accomplished by the "working of his mighty power" that God "wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead," demonstrates God's ultimate victory over death itself, as powerfully articulated in [Ephesians 1:19-20](/ephesians/1-19-20 "Ephesians 1:19-20 - God's Power in Christ's Resurrection and Exaltation"). Thus, the powerful right hand of the LORD in Exodus 15:6 foreshadows the victorious arm of Christ, who, by His finished work, secured eternal deliverance for His people and will ultimately bring all enemies under His feet, reigning until He has abolished every rule and every authority and power, as affirmed in [1 Corinthians 15:25-26](/1_corinthians/15-25-26 "1 Corinthians 15:25-26 - Christ's Reign Until All Enemies Are Subdued"). He is the one through whom God's glorious power is finally and fully revealed, not just in physical deliverance, but in eternal redemption and the establishment of His everlasting kingdom.

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 118:15

The voice of rejoicing and salvation [is] in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.

Psalms 118:16

The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.

Isaiah 51:9

¶ Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. [Art] thou not it that hath cut Rahab, [and] wounded the dragon?

Psalms 2:9

Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

Psalms 60:5

That thy beloved may be delivered; save [with] thy right hand, and hear me.

1 Chronicles 29:11

Thine, O LORD, [is] the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all [that is] in the heaven and in the earth [is thine]; thine [is] the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

1 Chronicles 29:12

Both riches and honour [come] of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand [is] power and might; and in thine hand [it is] to make great, and to give strength unto all.