Exodus 15:7

KJV

And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, [which] consumed them as stubble.

KJV (with Strong's)

And in the greatness {H7230} of thine excellency {H1347} thou hast overthrown {H2040} them that rose up against {H6965} thee: thou sentest forth {H7971} thy wrath {H2740}, which consumed {H398} them as stubble {H7179}.

Complete Jewish Bible

By your great majesty you bring down your enemies; you send out your wrath to consume them like stubble.

Berean Standard Bible

You overthrew Your adversaries by Your great majesty. You unleashed Your burning wrath; it consumed them like stubble.

American Standard Version

And in the greatness of thine excellency thou overthrowest them that rise up against thee: Thou sendest forth thy wrath, it consumeth them as stubble.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 15:7, a powerful declaration from the triumphant Song of Moses and Miriam, celebrates God's unparalleled majesty and overwhelming might demonstrated in the Red Sea deliverance. It extols His decisive victory over those who dared to oppose Him, specifically Pharaoh and his army, illustrating how His righteous wrath swiftly and completely consumed His adversaries as easily as dry stubble. This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty, His active defense of His people, and the utter futility of resisting His divine will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 15:7 is deeply embedded within the "Song of the Sea" (Exodus 15:1-18), one of the oldest and most significant poetic passages in the Hebrew Bible. This hymn serves as the immediate and spontaneous response of praise and worship from the Israelites, led by Moses and Miriam, following their miraculous deliverance from Pharaoh's army at the Red Sea. The preceding chapter [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing") meticulously details the dramatic crossing of the sea on dry ground and the subsequent, catastrophic destruction of the pursuing Egyptian chariots and horsemen as the waters returned. The song, therefore, functions as a theological interpretation and celebration of this pivotal event, establishing God's supremacy as a divine warrior and solidifying Israel's faith in Him as their deliverer. Verse 7 specifically contributes to the song's central theme of God's unrivaled power and His decisive judgment against His enemies, setting the stage for the broader narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and Israel's journey through the wilderness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Exodus 15:7 is the climactic event of the Exodus itself – the liberation of the Israelites from centuries of Egyptian bondage. Pharaoh, the most powerful ruler of his time, considered himself a god and his army invincible. The Egyptians, a polytheistic society, would have viewed the [plagues](/exodus/7-12 "Exodus 7-12 - The Plagues on Egypt") and the Red Sea event as a direct challenge and defeat of their pantheon by Yahweh, the God of Israel. The imagery of "stubble" would have been readily understood in an agrarian society where dry crop residue was often burned off fields, symbolizing complete and swift destruction. The concept of divine wrath (חֲרוֹן, *chârôwn*) was not unique to Israel, but its application here by Yahweh against a world power underscored His unique sovereignty and active involvement in human history, contrasting sharply with the passive or capricious deities of surrounding cultures. This historical victory was meant to be a foundational memory for Israel, shaping their identity as a people delivered by a mighty, covenant-keeping God.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 15:7 profoundly contributes to several key themes woven throughout the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights God's **sovereignty and omnipotence**, demonstrating His absolute control over creation and human affairs, as seen in the [Red Sea miracle](/exodus/14-21-31 "Exodus 14:21-31 - The Red Sea Miracle"). The verse powerfully articulates the theme of **divine judgment** against those who oppose God's will and oppress His people, a theme introduced through the [plagues upon Egypt](/exodus/7-12 "Exodus 7-12 - The Plagues on Egypt") and culminating in the destruction of Pharaoh's army. It also underscores God's role as a **divine warrior** who actively intervenes to defend and deliver His chosen nation, a foundational concept for Israel's identity and trust in Yahweh. Furthermore, the verse reinforces the theme of **Yahweh's uniqueness and supremacy** over all other gods and earthly powers, a declaration central to Israel's monotheistic faith and a stark contrast to the polytheism of their neighbors.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Excellency (Hebrew, _gâʼôwn'_):** This term (H1347) is derived from a root meaning "to be high" or "to rise up." It carries a rich semantic range, encompassing ideas of majesty, pride, loftiness, splendor, and inherent greatness. When applied to God, as here, it speaks of His overwhelming dignity, His unapproachable glory, and the awe-inspiring nature of His power and sovereignty. It signifies not merely a quality, but the very essence of His being that commands reverence and demonstrates His absolute superiority over all creation and all human opposition, highlighting His magnificent and exalted status.
* **Wrath (Hebrew, _chârôwn'_):** The Hebrew word (H2740) literally means "a burning of anger" or "fierce anger." In the context of divine attributes, it describes the intense, consuming nature of God's righteous indignation against sin, rebellion, and injustice. Unlike human anger, God's wrath is not capricious or uncontrolled; it is a holy and just response to unrighteousness, a necessary outpouring of His perfect character against that which opposes His holiness and His purposes. Here, it is the active, destructive force unleashed against Pharaoh's army, demonstrating the severity of divine judgment.
* **Stubble (Hebrew, _qash'_):** This term (H7179) refers to the dry, light, and worthless stalks left in a field after harvest. Its use as a metaphor is common in biblical literature (e.g., [Job 13:25](/job/13-25 "Job 13:25 - Will you frighten a driven leaf? Will you pursue dry stubble?"), [Isaiah 5:24](/isaiah/5-24 "Isaiah 5:24 - Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel."), [Malachi 4:1](/malachi/4-1 "Malachi 4:1 - For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff; and the day that is coming will set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.")) to signify something utterly powerless, easily consumed, and destined for burning. In Exodus 15:7, it powerfully illustrates the ease, speed, and totality with which God's judgment can destroy His enemies, rendering their strength and might as utterly insignificant and perishable as dry straw before a raging fire.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in the greatness of thine excellency":** This opening phrase immediately sets the tone, attributing the ensuing victory not to human might or strategic genius, but solely to the inherent, majestic power and glorious character of God. "Excellency" (גָּאוֹן, *gâʼôwn*) emphasizes God's supreme dignity, overwhelming strength, and absolute sovereignty. It is a declaration that His very being, His inherent greatness, is the source of His irresistible power, making His triumph inevitable and absolute.
* **"thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee":** This clause directly identifies the recipients of God's power: those who dared to defy Him. "Them that rose up against thee" specifically refers to Pharaoh and his formidable Egyptian army, who pursued Israel into the Red Sea. The verb "overthrown" (הָרַס, *hâraç* - meaning to pull down, destroy, ruin) vividly portrays the decisive and crushing defeat God inflicted upon His adversaries, demonstrating His active role as a divine warrior defending His chosen people and executing justice against His enemies.
* **"thou sentest forth thy wrath, [which] consumed them as stubble":** This final clause explains the mechanism and effect of God's judgment. God's "wrath" (חֲרוֹן, *chârôwn*) is depicted as an active, unleashed force, a holy and consuming indignation against unrighteousness. The simile "consumed them as stubble" provides a powerful and easily understood image of total annihilation. Just as dry stubble is effortlessly and completely incinerated by fire, so too were the mightiest forces of Egypt utterly and swiftly destroyed by God's divine power, leaving no trace of their former strength or defiance. This highlights the ease and totality of God's victory, leaving no doubt about His supreme authority.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 15:7 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message of divine power and judgment. The most prominent is **Simile**, evident in the phrase "consumed them as stubble." This vivid comparison effectively illustrates the ease, speed, and totality of God's destructive power against His enemies, likening the mighty Egyptian army to dry, worthless straw utterly incinerated by fire. This **Imagery** evokes a strong sensory experience of overwhelming destruction and divine might. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the absolute nature of God's "greatness of thine excellency" and the complete annihilation of the enemy, underscoring that no force, however formidable, can stand against the Almighty. The entire verse functions as a form of **Praise Poetry**, characteristic of the Song of the Sea, where declarative statements of God's actions serve to extol His character and power. The **Anthropomorphism** of God "sending forth" His wrath gives a tangible sense to divine action, making His intervention understandable and impactful to the human audience, portraying God as an active, engaged deity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 15:7 profoundly articulates key theological truths that resonate throughout Scripture. It establishes God's absolute **sovereignty** and **omnipotence**, demonstrating that His power is unrivaled and His will irresistible. The destruction of Pharaoh's army serves as a foundational example of God's **divine judgment** against those who oppose His purposes and oppress His people, underscoring His unwavering commitment to justice. This verse also highlights God's role as a **divine warrior** who actively intervenes in human history to defend His covenant people, providing both **deliverance** and **assurance** to Israel. The imagery of consuming wrath foreshadows later prophetic warnings against unrighteousness, emphasizing that God's holiness demands a response to sin, whether in judgment or in redemptive grace. Ultimately, it reinforces the theme of God's **unfailing faithfulness** to His promises, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable opposition.
* [Psalm 118:14](/psalms/118-14 "The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.")
* [Isaiah 5:24](/isaiah/5-24 "Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.")
* [Nahum 1:6](/nahum/1-6 "Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 15:7 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. In a world often dominated by seemingly insurmountable challenges, oppressive systems, or personal struggles, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate supremacy. It assures us that no enemy, no obstacle, and no human force can ultimately stand against the sovereign will and power of God. For those who trust in Him, this provides immense comfort and courage, knowing that our God is not only capable but actively engaged in defending His people and fulfilling His purposes. Conversely, it serves as a stark warning to those who defy God or His righteous ways, reminding us that divine judgment is sure and decisive, consuming those who rise up against His holiness. Therefore, our proper response is one of humble reverence, unwavering trust, and fervent praise, continually remembering and celebrating God's mighty acts of deliverance and His unwavering commitment to justice. This verse calls us to align our lives with His will, confident in His power to overcome all opposition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God consuming His enemies "as stubble" deepen your understanding of His power and justice, and how does this impact your trust in Him during difficult times?**
* **Considering God's decisive victory over Pharaoh, what "giants" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles in your life or in the world do you need to surrender to God's sovereign power?**
* **How can reflecting on God's "greatness of thine excellency" inspire you to offer Him more profound praise and worship in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God's "wrath" in this verse, and how does it relate to His character?**

Answer: In Exodus 15:7, God's "wrath" (חֲרוֹן, *chârôwn*) is not akin to human anger, which can be impulsive or sinful. Instead, it represents His holy, righteous indignation against sin, rebellion, and injustice. It is an attribute of His perfect character, demonstrating that He is not indifferent to evil but actively opposes it. The "burning anger" described here is a necessary outflow of His holiness, consuming that which is antithetical to His nature. Its significance lies in revealing God as a just judge who will not tolerate unrighteousness indefinitely, and as a protector of His people, willing to unleash His power against those who oppress them. This wrath is always purposeful, serving to uphold His moral order and advance His redemptive plan, ultimately leading to His glory and the vindication of His people. It is a manifestation of His [holiness and justice](/psalms/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God is a just judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day.").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Exodus 15:7 celebrates God's mighty act of deliverance through judgment in the Old Testament, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest theological resonance are found in Jesus Christ. The "greatness of God's excellency" and His consuming "wrath" are perfectly embodied and revealed in Christ, not only in His power over sin and death but also in His redemptive work. Jesus, the ultimate divine warrior, "overthrew them that rose up against" God (Satan, sin, and death) not by physical destruction of an army, but by His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. He disarmed the spiritual powers that held humanity captive, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.")). Furthermore, Christ is the ultimate revelation of God's righteous wrath against sin, as He bore the full weight of that wrath on the cross, consuming it in Himself so that believers might be spared ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.")). Thus, the victory celebrated in Exodus 15:7 points forward to the even greater, definitive victory achieved by Christ, who delivers His people from the ultimate enemies and establishes His eternal kingdom, ultimately bringing about the [final judgment](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment") where all who oppose God will be consumed.

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

Isaiah 5:24

Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, [so] their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 47:14

Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: [there shall] not [be] a coal to warm at, [nor] fire to sit before it.

Malachi 4:1

¶ For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

Deuteronomy 33:26

¶ [There is] none like unto the God of Jeshurun, [who] rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.

Psalms 148:13

Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory [is] above the earth and heaven.

Isaiah 5:16

But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.

Psalms 83:13

O my God, make them like a wheel; as the stubble before the wind.