Bible Commentaries
Exodus 15

Verse 1

Moses began and ended his wilderness career with a song. Compare Deuteronomy 32:0 , which is "the" song referred to in Revelation 15:3 .

The song proper occupies verses: Exodus 15:4-17 . It is preceded and followed by praise with introduction and conclusion.

Then sang . There was no singing in Egypt, only sighing and groaning (Exodus 2:23 , Exodus 2:24 ).

children = sons.

this song . Note the ten Songs of Praise: (1) Exodus 15:1-19 . (2) Numbers 21:17 , Numbers 21:18 . (3) Deuteronomy 32:1-43 . (4) Judges 5:1-3 . (5) 1 Samuel 2:1-10 . (6) 2 Samuel 22:1-5 . (7) Luke 1:46-55 . (8) Luke 1:68-79 . (9) Luke 2:29-32 . (10) Revelation 14:3 . unto the LORD. Jehovah is the sole theme: and should be the theme of our praise. Note the "Thee" and "Thou", and contrast the "We" of Numbers 13:33 , and the result, weeping, in Exodus 15:14 . It begins with Redemption, and ends with glory. No "praise" short of this. the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

Verse 2

THE LORD = Hebrew JAH, the Eternal, inhabiting eternity. See App-4 . The first occurance of this Title: connects it with Redemption.

song . Some codices, with Samaritan Pentateuch and Targum of Onkelos, read "and my song". Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct). App-6 . = "He of Whom I sing".

salvation . Compare Psalms 118:14 , Psalms 118:2 .

GOD . Hebrew. El. See App-4 .

God. Hebrew. Elohim . App-4 .

Verse 3

man . Hebrew. 'ash. See App-14 .

of war . This is what He is out of Christ; and to those who are not the subjects of His redeeming power.

Verse 6

right hand . Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. App-6 .

Verse 8

blast . Hebrew. ruach. See App-9 .

nostrils . Figure of speech Anthropopatheia. See App-6 .

Verse 9

I will pursue . Note the Figure of speech Asyndeton ( App-6 ), in Exodus 15:9 and Exodus 15:10 . No "ands": to hasten on to the grand climax-" they sank as lead" (Exodus 15:10 ).

lust . Hebrew. nephesh = soul. See App-13 .

Verse 10

wind . Hebrew. ruach. App-9 .ead. First occurance.

Verse 11

Who is like unto Thee? This is ever the saints' noblest praise. Emphasised by the Figure of speech Erotesis. ( App-6 ). Compare Deuteronomy 33:26 , Deuteronomy 33:27 ; 1 Samuel 2:2 . 1 Samuel 2:1 Ch. Exo 17:20 . Psalms 35:19 ; Psalms 71:19 ; Psalms 73:25 ; Psalms 86:8 ; Psalms 89:6 , Psalms 89:8 ; Psalms 113:5 .

gods = mighty ones, as in Exodus 15:15 . Hebrew. elin. See note on Exodus 22:8 .

Fearful in praises : i.e. to be revered in praising Him for His wondrous acts.

Verse 13

mercy = loving-kindness, or grace. N. B. Led forth in mercy, redeemed in grace, guided by strength.

redeemed . Hebrew. g'aal. See notes on Exodus 6:6 with Exodus 13:13 . Exodus the book of Redemption. See Title.

Verse 14

people = peoples: no Art. (compare Genesis 49:16 , first occurance.) shall hear. Compare Joshua 2:9 .

Verse 15

dukes = chiefs.

Verse 16

Till Thy People , &c. Note Figure of speech Epizeuxis. App-6 .

Verse 17

plant . The word used by God throughout of settling His People. Jeremiah 18:9 . Amos 9:15 .Romans 6:5 . 1 Corinthians 3:6-10 .

place = appointed place.

O LORD . One of the 134 places where Jehovah was altered, by the Sopherim, to Adonai. App-32 .

Verse 20

Miriam . Hebrew form of Mary.

prophetess . First occurance.

a = the.

timbrels = drum. Hebrew. toph, rendered "tabret "(Genesis 31:27 . 1Sa 10:5 ; 1 Samuel 18:6 . 2 Samuel 6:5 .Isaiah 5:12 ; Isaiah 24:8 ; Isaiah 30:32 .Jeremiah 31:4 .Ezekiel 28:13; Ezekiel 28:13 ), "timbre]. "(Exodus 15:20 . Judges 11:34 . 2 Samuel 6:5 . 2 Samuel 6:1 Ch. Exodus 13:8 . Job 21:12 .Psalms 81:2 ; Psalms 149:3 ; Psalms 150:4 ).

Note the journeyings , at the extremes; with the six ascents and descents of Moses, separated by the two principal subjects of the book: the giving of the Law and the making of the Tabernacle.

In Ch. 24 the fourth ascent is given as consisting of several stages.

Verse 22

Shur . Name given from the great wall built to protect Egypt from Asia, with its great Migdol, or fortress. See note on Exodus 14:2 .

Verse 23

Marah = Bitter. The Divine principle in the training of God's People. Foreshown in Abraham's furnace and lamp; Marah before Elim; wilderness before Canaan; cross before crown; worse before better (John 2:10 ); suffering before glory (Luke 24:26 , Luke 24:46 ; 2 Timothy 2:11 , 2 Timothy 2:12 ; compare Romans 8:17 , Rom 8:18 ; 2 Corinthians 4:17 , 2 Corinthians 4:18 . James 1:12 .Revelation 2:10 . 1 Peter 1:11 ; 1Pe 4:13 ; 1 Peter 5:1 , 1 Peter 5:10 , Hebrews 12:11 .Psalms 126:6 ; 3 John 1:12; 3 John 1:12 :24 .Matthew 5:4 .John 16:20 , John 16:22 ).

Verse 24

murmured . The first murmuring after leaving Egypt. Note seven others: Exodus 16:2 ; Exodus 17:2 , Exodus 17:3 ; Numbers 11:31 , Numbers 11:34 ; Numbers 14:2 ; Numbers 16:41 ; Numbers 21:5 .Joshua 9:18 , and compare 1 Corinthians 10:10 .

Verse 25

tree . The Cross is the Divine provision for every trial: See Olney Hymns, i. 13. Jehovah showed it.

He : i.e. Jehovah.

Verse 26

And [He, Jehovah] said . See note on Exodus 4:3 . diligently hearken. Figure of speech Polyptoton ( App-6 ). Hebrew "if an hearkening thou hearken".

the LORD That healeth thee . Jehovah rophe'eka, one of the Jehovah titles. See App-4 .

Verse 27

were. Supply Ellipsis, " they found", instead of "were". Compare Numbers 21:16-18 . The scene at Rephidim (Exodus 17:0 ) after the thirty-nine years was be-cause they expected God to provide for them still.

twelve . . . threescore . . . ten . See App-10 .