Exodus 15:16 - Terror and dread falls on them. By the greatness of your arm they are as still as a stone— until your people pass over, Yahweh, until the people you have purchased pass over.
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What does "Exodus 15:16" mean?
Exodus 15:16 is a powerful verse celebrating God's victory over the Egyptians and the deliverance of the Israelites at the Red Sea. Let's break down its meaning:
"Terror and dread falls on them...": This refers to the fear that grips the nations, particularly the inhabitants of Canaan, as they witness or hear about the miraculous defeat of the mighty Egyptian army. God's power is so overwhelming that it instills sheer terror in the hearts of those who oppose him or his people.
"By the greatness of your arm they are as still as a stone...": "Your arm" is a metaphor for God's strength and power. The fear is so intense that it immobilizes the enemies. They are paralyzed, unable to act against the Israelites because they are overwhelmed by God's power. Being "as still as a stone" emphasizes their complete lack of movement and resistance.
"...until your people pass over, Yahweh...": This specifies the duration of the paralysis. The fear remains and the enemies are frozen in place until the Israelites, God's chosen people, have safely passed through the land.
"...until the people you have purchased pass over.": This repeats the previous clause but with a slight variation to emphasize the covenant relationship between God and Israel. "Purchased" implies that God has redeemed or rescued them, claiming them as his own possession. It highlights the special relationship between God and the Israelites.
In Summary
Exodus 15:16 proclaims that God's power is so immense that it instills terror in the hearts of his enemies, rendering them helpless. This fear serves to protect the Israelites, allowing them to safely journey to their promised land. The verse reinforces God's faithfulness to his covenant people and his commitment to their protection.
Theological Significance:
God's Power and Sovereignty: The verse emphasizes God's supreme power and control over all nations and events. He is the ultimate authority.
Protection of God's People: It demonstrates God's commitment to protecting and delivering his chosen people.
Terror as a Tool: While not a common theme, here, fear instilled in the enemies serves as a protective barrier for the Israelites.
Covenant Relationship: The repetition with "purchased" highlights the unique and special covenant relationship between God and Israel. They are His people and He will protect them.
Fulfillment of Promise: The safe passage allows the fulfillment of the promise to bring the Israelites to the promised land.
Ultimately, Exodus 15:16 is a celebration of God's overwhelming power, his unwavering protection of his people, and his fulfillment of his promises. It instills faith in the Israelites (and in believers today) that God is able to overcome any obstacle and deliver those who trust in him.
Exodus 15:16 - Terror and dread falls on them. By the greatness of your arm they are as still as a stone— until your people pass over, Yahweh, until the people you have purchased pass over.
What does "Exodus 15:16" mean?
Exodus 15:16 is a powerful verse celebrating God's victory over the Egyptians and the deliverance of the Israelites at the Red Sea. Let's break down its meaning:
"Terror and dread falls on them...": This refers to the fear that grips the nations, particularly the inhabitants of Canaan, as they witness or hear about the miraculous defeat of the mighty Egyptian army. God's power is so overwhelming that it instills sheer terror in the hearts of those who oppose him or his people.
"By the greatness of your arm they are as still as a stone...": "Your arm" is a metaphor for God's strength and power. The fear is so intense that it immobilizes the enemies. They are paralyzed, unable to act against the Israelites because they are overwhelmed by God's power. Being "as still as a stone" emphasizes their complete lack of movement and resistance.
"...until your people pass over, Yahweh...": This specifies the duration of the paralysis. The fear remains and the enemies are frozen in place until the Israelites, God's chosen people, have safely passed through the land.
"...until the people you have purchased pass over.": This repeats the previous clause but with a slight variation to emphasize the covenant relationship between God and Israel. "Purchased" implies that God has redeemed or rescued them, claiming them as his own possession. It highlights the special relationship between God and the Israelites.
In Summary
Exodus 15:16 proclaims that God's power is so immense that it instills terror in the hearts of his enemies, rendering them helpless. This fear serves to protect the Israelites, allowing them to safely journey to their promised land. The verse reinforces God's faithfulness to his covenant people and his commitment to their protection.
Theological Significance:
God's Power and Sovereignty: The verse emphasizes God's supreme power and control over all nations and events. He is the ultimate authority.
Protection of God's People: It demonstrates God's commitment to protecting and delivering his chosen people.
Terror as a Tool: While not a common theme, here, fear instilled in the enemies serves as a protective barrier for the Israelites.
Covenant Relationship: The repetition with "purchased" highlights the unique and special covenant relationship between God and Israel. They are His people and He will protect them.
Fulfillment of Promise: The safe passage allows the fulfillment of the promise to bring the Israelites to the promised land.
Ultimately, Exodus 15:16 is a celebration of God's overwhelming power, his unwavering protection of his people, and his fulfillment of his promises. It instills faith in the Israelites (and in believers today) that God is able to overcome any obstacle and deliver those who trust in him.