“Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.”
This verse is a part of the Song of Moses, which was sung by Moses and the Israelites after the miraculous deliverance through the Red Sea. It is a song of praise and thanksgiving to God for His mighty acts of salvation.
Context:The events leading up to Exodus 15:16 involve the Israelites’ escape from Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea. The Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for many years, and God raised up Moses as their leader to deliver them. Through a series of plagues, God demonstrated His power and compelled Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. After their departure, Pharaoh changed his mind and pursued them with his chariots and army. The Israelites found themselves trapped between the sea and the pursuing Egyptians. However, God miraculously parted the waters of the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to pass through on dry ground while drowning the Egyptians who pursued them.
Fear and Dread:In Exodus 15:16, Moses declares that fear and dread will fall upon their enemies. The Egyptians had been a source of great oppression and affliction for the Israelites, and now they were being overthrown by God’s mighty power. This verse highlights the contrast between the triumphant Israelites and their defeated enemies. The fear and dread emphasize the awe-inspiring nature of God’s actions and the magnitude of His deliverance.
The Greatness of God’s Arm:The phrase “by the greatness of thine arm” in Exodus 15:16 refers to the power and strength of God. The arm symbolizes His mighty acts and ability to save. It signifies that the victory and deliverance of the Israelites were not accomplished by their own strength or military might but by the supernatural intervention of God. It emphasizes that God’s power is unmatched and capable of overcoming any obstacle.
Still as a Stone:The phrase “they shall be as still as a stone” describes the state of the enemies of Israel when faced with God’s power. It signifies complete immobility and powerlessness. The Egyptians, who were once formidable and threatening, would be rendered motionless and helpless by the overwhelming display of God’s strength. This vivid imagery emphasizes the complete defeat and paralysis of Israel’s adversaries.
The Purchased People:The verse concludes with the acknowledgment that the people who pass over the Red Sea are those whom God has purchased. This reference emphasizes the relationship between God and the Israelites. God chose the Israelites as His special people and redeemed them from slavery in Egypt. The word “purchased” signifies that God has acquired ownership of His people through His redemptive act. It highlights God’s love, care, and commitment to His chosen ones.
