Exodus 15:6

The Song at the Sea · Exodus 15:1–21
Read Exodus 15

Translations

Modern
Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power; Your right hand, O LORD, has shattered the enemy.
Traditional
Thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O Lord, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.
Literal
Your right hand, O YHWH, is glorious in power. Your right hand, O YHWH, shatters the enemy.
Latin
Dextera tua, Domine, magnificata est in fortitudine: dextera tua, Domine, percussit inimicum.

Original

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

Notes

Your right hand: This was usually the arm a warrior used to hold a sword.

The song speaks to the Lord in a personal way. It calls him You. This makes a strong contrast between the Lord and them, the enemies (15:7). The enemies had their own plans and desires, but their plans failed (15:9,10).

Scholars believe this song of rescue to be one of the oldest preserved examples of the Hebrew language, attesting to its importance in Israel’s thought and faith. It is divided into three stanzas:

  1. The first stanza celebrates the Lord's rescue of Moses and his people (using many first-person pronouns, 15:1–5).

  2. The second stanza celebrates the great difference between the Lord and the Egyptians (verses 6–12).

  3. The third stanza considers what these events would mean for the future (verses 13–18).

Events

Parallels

Judges 5:1–31

Glossary

Book of Exodus Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Deuteronomy, Book of Edom, Edomites Exodus, the God, Names of Moses Music Poetry, Biblical Power Red Sea Song of Deborah Song of Moses

Topics

Epic: (Heroic Poetry): Miriam's Song Faith: Exemplified Glory of God: His Power God: Power of Journey of Israel Through The Desert: Through the Red Sea: Israel's Song of Praise Joy of Moses and the Israelites, when Pharaoh and his Army Were Destroyed Poetry: Epic: Moses' Song Power of God: Glorious Praise: Moses Praise: Song of Moses, After the Passage Through the Red Sea Psalms of Moses, Celebrating the Deliverance at the Red Sea Select Readings: Song of Moses when Pharaoh and his Army Were Overthrown Song: War Thankfulness: Exemplified Thankfulness: To God of Moses The Armies of Israel: Congratulated on Returning Victorious The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Power The Hands: Right Hand of Strength and Power The Power of God: Glorious