King James Version
What Does Exodus 15:14 Mean?
“The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.”
Context
12
Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them.
13
Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.
14
The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.
15
Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away.
16
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.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(14) **The people.**—Heb., *The peoples: i.e., *all the various tribes and nations of the desert and of Palestine—the Amalekites, Edomites, Philistines, Moabites, Amorites, &c.
**Shall hear, and be afraid.**—On the fear which was actually felt, see Numbers 22:3; Joshua 2:11; Joshua 5:1; Joshua 9:3-15, &c.
**The inhabitants of Palestina **are the Philistines, from whom the Holy Land derived the name which it still retains in most of the languages of modern Europe. The Hebrew word is *Phĕlâsheth, *of which the nearest English equivalent would be “Philistia.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Exodus 15:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Exodus 15:14
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge