King James Version

What Does Exodus 15:2 Mean?

Exodus 15:2 in the King James Version says “The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my ...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.”

Exodus 15:2 · KJV

StrengthSalvation

Context

1

Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

2

The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

3

The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name.

4

Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.

Read Exodus 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The declaration 'The LORD is my strength and song' makes God both the power for victory and the subject of praise. The phrase 'he is become my salvation' uses 'yeshuah' (יְשׁוּעָה), meaning salvation/deliverance—root of Jesus' name. The personal pronouns shift from 'the LORD' (third person) to 'my God' (first person), showing intimate relationship. The resolve 'I will prepare him an habitation' anticipates the tabernacle. The phrase 'my father's God' connects present experience to patriarchal covenant.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse's promise to build God a dwelling would be fulfilled in chapters 25-40 with the tabernacle construction. It shows that experiencing salvation leads to desiring God's presence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing God as both your strength and your song affect your worship?
  2. What 'habitation' are you preparing in your life for God's dwelling presence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
עָזִּ֤י1 of 12

“is my strength”

H5797

strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)

וְזִמְרָת֙2 of 12

“and song”

H2176

instrumental music; by implication, praise

יָ֔הּ3 of 12

“The LORD”

H3050

jah, the sacred name

וַֽיְהִי4 of 12
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִ֖י5 of 12
H0
לִֽישׁוּעָ֑ה6 of 12

“and he is become my salvation”

H3444

something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity

זֶ֤ה7 of 12

“he”

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֵלִי֙8 of 12

“is my God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

וְאַנְוֵ֔הוּ9 of 12

“and I will prepare him an habitation”

H5115

to rest (as at home); causatively (through the implied idea of beauty), to celebrate (with praises)

אֱלֹהֵ֥י10 of 12

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אָבִ֖י11 of 12

“my father's”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וַאֲרֹֽמְמֶֽנְהוּ׃12 of 12

“and I will exalt”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

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 15:2 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 15:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 12:2Psalms 118:14Psalms 18:46Psalms 59:17Isaiah 25:1Psalms 18:1-2

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