King James Version

What Does Exodus 15:7 Mean?

Exodus 15:7 in the King James Version says “And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wra...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.”

Exodus 15:7 · KJV

Context

5

The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone.

6

Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.

7

And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.

8

And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea.

9

The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them. destroy: or, repossess

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'in the greatness of thine excellency' celebrates God's surpassing majesty. The action 'thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee' shows God actively defeating rebellion. The imagery 'thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble' compares divine anger to fire burning chaff—quick, total, irreversible. God's wrath isn't petulant but righteous response to opposition. Those who 'rise up against' God face consuming judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Stubble (leftover straw after harvest) was proverbially flammable and worthless. This image appears throughout Scripture for God's judgment (Isaiah 5:24, Malachi 4:1) on the wicked.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing God's wrath as consuming fire affect your understanding of sin's seriousness?
  2. What 'stubble' (worthless opposition to God) in your life needs the fire of His refining judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וּבְרֹ֥ב1 of 8

“And in the greatness”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

גְּאֽוֹנְךָ֖2 of 8

“of thine excellency”

H1347

the same as h1346

תַּֽהֲרֹ֣ס3 of 8

“thou hast overthrown”

H2040

to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy

קָמֶ֑יךָ4 of 8

“them that rose up against”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

תְּשַׁלַּח֙5 of 8

“thee thou sentest forth”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

חֲרֹ֣נְךָ֔6 of 8

“thy wrath”

H2740

a burning of anger

יֹֽאכְלֵ֖מוֹ7 of 8

“which consumed”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

כַּקַּֽשׁ׃8 of 8

“them as stubble”

H7179

straw (as dry)

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 15:7 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 15:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 5:24Malachi 4:1Isaiah 47:14Deuteronomy 33:26Psalms 148:13Isaiah 5:16

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