Exodus 15:12

12 You stretched out Your right hand, and the earth swallowed them up.

Exodus 15:12 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 15:12

Thou stretchedst out thy right hand
That is, exerted his power, and gave a display and proof of it; of which the right hand is an emblem: the earth swallowed them;
meaning Pharaoh and his host; for though they were drowned in the sea, that being a part of the terraqueous globe, they may be said to be swallowed in the earth; as Jonah, when in the depth of the sea, the earth and its bars are said to be about him, ( Jonah 2:6 ) and besides, many of Pharaoh's army might be swallowed up in the mud at the bottom of the sea: nor is it improbable that those that were cast upon the banks and sand, whom the Israelites stripped, might be afterwards swallowed up therein.

Exodus 15:12 In-Context

10 But You blew with Your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters.

11 Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?

12 You stretched out Your right hand, and the earth swallowed them up.

13 With loving devotion You will lead the people You have redeemed; with Your strength You will guide them to Your holy dwelling.

14 The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the dwellers of Philistia.