Exodus 15:12

12 You stretched out your right hand, and the earth swallowed our enemies.

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 one breath from you, Lord, and the Egyptians were drowned; they sank like lead in the terrible water.

11 "Lord, who among the gods is like you? Who is like you, wonderful in holiness? Who can work miracles and mighty acts like yours?

12 You stretched out your right hand, and the earth swallowed our enemies.

13 Faithful to your promise, you led the people you had rescued; by your strength you guided them to your sacred land.

14 The nations have heard, and they tremble with fear; the Philistines are seized with terror.