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.
What does Exodus 15:8 mean?
This song is the most ancient we know of. It is a holy song, to the honour of God, to exalt his name, and celebrate his praise, and his only, not in the least to magnify any man.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Exodus 15:6-8 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Exodus 15:8
The blast of God's nostrils corresponds to the natural agency, the east wind Exodus 14:21 , which drove the waters back: on the north the waters rose high, overhanging the sands, but kept back by the strongwind: on the south they laid in massive rollers, kept down by the same agency in the deep bed of the Red Sea.
Key words
- blast
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And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together,.
- nostrils
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And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together,.
- waters
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And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together,.
Context in Exodus 15
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Exodus 15 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as plagues, Passover, and the crossing of the sea. Exodus tells the story of Israel’s rescue from Pharaoh, the revelation of the divine name, the covenant at Sinai, and the tabernacle where God chooses to dwell among his people. Read this chapter with the wider themes of redemption, Passover, and covenant in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Central texts on sin, grace, faith, Christ’s saving work, and the Bible’s announcement that salvation is received rather than achieved.