Exodus 15:10
Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.
Original Language Analysis
נָשַׁ֥פְתָּ
Thou didst blow
H5398
נָשַׁ֥פְתָּ
Thou didst blow
Strong's:
H5398
Word #:
1 of 8
to breeze, i.e., blow up fresh (as the wind)
בְרֽוּחֲךָ֖
with thy wind
H7307
בְרֽוּחֲךָ֖
with thy wind
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
2 of 8
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
כִּסָּ֣מוֹ
covered
H3680
כִּסָּ֣מוֹ
covered
Strong's:
H3680
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
יָ֑ם
the sea
H3220
יָ֑ם
the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
4 of 8
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
צָֽלֲלוּ֙
them they sank
H6749
צָֽלֲלוּ֙
them they sank
Strong's:
H6749
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, to tumble down, i.e., settle by a waving motion
Cross References
Isaiah 11:15And the LORD shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his mighty wind shall he shake his hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make men go over dryshod.Exodus 14:21And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.Exodus 15:5The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone.Deuteronomy 11:4And what he did unto the army of Egypt, unto their horses, and to their chariots; how he made the water of the Red sea to overflow them as they pursued after you, and how the LORD hath destroyed them unto this day;
Historical Context
The comparison to sinking lead emphasizes both weight and permanence. Unlike wood or bodies that float, lead sinks instantly and stays down—perfect metaphor for permanent defeat.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's single breath defeating elaborate enemy plans reveal the futility of opposing Him?
- What carefully laid plans against God's purposes in your life need only His breath to collapse?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The contrast: 'Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them.' God's single breath overthrows human plans. The result: 'they sank as lead in the mighty waters.' Lead is denser than stone (v. 5), emphasizing even greater irreversibility. The boasting of verse 9 meets reality in verse 10—complete reversal. Human pride collapses before divine breath. This prefigures Christ's victory where His death (seeming defeat) becomes triumph.