Exodus 15:14
The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.
Original Language Analysis
שָֽׁמְע֥וּ
shall hear
H8085
שָֽׁמְע֥וּ
shall hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 7
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
עַמִּ֖ים
The people
H5971
עַמִּ֖ים
The people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 7
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
יִרְגָּז֑וּן
and be afraid
H7264
יִרְגָּז֑וּן
and be afraid
Strong's:
H7264
Word #:
3 of 7
to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear)
אָחַ֔ז
shall take hold
H270
אָחַ֔ז
shall take hold
Strong's:
H270
Word #:
5 of 7
to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 2:25This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations that are under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of thee, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of thee.Isaiah 14:31Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, art dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none shall be alone in his appointed times.Psalms 48:6Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail.Joshua 9:24And they answered Joshua, and said, Because it was certainly told thy servants, how that the LORD thy God commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you, therefore we were sore afraid of our lives because of you, and have done this thing.Numbers 14:14And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land: for they have heard that thou LORD art among this people, that thou LORD art seen face to face, and that thy cloud standeth over them, and that thou goest before them, by day time in a pillar of a cloud, and in a pillar of fire by night.
Historical Context
This prophecy was fulfilled as news spread throughout the region. Forty years later, Rahab in Jericho confirmed that Canaan still trembled at the memory (Joshua 2:10-11).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's reputation through mighty acts serve evangelistic purposes in making nations aware of Him?
- What mighty work in your life causes others to 'hear and be afraid' (in awe) at God's power?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The prophetic vision: 'The people shall hear, and be afraid.' Surrounding nations would learn of the exodus and fear. The specification 'sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina' (Philistia) predicts regional terror. God's acts serve pedagogical purposes—teaching His supremacy to nations. The exodus becomes known throughout the ancient world, causing enemies to fear Israel's God. This fulfilled in Joshua 2:9-11 where Rahab testifies to Canaan's terror.