Exodus 15:15
Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away.
Original Language Analysis
נִבְהֲלוּ֙
shall be amazed
H926
נִבְהֲלוּ֙
shall be amazed
Strong's:
H926
Word #:
2 of 12
to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e., (figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously
אַלּוּפֵ֣י
the dukes
H441
אַלּוּפֵ֣י
the dukes
Strong's:
H441
Word #:
3 of 12
familiar; a friend, also gentle; and so, a chieftain (as notable, like neat cattle)
אֱד֔וֹם
of Edom
H123
אֱד֔וֹם
of Edom
Strong's:
H123
Word #:
4 of 12
edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him
אֵילֵ֣י
the mighty men
H352
אֵילֵ֣י
the mighty men
Strong's:
H352
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
מוֹאָ֔ב
of Moab
H4124
מוֹאָ֔ב
of Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
6 of 12
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
יֹֽאחֲזֵ֖מוֹ
shall take hold
H270
יֹֽאחֲזֵ֖מוֹ
shall take hold
Strong's:
H270
Word #:
7 of 12
to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)
נָמֹ֕גוּ
shall melt away
H4127
נָמֹ֕גוּ
shall melt away
Strong's:
H4127
Word #:
9 of 12
to melt, i.e., literally (to soften, flow down, disappear), or figuratively (to fear, faint)
כֹּ֖ל
H3605
כֹּ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Joshua 5:1And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which were on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which were by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel.Joshua 2:9And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.Joshua 2:11And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.Genesis 36:40And these are the names of the dukes that came of Esau, according to their families, after their places, by their names; duke Timnah, duke Alvah, duke Jetheth,Deuteronomy 2:4And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore:
Historical Context
These nations were Israel's neighbors and future enemies. Edom descended from Esau, Moab from Lot. Their terror at Israel's God would later be referenced in conquest narratives (Joshua 2:9-11, 5:1).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God going before you to demoralize opposition demonstrate His strategic victory planning?
- What enemies in your life need to 'melt away' as they recognize God fights for you?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The vision continues: 'Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away.' Three regions specified: Edom (southeast), Moab (east), Canaan (west)—comprehensive geographical coverage. The emotional responses escalate: amazement, trembling, melting—progressively intensifying fear. God's reputation precedes His people, preparing conquest. This psychological warfare—enemy demoralization before battle—demonstrates sovereignty.