Exodus 15:18
The LORD shall reign for ever and ever.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֥ה׀
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה׀
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 4
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יִמְלֹ֖ךְ
shall reign
H4427
יִמְלֹ֖ךְ
shall reign
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
2 of 4
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
Cross References
Psalms 29:10The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever.Psalms 10:16The LORD is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land.Isaiah 57:15For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.Psalms 146:10The LORD shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the LORD.Daniel 2:44And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
Historical Context
This declaration formed the theological center of Israel's faith—YHWH as eternal King. It contrasted with Egypt's failed Pharaoh and anticipated Israel's later requests for human kings as rejection of divine kingship (1 Samuel 8:7).
Questions for Reflection
- How does confessing God's eternal reign relativize all human power structures and authorities?
- What temporary 'kingdoms' are you tempted to serve rather than focusing on God's eternal reign?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The climactic declaration: 'The LORD shall reign for ever and ever' asserts eternal divine kingship. The Hebrew 'YHWH yimloch le'olam va'ed' (יְהוָה יִמְלֹךְ לְעֹלָם וָעֶד) proclaims perpetual sovereignty. This verse concludes Moses' song with the ultimate truth—God's reign never ends. All earthly kingdoms fall; His alone endures. This anticipates Christ's eternal kingdom (Revelation 11:15) where He reigns forever.