Exodus Chapter 15 · Verse 3
The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֖ה
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 5
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אִ֣ישׁ
is a man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
is a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 5
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
מִלְחָמָ֑ה
of war
H4421
מִלְחָמָ֑ה
of war
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
3 of 5
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
Cross References
Psalms 24:8Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.Exodus 14:14The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.Isaiah 42:8I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.Psalms 83:18That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.Psalms 45:3Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.Exodus 3:15And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.Exodus 3:13And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?
Historical Context
This description of YHWH as warrior appears throughout Scripture (Exodus 14:14, Joshua 10:14, Judges 4:15). Israel's God fights for His people against their enemies, demonstrating His love through power.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God as a warrior balance modern tendencies toward sentimentalism that ignores His wrath?
- What battles are you trying to fight alone rather than trusting the LORD as your warrior?
Analysis & Commentary
The declaration 'The LORD is a man of war' uses anthropomorphic language—God is compared to a warrior. The Hebrew 'ish milchamah' (אִישׁ מִלְחָמָה) means warrior/military man. This challenges modern sentimentalism that denies God's warring character. The parallel statement 'the LORD is his name' identifies YHWH as the personal covenant name. God's identity includes being a warrior who fights for His people. This anticipates Christ as conquering King (Revelation 19:11-16).