Exodus 15:4
Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.
Original Language Analysis
וְחֵיל֖וֹ
and his host
H2428
וְחֵיל֖וֹ
and his host
Strong's:
H2428
Word #:
3 of 10
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
יָרָ֣ה
hath he cast
H3384
יָרָ֣ה
hath he cast
Strong's:
H3384
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by
בְיַם
into the sea
H3220
בְיַם
into the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
5 of 10
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
שָֽׁלִשָׁ֖יו
captains
H7991
שָֽׁלִשָׁ֖יו
captains
Strong's:
H7991
Word #:
7 of 10
a triple, i.e., (as an officer) a general of the third rank (upward, i.e., the highest)
Historical Context
The Red Sea ('yam suph') crossing became Israel's defining national memory. The specific mention of Pharaoh's chosen forces emphasizes that Egypt's best couldn't withstand God's power.
Questions for Reflection
- How does grounding worship in specific historical acts rather than vague feelings strengthen faith?
- What specific 'chosen captains' (strong enemies) has God defeated in your life that you should rehearse in worship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The specific recounting 'Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea' rehearses what happened. The term 'chosen captains' (Hebrew 'shalishim,' שָׁלִשִׁים—officers, three-man chariot crews) indicates elite forces. The phrase 'drowned in the Red sea' uses 'yam suph' (יָם סוּף), literally 'Sea of Reeds.' This specific geographical and military detail grounds worship in history. Praise recounts actual events, not abstract ideals.