Exodus 15:4

Authorized King James Version

Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מַרְכְּבֹ֥ת
chariots
a chariot
#2
פַּרְעֹ֛ה
Pharaoh's
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
#3
וְחֵיל֖וֹ
and his host
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#4
יָרָ֣ה
hath he cast
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
#5
בְיַם
into the sea
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
#6
וּמִבְחַ֥ר
his chosen
select, i.e., best
#7
שָֽׁלִשָׁ֖יו
captains
a triple, i.e., (as an officer) a general of the third rank (upward, i.e., the highest)
#8
טֻבְּע֥וּ
also are drowned
to sink
#9
בְיַם
into the sea
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
#10
סֽוּף׃
in the Red
a reed, especially the papyrus

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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