Exodus 15:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 15:11
11 Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
Chapter Context
Exodus 15 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, hope, judgment. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-27: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 15:11
11 Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
Analysis
The rhetorical question 'Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods?' asserts incomparability. The term 'gods' (elim, אֵלִם) acknowledges other claimants to deity while denying their reality or power. The parallel question 'who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?' lists three divine attributes: holiness (separation from evil), praiseworthiness (even His judgments deserve worship), wonder-working (miraculous power). No competitor exists. This prefigures Mary's song (Luke 1:49).
Historical Context
Egypt claimed multiple gods controlling various domains. The plagues and Red Sea victory demonstrated YHWH's supremacy over all Egyptian deities—Hapi (Nile), Heqt (frogs), Ra (sun), Pharaoh (divine king).
Reflection
- What modern 'gods' (money, power, pleasure, self) compete with the LORD for your worship?
- How does meditating on God's incomparability affect your tendency toward functional polytheism (serving multiple loyalties)?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H410 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Deuteronomy 3:24, 2 Samuel 7:22, 1 Kings 8:23, Psalms 77:14, 86:8
- Holy: 1 Samuel 2:2, Isaiah 40:25, Revelation 4:8, 15:4
- Glory: Isaiah 6:3