Exodus 15:11

The Song at the Sea · Exodus 15:1–21
Read Exodus 15

Translations

Modern
Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?
Traditional
Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
Literal
Who is like You among the gods, O YHWH? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
Latin
Quis similis tui in fortibus, Domine? quis similis tui, magnificus in sanctitate, terribilis atque laudabilis, faciens mirabilia?

Original

Hebrew
English
Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?

Notes

The gods of the pagan nations are not in the same category as the Lord. They do not deserve to be called holy (see study note on 3:5).

The song speaks to the Lord in a personal way. It calls him You. This makes a strong contrast between the Lord and them, the enemies (15:7). The enemies had their own plans and desires, but their plans failed (15:9,10).

Scholars believe this song of rescue to be one of the oldest preserved examples of the Hebrew language, attesting to its importance in Israel’s thought and faith. It is divided into three stanzas:

  1. The first stanza celebrates the Lord's rescue of Moses and his people (using many first-person pronouns, 15:1–5).

  2. The second stanza celebrates the great difference between the Lord and the Egyptians (verses 6–12).

  3. The third stanza considers what these events would mean for the future (verses 13–18).

Events

Parallels

Judges 5:1–31

Glossary

Book of Exodus Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Deuteronomy, Book of Edom, Edomites Exodus, the God, Names of Gods and Goddesses Moses Music Poetry, Biblical Red Sea Song of Deborah Song of Moses

Topics

Epic: (Heroic Poetry): Miriam's Song Faith: Exemplified Glory of God: His Holiness God is Declared to Be: Glorious God: Holiness of God: Personality of God: Power of Holiness of God Journey of Israel Through The Desert: Through the Red Sea: Israel's Song of Praise Joy of Moses and the Israelites, when Pharaoh and his Army Were Destroyed Other Gods Poetry: Epic: Moses' Song Power of God: Incomparable Praise is Due to God on Account of His Holiness Praise: Moses Praise: Song of Moses, After the Passage Through the Red Sea Psalms of Moses, Celebrating the Deliverance at the Red Sea Red Sea: Israelites Cross; Pharaoh and his Army Drowned In Select Readings: Song of Moses when Pharaoh and his Army Were Overthrown Song: War Thankfulness: Exemplified Thankfulness: To God of Moses The Armies of Israel: Congratulated on Returning Victorious The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Holiness The Holiness of God is Incomparable The Power of God: Incomparable The Providence of God is Exercised in Defeating Wicked Designs