Exodus Chapter 15 — The Song of Moses and the Waters of Marah
After crossing the Red Sea, Moses and Miriam lead Israel in songs of praise. The people then travel into the wilderness where God provides water at Marah and Elim.
1Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the LORD,*LORD or GOD in all caps is from the Hebrew יהוה Yahweh except when otherwise noted as being from the short form יה Yah. and said,
2The LORD†Hebrew: יה Yah is my strength and song.
3The LORD is a man of war.
4He has cast Pharaoh’s chariots and his army into the sea.
5The deeps cover them.
6Your right hand, LORD, is glorious in power.
7In the greatness of your excellency, you overthrow those who rise up against you.
8With the blast of your nostrils, the waters were piled up.
9The enemy said, ‘I will pursue. I will overtake. I will divide the plunder.
10You blew with your wind.
11Who is like you, LORD, among the gods?
12You stretched out your right hand.
13“You, in your loving kindness, have led the people that you have redeemed.
14The peoples have heard.
15Then the chiefs of Edom were dismayed.
16Terror and dread falls on them.
17You will bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of your inheritance,
18The LORD will reign forever and ever.”
19For the horses of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought back the waters of the sea on them; but the children of Israel walked on dry land in the middle of the sea.
20Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand; and all the women went out after her with tambourines and with dances.
21Miriam answered them,
22Moses led Israel onward from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.
23When they came to Marah, they couldn’t drink from the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore its name was called Marah.§Marah means bitter.
24The people murmured against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?”
25Then he cried to the LORD. The LORD showed him a tree, and he threw it into the waters, and the waters were made sweet. There he made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there he tested them.
26He said, “If you will diligently listen to the LORD your God’s voice, and will do that which is right in his eyes, and will pay attention to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I am the LORD who heals you.”
27They came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees. They encamped there by the waters.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Exodus 15:2
“The LORD is my strength and song. He has become my salvation.”
This verse is a foundational expression of faith and gratitude for God's deliverance.
Exodus 15:11
“Who is like you, LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?”
This verse highlights the uniqueness and holiness of God compared to all other powers.
Exodus 15:26
“If you will diligently listen to the LORD your God’s voice... I will put none of the diseases on you... for I am the LORD who heals you.”
This verse introduces the character of God as a healer and establishes a link between obedience and divine protection.
Chapter Summary
Exodus 15 begins with the 'Song of the Sea,' a poetic anthem sung by Moses and the Israelites to celebrate God’s victory over Pharaoh’s army at the Red Sea. The song praises God’s power, describes the defeat of the Egyptians, and anticipates the fear of neighboring nations as Israel journeys toward the promised land. Miriam, the prophetess, leads the women in a responsive song with tambourines and dancing. The narrative then shifts to the Israelites' journey into the wilderness of Shur. After three days without water, they reach Marah, but the water is too bitter to drink. When the people complain, God instructs Moses to throw a tree into the water, making it sweet. God then promises to protect them from diseases if they remain obedient, revealing Himself as the healer. The chapter ends with the Israelites encamping at Elim, an oasis with twelve springs and seventy palm trees.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Song of Moses is a poem of praise celebrating God's deliverance of Israel from the Egyptian army at the Red Sea. It emphasizes God's strength, sovereignty, and the specific events of the pursuit and the sea's closure.
Miriam was the sister of Aaron and a prophetess. She led the Israelite women in worship with tambourines and dancing after the crossing of the Red Sea.
The place was named Marah, which means 'bitter,' because the water there was undrinkable. God showed Moses a tree to throw into the water, which miraculously made it sweet for the people to drink.
God promises the Israelites that if they diligently listen to His voice and keep His statutes, He will not bring upon them the diseases He put on the Egyptians. He identifies Himself as the one who heals them.
Study Note
The 'Song of the Sea' in verses 1–18 is considered one of the oldest poetic compositions in the Hebrew Bible.
Related Chapters
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.