Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

EXODUS 15:1KJV
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Exodus 15:1 (KJV)

What does Exodus 15:1 mean?

Exodus 15:1 describes how Moses and the Israelites sang a song to the LORD after their escape from Egypt, celebrating God’s victory over Pharaoh’s army by throwing the horse and its rider into the sea. The verse highlights a moment of collective praise, focusing on God’s power and deliverance.

This verse comes right after the Israelites have crossed the Red Sea and seen their pursuers defeated. Moses leads the people in a song that expresses their gratitude and awe at what God has done for them. The language is poetic, emphasizing both the dramatic rescue and the total defeat of Egypt’s forces.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 15:1

  • The word "sang" (שָׁר H7891, shâr) is used here to mark a formal, communal act of singing, not just a personal or private song. This signals the importance of the moment as a shared act of worship.
  • "Triumphed gloriously" comes from the Hebrew גָּאָה גָּאָה (ga’oh ga’ah, H1342), which repeats the word for "exalt" or "rise up." The repetition intensifies the sense of overwhelming victory, stressing how complete and extraordinary God’s action was.
  • "Thrown" (יָרָה H7411, yarah) means to hurl or cast, emphasizing the forceful way Pharaoh’s army was defeated, not just a passive drowning but an active act by God.
  • "Horse" (סוּס H5483, sus) and "rider" (רֹכֵב H7392, rokhev) together point to the military strength of Egypt, showing that even the mightiest human power is no match for God.

Why Exodus 15:1 matters

  • Exodus 15:1 marks the first recorded song in the Bible, setting a pattern for songs of praise after God’s deliverance throughout Scripture.
  • The verse emphasizes that the victory was entirely God’s doing, not the Israelites’ own strength, which is a key theme in the story of the Exodus.
  • By mentioning both the horse and its rider, the verse underlines that every part of Egypt’s military threat was overcome, giving the people confidence in God’s protection going forward.

Where else these words appear

“triumphed” Hebrew H1342 · used in 5 verses

  • Exodus 15:21 And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
  • Job 8:11 Can the rush grow up without mire? can the flag grow without water?
  • Job 10:16 For it increaseth. Thou huntest me as a fierce lion: and again thou shewest thyself marvellous upon me.

“thrown” Hebrew H7411 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 29:25 And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?
  • 1 Samuel 19:17 And Saul said unto Michal, Why hast thou deceived me so, and sent away mine enemy, that he is escaped? And Michal answered Saul, He said unto me, Let me go; why should I kill thee?
  • Psalms 78:9 The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.

“rider” Hebrew H7392 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 24:61 And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.
  • 1 Kings 1:44 And the king hath sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and they have caused him to ride upon the king's mule:
  • Psalms 66:12 Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.

“sang” Hebrew H7891 · used in 79 verses

  • Exodus 15:21 And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
  • Ezra 10:24 Of the singers also; Eliashib: and of the porters; Shallum, and Telem, and Uri.
  • Psalms 68:4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.