For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea.

EXODUS 15:19KJV
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Exodus 15:19 (KJV)

What does Exodus 15:19 mean?

Exodus 15:19 describes how Pharaoh’s army, including his horses, chariots, and horsemen, pursued the Israelites into the sea, but the LORD caused the waters to return and cover them, while the Israelites crossed safely on dry ground. The verse highlights the complete defeat of Pharaoh’s forces and the miraculous protection of the Israelites.

This verse comes from the song of Moses, sung by Moses and the Israelites after crossing the Red Sea. It recalls the dramatic moment when the Egyptian army chased after the Israelites, but God intervened by bringing the sea back over the Egyptians while keeping the Israelites safe. The verse emphasizes the contrast between the fate of Pharaoh’s army and the deliverance of the Israelites.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 15:19

  • "Horse" (סוּס, sus): This word points to the military strength of Egypt, as horses were a symbol of power and speed in ancient warfare.
  • "Chariots" (רֶכֶב, rekhev) and "horsemen" (פָּרָשׁ, parash): These terms underline that Pharaoh sent his elite military units, not just foot soldiers, making the Israelites’ escape even more remarkable.
  • "Dry" (יַבָּשָׁה, yabbashah): The Hebrew word for "dry" stresses that the Israelites did not just wade through shallow water or mud; the ground was completely dry, highlighting the miraculous nature of their crossing.
  • "Again" (שׁוּב, shuv): This verb means "to return" or "to bring back," describing how God caused the waters to flow back over the Egyptians after the Israelites had safely crossed.

Why Exodus 15:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Israelites’ escape was not due to luck or natural causes but was a direct act of God, who controlled the sea to protect them and defeat their pursuers.
  • By naming Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and horsemen, the verse emphasizes the scale and power of the Egyptian threat, making the Israelites’ deliverance even more dramatic.
  • Exodus 15:19 connects back to the earlier narrative in Exodus 14, serving as a summary and reminder of God’s faithfulness and power, which becomes a central theme in Israel’s story.

Where else these words appear

“dry” Hebrew H3004 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 1:9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
  • Exodus 14:22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
  • Psalms 66:6 He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him.

“horsemen” Hebrew H6571 · used in 54 verses

  • Genesis 50:9 And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen: and it was a very great company.
  • 1 Kings 10:26 And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.
  • Isaiah 22:6 And Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield.

“chariots” Hebrew H7393 · used in 104 verses

  • Genesis 50:9 And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen: and it was a very great company.
  • 1 Kings 16:9 And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of his house in Tirzah.
  • 2 Chronicles 12:3 With twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand horsemen: and the people were without number that came with him out of Egypt; the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians.

“horse” Hebrew H5483 · used in 131 verses

  • Genesis 47:17 And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year.
  • 2 Kings 18:23 Now therefore, I pray thee, give pledges to my lord the king of Assyria, and I will deliver thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them.
  • Jeremiah 12:5 If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?