The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

EXODUS 15:2KJV
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Exodus 15:2 (KJV)

What does Exodus 15:2 mean?

Exodus 15:2 is a declaration of praise, where the speaker says that the LORD is their strength, their song, and the source of their salvation. The verse expresses personal devotion, recognizing the LORD as God, promising to honor Him, and recalling the faith of previous generations.

This verse is spoken by Moses and the Israelites right after they have crossed the Red Sea and seen their deliverance from Egypt. It comes at the start of a song celebrating God’s rescue and power. The verse highlights both personal and communal faith, connecting the present experience of salvation to the God worshiped by their ancestors.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 15:2

  • LORD (יָהּ, yah): This is a shortened, poetic form of the divine name, often used in songs and praise, emphasizing intimacy and worship.
  • strength (עֹז, oz): This word means strength or might, pointing to God as the source of power and protection in the face of danger.
  • song (זִמְרָה, zimrah): This term means song or music, but also carries the sense of joyful praise, showing that God is not just a deliverer but also the reason for celebration.
  • salvation (יְשׁוּעָה, yeshuah): This word means deliverance or rescue, focusing on God’s act of saving the people from their enemies.
  • habitation (נָוֶה, naveh): This word can mean a dwelling or a home, suggesting the intention to honor God by making a place for His presence among the people.

Why Exodus 15:2 matters

  • Exodus 15:2 shows that worship is a response to real experiences of deliverance, not just a ritual or tradition.
  • The verse links God’s saving acts in the present to the faith of previous generations, reminding readers that the God of their ancestors is still active.
  • The language of preparing a habitation for God hints at the later building of the tabernacle, showing early intentions to make space for God’s presence among the people.

Where else these words appear

“habitation” Hebrew H5115 · used in 2 verses

  • Habakkuk 2:5 Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, he is a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people:

“song” Hebrew H2176 · used in 3 verses

  • Psalms 118:14 The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.
  • Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

“he” Hebrew H2088 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 5:1 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;
  • Exodus 13:3 And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten.
  • 1 Kings 17:24 And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth.

“LORD” Hebrew H3050 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 17:16 For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.
  • Psalms 113:1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.
  • Psalms 135:4 For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.