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Exodus 15:1 - Song of sea salvation

Exodus 15:1 - שמות 15:1

Hebrew Text

אָז יָשִׁיר־מֹשֶׁה וּבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת־הַשִּׁירָה הַזֹּאת לַיהוָה וַיֹּאמְרוּ לֵאמֹר אָשִׁירָה לַיהוָה כִּי־גָאֹה גָּאָה סוּס וְרֹכְבוֹ רָמָה בַיָּם׃

English Translation

Then sang Moshe and the children of Yisra᾽el this song to the Lord, and spoke, saying, I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider has he thrown into the sea.

Transliteration

Az yashir Moshe u'vnei Yisrael et ha'shira ha'zot la'Adonai va'yomru lemor ashira la'Adonai ki ga'o ga'ah sus ve'rochvo ramah ba'yam.

Hebrew Leining Text

אָ֣ז יָשִֽׁיר־מֹשֶׁה֩ וּבְנֵ֨י יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל אֶת־הַשִּׁירָ֤ה הַזֹּאת֙ לַֽיהֹוָ֔ה וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ לֵאמֹ֑ר&nbsp
אָ֣ז יָשִֽׁיר־מֹשֶׁה֩ וּבְנֵ֨י יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל אֶת־הַשִּׁירָ֤ה הַזֹּאת֙ לַֽיהֹוָ֔ה וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ לֵאמֹ֑ר&nbsp

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Parasha Commentary

The Song at the Sea (Shirat HaYam)

The verse describes the moment when Moshe and Bnei Yisrael sang Shirat HaYam (the Song at the Sea) after witnessing the miraculous splitting of the Yam Suf (Red Sea) and the drowning of Pharaoh's army. This song is one of the earliest recorded praises to Hashem in the Torah and is recited daily in the Pesukei D'Zimra (morning prayers).

Structure and Meaning of the Verse

The verse begins with "אָז יָשִׁיר־מֹשֶׁה וּבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" ("Then Moshe and Bnei Yisrael sang"), emphasizing the spontaneous outpouring of gratitude after witnessing Hashem's salvation. Rashi explains that the word "יָשִׁיר" (sang) is in the future tense ("will sing") to allude to the belief in Techiyat HaMeitim (Resurrection of the Dead), indicating that Moshe and Bnei Yisrael will sing this song again in the future.

The Triumph Over Pharaoh's Army

The phrase "כִּי־גָאֹה גָּאָה" ("for He has triumphed gloriously") is interpreted by the Midrash (Mechilta) as a double expression of Hashem's greatness—He is exalted in His essence (gavoh) and exalted in His deeds (ga'ah). The destruction of "סוּס וְרֹכְבוֹ" ("the horse and its rider") symbolizes the complete overthrow of Pharaoh's military might, demonstrating that Hashem fights for Yisrael.

Spiritual Significance

  • Emunah (Faith): The song reflects the heightened faith of Bnei Yisrael after witnessing open miracles (Rambam, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah).
  • Collective Praise: The Talmud (Sotah 30b) teaches that even the simplest among Bnei Yisrael experienced prophecy at this moment, enabling them to sing in unison.
  • Eternal Lesson: The Mechilta notes that this song serves as a model for future generations to recognize and praise Hashem for His deliverance.

Grammatical Nuances

The Ibn Ezra points out that the phrase "רָמָה בַיָּם" ("thrown into the sea") uses the singular form (ramah) despite referring to many riders, teaching that each enemy was individually judged by Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 30b
The verse is discussed in the context of the Song of the Sea (Shirat HaYam) and its recitation by Moses and the Israelites. The Talmud explores the manner in which the song was sung and its significance.
📖 Megillah 10b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the miracles performed by God for the Israelites, particularly the splitting of the Red Sea, and the subsequent song of praise.
📖 Sanhedrin 91b
The verse is mentioned in a broader discussion about resurrection and the future redemption, drawing parallels between the past deliverance at the Red Sea and future salvation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of Moshe and Bnei Yisrael singing this song?
A: This song, known as 'Shirat HaYam' (the Song of the Sea), was sung after the miraculous splitting of the Red Sea. It expresses gratitude to Hashem for His great salvation and is considered one of the highest forms of praise in the Torah. The Talmud (Sotah 30b) teaches that even the simplest among Bnei Yisrael experienced divine inspiration at this moment.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'the horse and his rider' specifically?
A: Rashi explains that the horse and rider represent Pharaoh and his mighty army, who arrogantly pursued Bnei Yisrael into the sea. By mentioning them, the verse highlights how Hashem humbled the powerful Egyptians—showing that no force can stand against His will. The Midrash (Mechilta) adds that even the horses, though mere animals, shared in the arrogance of their riders and were therefore judged.
Q: How do we apply the lesson of this verse today?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 10:2) teaches that this song reminds us to recognize Hashem's hand in both personal and national salvation. Just as Bnei Yisrael responded with spontaneous song, we too should cultivate gratitude for miracles—both revealed and hidden. Many Jews recite this song daily during Pesukei D'Zimrah to internalize this mindset.
Q: Why does the verse say 'I will sing' (singular) if Moshe and all of Israel sang together?
A: The Kli Yakar explains that while the nation sang collectively, each person experienced a personal connection to the miracle, hence the singular expression. The Mechilta adds that Moshe led the song, and the people responded phrase by phrase—teaching that true communal praise requires both unity and individual sincerity.
Q: What does 'ga'o ga'ah' (triumphed gloriously) teach us about Hashem?
A: The double language emphasizes the completeness of Hashem's victory. Ibn Ezra notes that the first 'ga'ah' refers to His triumph over the Egyptians, while the second alludes to His exalted nature. The Sforno adds that this teaches Hashem doesn't merely defeat enemies—He does so in a way that reveals His absolute sovereignty to the world.