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Exodus 15:15 - Nations tremble at redemption's power

Exodus 15:15 - שמות 15:15

Hebrew Text

אָז נִבְהֲלוּ אַלּוּפֵי אֱדוֹם אֵילֵי מוֹאָב יֹאחֲזֵמוֹ רָעַד נָמֹגוּ כֹּל יֹשְׁבֵי כְנָעַן׃

English Translation

Then the chiefs of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Mo᾽av, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Kena῾an shalt melt away.

Transliteration

Az nivhalu alufe Edom eilei Moav yochazemo ra'ad namogu kol yoshvei Kna'an.

Hebrew Leining Text

אָ֤ז נִבְהֲלוּ֙ אַלּוּפֵ֣י אֱד֔וֹם&nbsp
אָ֤ז נִבְהֲלוּ֙ אַלּוּפֵ֣י אֱד֔וֹם&nbsp

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Exodus 15:15) appears in Shirat HaYam (the Song of the Sea), sung by Bnei Yisrael after their miraculous crossing of the Red Sea. It describes the fear and trembling that gripped the surrounding nations—specifically Edom, Moav, and Canaan—upon hearing of Hashem's mighty deliverance of the Jewish people from Egypt.

Explanation of the Nations Mentioned

  • Edom (אֱדוֹם): Rashi explains that Edom represents the descendants of Esav, perennial adversaries of Yisrael. Their "chiefs" (אַלּוּפֵי) were stunned because they realized the power of Hashem working on behalf of His people.
  • Moav (מוֹאָב): The "mighty men of Moav" (אֵילֵי מוֹאָב) trembled because they feared the same fate as Egypt. The Midrash (Mechilta) notes that Moav later sought to curse Yisrael through Bilam, showing their persistent hostility.
  • Canaan (כְּנָעַן): The inhabitants of Canaan "melted away" (נָמֹגוּ) in terror, foreshadowing their reaction when Yehoshua later led Bnei Yisrael into the Land (Joshua 2:9-11).

Spiritual Significance

The Ramban emphasizes that this verse demonstrates how Hashem's miracles instill fear in the hearts of the nations, deterring them from attacking Yisrael. The trembling of these nations was not merely a physical reaction but a recognition of Divine intervention in history. The Sforno adds that their fear was a fulfillment of Hashem's promise to Avraham (Genesis 15:14-16) that the nations would tremble before his descendants.

Linguistic Insights

  • נִבְהֲלוּ (were amazed): Ibn Ezra explains this as sudden, overwhelming fear, akin to panic.
  • יֹאחֲזֵמוֹ רָעַד (trembling shall take hold): The Malbim notes the poetic imagery—trembling seizing them like an uncontrollable force.
  • נָמֹגוּ (melted away): Radak interprets this as complete dissolution of courage, as ice melts before fire.

Lessons for Future Generations

The Ohr HaChaim highlights that this verse teaches how the miracles of Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus) had a lasting impact, ensuring that future enemies would fear confronting Yisrael. The Netziv adds that this fear was a protective measure from Hashem, allowing Bnei Yisrael to journey safely toward Har Sinai and Eretz Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 15:15 mean?
A: This verse describes the fear and trembling that overcame the nations of Edom, Moav, and Canaan when they heard about the miracles of the Exodus and the splitting of the Red Sea. According to Rashi, these nations were terrified because they realized Hashem's power and feared they would be next to face judgment.
Q: Why is this verse important in the Torah?
A: This verse is part of the 'Song of the Sea' (Shirat Hayam) which celebrates the Exodus. It shows how Hashem's miracles caused awe among neighboring nations, fulfilling the promise that the Israelites' redemption would be known worldwide (Exodus 9:16). The Midrash (Mechilta) explains this demonstrated Hashem's glory to all nations.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 15:15 today?
A: The verse teaches that when we recognize Hashem's greatness and miracles, it should inspire awe and humility. The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah) explains that reflecting on Hashem's wonders leads to love and fear of G-d. Just as the nations trembled, we too should be moved by G-d's presence in history and our lives.