Exodus 15:12

12 Thou stretchedst forth thy right hand, the earth swallowed them up.

Exodus 15:12 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 15:12

Thou stretchedst out thy right hand
That is, exerted his power, and gave a display and proof of it; of which the right hand is an emblem: the earth swallowed them;
meaning Pharaoh and his host; for though they were drowned in the sea, that being a part of the terraqueous globe, they may be said to be swallowed in the earth; as Jonah, when in the depth of the sea, the earth and its bars are said to be about him, ( Jonah 2:6 ) and besides, many of Pharaoh's army might be swallowed up in the mud at the bottom of the sea: nor is it improbable that those that were cast upon the banks and sand, whom the Israelites stripped, might be afterwards swallowed up therein.

Exodus 15:12 In-Context

10 Thou sentest forth thy wind, the sea covered them; they sank like lead in the mighty water.
11 Who is like to thee among the gods, O Lord? who is like to thee? glorified in holiness, marvellous in glories, doing wonders.
12 Thou stretchedst forth thy right hand, the earth swallowed them up.
13 Thou hast guided in thy righteousness this thy people whom thou hast redeemed, by thy strength thou hast called them into thy holy resting-place.
14 The nations heard and were angry, pangs have seized on the dwellers among the Phylistines.

The Brenton translation of the Septuagint is in the public domain.