What emotions do the "peoples" experience in Exodus 15:14, and why? Text Spotlight “The peoples will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the dwellers of Philistia.” Identifying the Emotions • Trembling—intense fear, dread, panic • Anguish—torment, distress, inward pain Tracing the Cause • They have just “heard” of the LORD’s miraculous victory at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-31). • God’s display of absolute power over Egypt signals that no nation can stand against Him (Exodus 15:11-13). • The peoples realize that Israel’s God is coming their way, and their defenses—both military and spiritual—are useless (Exodus 23:27). • The inhabitants of Philistia in particular know their coastal territory lies directly in Israel’s path to Canaan, so dread grips them first. Echoes Throughout Scripture • Deuteronomy 2:25—“This day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon the peoples under the whole heaven…” • Joshua 2:9-11—Rahab testifies that all in Jericho “melt in fear” because they heard how the LORD dried up the Red Sea. • Psalm 48:5-6—Enemies “saw and were astounded; terror seized them there, anguish like a woman in labor.” • Revelation 6:15-17—When God moves in judgment, kings and peoples alike hide “in caves” because “the great day of their wrath has come.” Takeaway for Today God’s past acts of salvation and judgment still reverberate. Just as pagan nations trembled at hearing what He did for Israel, so every heart should reckon with His unmatched power and covenant faithfulness. |
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