The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone.
The pursuing army of Pharaoh followed Israel into the Red Sea, and when God caused the waters to return the returning depths covered the Egyptians and the whole host sank to the bottom like a stone and drowned. The covering of the depths was complete, overwhelming Pharaoh's forces and sinking them like stones beneath the sea. While the Egyptians sank beneath the waters, Israel was delivered and crossed safely on dry ground.
The verse belongs to the sacred song of triumph and praise formed by Moses and sung by the whole host of Israel together after the deliverance. It was sung as songs of triumph and praise by the delivered people, fixing the deliverance at the sea in a memorial song. The song celebrates the victory of Jehovah, His deliverance of Israel, and His defeat of Israel's enemies. It gives glory to God for the deliverance, shows the danger from which He rescued them, and gives reason to praise Him and to trust in His power.
As a song it was meant to be taught to children and remembered as a memorial of God's power and care. Sung together by all the people it fixed the lesson of deliverance in their minds, lifted their thoughts above the trials and difficulties of the way, and soothed and calmed the restless, turbulent spirit. It implanted principles of truth in the memory and strengthened faith. Joining voices in praise with concert of action taught order and unity and brought the people into closer touch with God and with one another.
The pursuing army of Pharaoh followed Israel into the Red Sea, and when God caused the waters to return the returning depths covered the Egyptians and the whole host sank to the bottom like a stone and drowned. The covering of the depths was complete, overwhelming Pharaoh's forces and sinking them like stones beneath the sea. While the Egyptians sank beneath the waters, Israel was delivered and crossed safely on dry ground.
The verse belongs to the sacred song of triumph and praise formed by Moses and sung by the whole host of Israel together after the deliverance. It was sung as songs of triumph and praise by the delivered people, fixing the deliverance at the sea in a memorial song. The song celebrates the victory of Jehovah, His deliverance of Israel, and His defeat of Israel's enemies. It gives glory to God for the deliverance, shows the danger from which He rescued them, and gives reason to praise Him and to trust in His power.
As a song it was meant to be taught to children and remembered as a memorial of God's power and care. Sung together by all the people it fixed the lesson of deliverance in their minds, lifted their thoughts above the trials and difficulties of the way, and soothed and calmed the restless, turbulent spirit. It implanted principles of truth in the memory and strengthened faith. Joining voices in praise with concert of action taught order and unity and brought the people into closer touch with God and with one another.