Exodus 15:19 - Divine justice splits the sea.

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Hebrew Text

כִּי בָא סוּס פַּרְעֹה בְּרִכְבּוֹ וּבְפָרָשָׁיו בַּיָּם וַיָּשֶׁב יְהוָה עֲלֵהֶם אֶת־מֵי הַיָּם וּבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל הָלְכוּ בַיַּבָּשָׁה בְּתוֹךְ הַיָּם׃

English Translation

For the horse of Par῾o went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the Lord brought the waters of the sea back upon them; but the children of Yisra᾽el went on dry land in the midst of the sea.

Transliteration

Ki va sus paro birkhvo uvfarashav bayam vayashev Adonai alehem et-mei hayam uvnei Yisrael halekhu vayabasha betokh hayam.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּ֣י בָא֩ ס֨וּס פַּרְעֹ֜ה בְּרִכְבּ֤וֹ וּבְפָרָשָׁיו֙ בַּיָּ֔ם וַיָּ֧שֶׁב יְהֹוָ֛ה עֲלֵהֶ֖ם אֶת־מֵ֣י הַיָּ֑ם וּבְנֵ֧י יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל הָלְכ֥וּ בַיַּבָּשָׁ֖ה בְּת֥וֹךְ הַיָּֽם׃ {פ}

Parasha Commentary

The Miracle at the Sea

The verse (Shemot 15:19) describes the climax of Kriyat Yam Suf (the splitting of the Red Sea), where Pharaoh's army is drowned while Bnei Yisrael walk through safely on dry land. Rashi explains that this event was a direct fulfillment of Hashem's promise to Moshe (Shemot 14:4) that He would harden Pharaoh's heart so that the Egyptians would pursue Bnei Yisrael into the sea, allowing Hashem to demonstrate His complete power over Egypt.

Divine Justice in the Drowning of Pharaoh's Army

The Mechilta notes that the Egyptians were punished middah k'neged middah (measure for measure): just as they threw Israelite male infants into the Nile (Shemot 1:22), they themselves were now cast into the waters. Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:36) emphasizes that this event served as a clear demonstration of Divine providence, proving that Hashem actively intervenes in history to protect His people.

The Nature of the Miracle

Dry Land in the Sea: The Ibn Ezra points out that the phrase "בַיַּבָּשָׁה בְּתוֹךְ הַיָּם" (dry land in the midst of the sea) indicates a supernatural phenomenon—the sea floor was not merely exposed but transformed into completely dry ground, unlike natural tidal patterns.
Walls of Water: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 21:6) describes how the waters formed solid, crystalline walls through which Bnei Yisrael could see the drowned Egyptians afterward, reinforcing their faith in Hashem's justice.

Pharaoh's Horses and Chariots

Rabbeinu Bachya notes that the verse specifically mentions Pharaoh's horses and chariots to highlight the destruction of Egypt's military might. The chariots, symbols of Egypt's technological and strategic superiority (see Shemot 14:7), were rendered powerless against the Divine will, as emphasized in the subsequent Shirat HaYam (Song at the Sea).

Theological Implications

The Sforno teaches that this event established for all generations that no human power can withstand Hashem's decree when He acts to redeem His people. The Talmud (Sotah 36b) further states that even the simplest maidservant at the sea perceived revelations greater than those later experienced by the prophet Yechezkel, underscoring the unique clarity of Divine presence during this miracle.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 36b

The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the miracle of the splitting of the Red Sea and the drowning of Pharaoh's army, emphasizing God's power and the deliverance of the Israelites.

📖 Megillah 10b

The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the songs of praise sung by the Israelites after their deliverance, highlighting the contrast between the fate of the Egyptians and the salvation of the Israelites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of Exodus 15:19?
A: Exodus 15:19 describes the final moment of the splitting of the Red Sea, where Pharaoh's army was drowned as the waters returned, while the Israelites walked safely on dry land. This verse emphasizes Hashem's complete control over nature and His protection of the Jewish people during the Exodus.

Q: Why is the splitting of the Red Sea important in Judaism?
A: The splitting of the Red Sea (Kriat Yam Suf) is a foundational miracle in Jewish tradition, demonstrating Hashem's direct intervention to save the Israelites. The Talmud (Sotah 36b) and Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 21) explain that this event solidified the people's faith in Hashem and was a necessary step before receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai.

Q: How does Exodus 15:19 show Hashem's justice?
A: Rashi explains that the verse highlights divine justice—Pharaoh and his army, who oppressed the Israelites, were punished measure for measure by drowning in the same waters they intended to use to recapture the Jews. Meanwhile, the Israelites, who trusted in Hashem, were saved miraculously.

Q: What lesson can we learn from the Israelites walking on dry land in the sea?
A: The Mechilta and Rambam teach that this miracle teaches the importance of emunah (faith) and bitachon (trust) in Hashem. Even when the path seems impossible—like walking through a sea—Hashem can make a way for those who follow His will with complete trust.

Q: How is the splitting of the sea relevant to Jews today?
A: The event is recalled daily in Jewish prayer (e.g., the Song of the Sea in Pesukei D'Zimrah) as a reminder of Hashem's ongoing protection. The Sages (Talmud Berachot 54a) also teach that recognizing past miracles helps strengthen faith during current challenges, trusting that Hashem can redeem us in any situation.