Exodus 15:14
ESV
The peoples have heard; they tremble; pangs have seized the inhabitants of Philistia.
NIV
The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the people of Philistia.
NASB
The peoples have heard, they tremble; Anguish has gripped the inhabitants of Philistia.
CSB
When the peoples hear, they will shudder; anguish will seize the inhabitants of Philistia.
NLT
The peoples hear and tremble; anguish grips those who live in Philistia.
KJV
The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.
NKJV
“The people will hear and be afraid; Sorrow will take hold of the inhabitants of Philistia.
What does Exodus 15:14 mean?
This verse uses a general term for nations, ammim. Other passages sometimes refer to goyim, used more specifically for Gentiles: those not part of the nation of Israel. All the people groups of Canaan and surrounding lands will be impressed by what the Lord has done for Israel (Exodus 14:21–28). The Hebrews knew that the Lord promised certain territory to their ancestors (Genesis 15:18–21). God noted that when Israel came to that territory, it would be to bring judgment on the sins of the Canaanites (Genesis 15:16; Deuteronomy 9:4). Soon, word would reach these other nations that Israel was free, and that they were heading towards their Promised Land.This is the book of Exodus' second mention of the Philistines. Prior to crossing the Red Sea, God led Israel further south, rather than directly into a territory well-prepared for war (Exodus 13:17). Philistia would have been one of the western-most nations and so they would be among the first to hear about what happened to the Egyptian army. Other nations mentioned in this song will be Moab and Edom (Exodus 15:15). God's power will inspire great fear in all these enemy groups (Exodus 15:16).
Exodus 15:1–18 is Moses' song of celebration. Israel has just been saved from an attacking Egyptian army (Exodus 14:5–9). God miraculously parted the waters of the sea so His people could cross safely; the pursuing soldiers were all drowned (Exodus 14:21–29). In this song, Moses recounts this amazing series of events. He also looks ahead to Israel's conquest of the Promised Land (Genesis 13:12, 14–16).
Israel celebrates the supernatural event which eliminated the Egyptian army. God's power parted the waters of the Red Sea for the Hebrews to cross, then collapsed the same waters over the pursuing soldiers (Exodus 14:21–29). Moses, his sister Miriam, and the other Israelites praise the Lord for His works. They anticipate that this event will strike fear into the hearts of the wicked Canaanite nations (Deuteronomy 9:4). Yet, when the only water they find is undrinkable, the Israelites complain and criticize Moses. God provides a means to purify the water. He then provides a clear message about obedience and leads the people to a well-watered oasis.
