What does Exodus 15:3 mean?
ESV: The Lord is a man of war; the Lord is his name.
NIV: The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name.
NASB: The Lord is a warrior; The Lord is His name.
CSB: The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name.
NLT: The Lord is a warrior; Yahweh is his name!
KJV: The Lord is a man of war: the Lord is his name.
NKJV: The Lord is a man of war; The Lord is His name.
Verse Commentary:
These statements are part of Moses' song to God (Exodus 15:1–2). The passage celebrates the Lord's miracle which rescued Israel from Egypt at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21–29).

God is depicted as "a man of war," from a phrase which can also mean "a man of battle" (Psalm 24:8). His power is more than enough to defeat the chariots sent by Egypt (Exodus 14:5–9). Jeremiah uses a similar word picture (Jeremiah 20:11).

This verse also emphasizes the name which God presented to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:1–6). There, the Lord named Himself with the word YHWH, or Yahweh (Exodus 3:14–15). Later in Hebrew history, Jewish readers revered this name so much that they would not pronounce it when reading Scripture aloud. The Lord's name is associated with His power over evil and His goodness to His people.
Verse Context:
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).
Chapter Summary:
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.
Chapter Context:
When the nation of Israel was freed (Exodus 12:40–41), God led them to a specific place (Exodus 13:17–18). The Egyptians sent an army in pursuit (Exodus 14:5–9). God completed Israel's salvation by leading them across the Red Sea and wiping out the Egyptian army (Exodus 14:21–28). Here, the people celebrate their freedom with singing and dancing. However, they will soon complain when water runs short. In the following chapter, they will complain about food and be given the gift of "manna" (Exodus 16).
Book Summary:
The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.
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