Exodus 15:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It has always been and remains true. The adversaries of the Church stand as if paralyzed, much like stones, until we arrive at our eternal home. Those who attempt to oppose us are now subdued by the power of the Lord's cross, reminiscent of how the Amalekites were defeated when Moses lifted his arms (Exodus 17:8-13).

Terror will grip us, meaning the people dwelling in Canaan will be troubled by the news of Pharaoh and his army's demise in the sea. These nations will be filled with dread, and they will hesitate to engage in battle until the men have passed by... those things which you have communicated.

Considering the impression that the Israelites' approach to their borders would leave on the Gentile nations, the psalmist entreats the Lord for this impact to endure until the Hebrews reach their destined habitation. Let dread and trepidation fall upon them, upon the nations of Canaan and their neighboring lands, so that they may become petrified, rendered as motionless as stone, before the splendor of Thy power, which is characterized by the divine, unyielding, and unconquerable might. May this power, which safeguards Thy people, compel them to remain passive, taking no action against Israel until Thy people, whom Thou hast freed from the chains of Egypt, enter and inhabit the promised land. The might of the Lord is likened to muscle, contrasting it with human strength, which relies primarily on physical muscle (1 Kings 2:31).

O. O. Gerlach notes that the song of Moses conveys not merely a wish but a profound assurance, 'that the nations shall be petrified till thy people come' to inhabit the land. Had the Israelites remained steadfast in their devotion to God and not allowed their hearts to be tainted with complaints and resentment, this prophecy would have been fulfilled in a literal sense. However, in the wilderness, rather than choosing the righteous path, the people willingly opted for a misguided way, engaging in idolatry and insurrection. Consequently, even though they eventually entered the promised land, they encountered significant hardships and perils along the way.