Exodus 15:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In Him, we find the guardian's casket, shrouded by the protective cloud. Let those who are justified through faith in Him listen to these words: “In days the sun shall not smite thee, neither shall the moon strike thee by night” (Ps. 120:6). Some interpretations regarding the Gospel’s parable about the distribution of rewards suggest that the terms "burden of the day" and "the boar" refer to an exceptional and powerful force capable of consuming, akin to fire, uncontrolled desires, and perhaps even temptations (Ex. 15:2). Therefore, Christ serves as our aid and guardian for salvation.

Moses proclaims, “The God of my father,” indicating a possible truncation of the dialogue, suggesting that not all details are recorded. Certainly, the father referred to is Abraham, whose faith in God was credited to him as righteousness. Similarly, we, depending not on our own merit but on the grace of the Lord, will honor Him, for He who is our peace has shattered the forces of darkness.

He is powerful and magnificent—powerful in the downfall of the Egyptians and magnificent in the salvation of the Hebrews. The Lord God, who became our Redeemer, is He, and not the idols that were hastily made.

Beloved, hold steadfast to the journey you have embarked upon. Recall Lot’s wife and avoid turning back towards Sodom and Gomorrah. As it is written, “No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). Take to heart the words: “My son, if you are going to serve the Lord God, prepare your soul for temptation” (Sir. 2:1). The adversary will pursue you much like Pharaoh pursued Israel, seeking to ensnare you again in the bondage from which you have been liberated. Stand strong, fear not, and do not lose heart as you call upon Jesus, the Mighty Savior of our souls. In doing so, you will witness His deliverance and, with a joyous heart, sing to Him: “Helper and Protector, He was for my salvation.

Grant me salvation, O Lord. Who am I to be? The entire nation of Israel unites as one to declare with countless voices that their deliverance from the Egyptians is solely by the hand of the Lord. He alone has manifested Himself as my aide and protector. This is my God; I will give Him glory. Just as He has taken me under His wing and chosen me as His people, so I will acknowledge Him as my only God and single out His name for praise, dismissing all others. The God of my forefather, whom I will honor, is the same God who served my ancestor Abraham. To Him, I will devote my service and admiration, recognizing the realization of the promises spoken to Abraham that encompass me.

The Anglicized version of the Bible conveys that "Jah is my strength, Jah is my song," a sentiment echoed by O. Gerlach, who notes that "Jah" is a shortened form of "Jah-feh." Similarly, Osterwald translates it as "L'Éternel est ma force et ma louange," while Sasi, drawing from the Vulgate, more accurately uses "le Seigneur" instead of "L'Éternel." This aligns with the usage in English, where "the Lord" stands in for the name Jehovah.