Exodus 15:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What caused the waters to separate at the breath of God's wrath, transforming them into walls, while the depths of the sea became solidified? Why did this miraculous separation of the waters lead to a thickening effect and provide a path for the liberation of God's people? Why was it not through the divine breath that the waters were divided? Is it not the fear of God's wrath, often ignored by those who plunge into the depths of ruin, which draws us towards baptism? In this way, we are rescued not by being submerged by the waters, but rather by traversing through them as if on dry land?

Through Your Spirit, the waters were agitated, meaning that it was Your Spirit that caused the waters to be stirred, so they could later be divided. Or, by the decree of Your voice, their flow was halted, allowing six hundred thousand of the children of Israel to cross safely. The depths of the sea were solidified to engulf the Egyptians.

The anger of God towards the Egyptians is likened to a consuming fire devouring the straw. By the Spirit of Your indignation, the waters were separated. The waters of the Red Sea were divided for the deliverance of the Israelites and the demise of the Egyptians. Concerning the latter, the waters were parted by the fervent wrath of God. The wind that caused the sea to divide is described as a spirit resembling man; through the breath of this fury, the Lord, in His anger against the Egyptians, blew upon the waters, causing them to separate. This was intended to lead them to the dry seabed, where they would be trapped and ultimately perish. The waters that were parted resembled thickened milk, forming protective walls amid the sea.

A. C. B. notes that the expressive imagery, the flow of thought, and the beauty of the structure render this verse one of the finest examples of surviving Hebrew poetic literature. It also reflects the turmoil experienced by the Egyptians, which clouded their judgment as they pursued the fleeing Israelites. The Egyptians' avarice, ruthlessness, and urgency are starkly illustrated in a few striking words, revealing what drove them to risk traversing the perilous sandbar.