Now are the chiefs of Edom dismayed; trembling seizes the leaders of Moab; all the inhabitants of Canaan have melted away.
Those who held their peace while deliverance was working must not hold it when the work is done. Singing psalms is the language of holy joy as prayer is of holy desire. Strike while the mercy is fresh; when the heart is most affected, praise returns quickest to God, before time and our own deceitfulness dull the impression.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 15:1-21
The dukes of Edom and the mighty men of Moab trembled because they had heard what God wrought for Israel at the Red Sea and in the wilderness. Their fear was not mere rumor but knowledge of His actual deeds. Canaan's inhabitants melted away in terror, understanding that Israel marched toward them to dispossess them; this very prophecy found its literal accomplishment when Rahab confessed it to the spies.
AI summary
The dukes of Edom - Idumea was governed at this time by those called אלפים alluphim, heads, chiefs, or captains. See Clarke's note on Gen 36:15.