Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
The Lord is a man of war: the Lord is his name.
Pharaoh’s chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.
The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone.
Thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O Lord, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.
And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.
And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea.
The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.
Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.
Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them.
Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.
The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.
Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away.
Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O Lord, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.
Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O Lord, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.
The Lord shall reign for ever and ever.
For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the Lord brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea.
And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.
And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.
And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah.
And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?
And he cried unto the Lord; and the Lord shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,
And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.
And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.
Exodus 15 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's journey from slavery to freedom. It encapsulates both the exultant praise for God's miraculous deliverance at the Red Sea and the immediate challenges that tested their faith in the wilderness. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder of God's power, faithfulness, and the human tendency to forget his blessings in times of hardship.
A Song of Triumph (Exodus 15:1-21)
The chapter opens with a magnificent song of praise led by Moses and the Israelites, celebrating God's victory over Pharaoh and his army. This song, often referred to as the "Song of the Sea," is a testament to God's power and a declaration of his unique character.
God's Exalted Power (Exodus 15:1-5): The song begins with a clear statement of God's triumph: "I will sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea" (Exodus 15:1). This verse establishes the core theme of the song: God's power and majesty. The Israelites witnessed firsthand how the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob intervened to save them. The elite troops of Egypt, with their horses and chariots, were no match for the Lord.
The Lord is a Warrior (Exodus 15:3-4): The song proclaims, "The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name" (Exodus 15:3). This imagery emphasizes God's active involvement in defending his people. He is not a passive deity but a powerful warrior who fights for those he loves.
Poetic Imagery of God's Majesty (Exodus 15:6-10): The song uses vivid poetic imagery to depict God's power. Scripture often refers to God's "right hand" as a symbol of his strength. Like a boxer delivering a knockout blow, "Your right hand, O LORD, was majestic in power. Your right hand, O LORD, shattered the enemy" (Exodus 15:6). God's "burning wrath" consumed the opposition like stubble (Exodus 15:7), and the "breath of his nostrils" turned the sea into a weapon of mass destruction (Exodus 15:8, 10).
The Uniqueness of God (Exodus 15:11-12): The song poses the rhetorical question, "Who is like you among the gods, O LORD? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?" (Exodus 15:11). The answer is self-evident. The Lord is unparalleled. The Egyptian "gods" were powerless to stop him because they were mere figments of imagination. He alone is glorious in holiness and worthy of reverence and praise.
Looking to the Future (Exodus 15:13-18): The song transitions from celebrating past deliverance to anticipating future blessings. God will lead the people he has redeemed (Exodus 15:13) to the land he has prepared for them (Exodus 15:17). The enemies who stand in their way will be filled with terror and dread upon hearing of God's mighty acts on behalf of Israel (Exodus 15:14-16). The Lord will firmly plant Israel in their land, like a mighty tree taking root. The people are called to follow their King, who will reign forever (Exodus 15:18).
Miriam's Song (Exodus 15:19-21): The section concludes with Miriam, Moses' sister and the first woman in Scripture identified as a prophetess, leading the women of Israel in song and dance (Exodus 15:20-21). This emphasizes the important role women played in the story of redemption. Micah 6:4 highlights Miriam's contribution alongside Moses and Aaron, reminding us that women were not marginalized but actively involved in God's kingdom program. The church today should celebrate and encourage the ministry of women.
The Waters of Marah: A Test of Faith (Exodus 15:22-27)
The narrative shifts from joyful celebration to a stark test of faith. The Israelites, just three days removed from the miracle at the Red Sea, find themselves in the wilderness without water (Exodus 15:22).
The Wilderness Experience (Exodus 15:22): It's important to note that their journey to the promised land required them to pass through the wilderness. Similarly, believers today may encounter "wilderness" experiences in their lives. These difficult times are not necessarily signs that we are outside of God's will but may be necessary steps in our journey to where God wants us to be.
From Thanksgiving to Grumbling (Exodus 15:23-24): When they finally find water, it is bitter and undrinkable. They named the place Marah, meaning "bitter," and grumbled against Moses (Exodus 15:23-24). This rapid shift from praise to complaint highlights the fickleness of human nature. It is a sobering reminder of how quickly we can forget God's past faithfulness when faced with present challenges.
Forgetting God's Faithfulness: Their previous crisis involved a water problem with no apparent solution, yet God miraculously intervened. Now, faced with another water problem, they immediately despair. "We doubt what God can do only because we forget what God has done." They had clearly seen what God could do with water.
God's Provision and the Test (Exodus 15:25): Moses cries out to the Lord, and God instructs him to throw a piece of wood into the water, miraculously making it drinkable (Exodus 15:25). This seemingly unorthodox method underscores God's sovereignty and his ability to use unexpected means to accomplish his purposes. God allowed this problem to test them.
Learning from the Past: The Lord expected Israel to learn from the Red Sea event. It was a demonstration meant to teach them to trust him in future difficulties. The Israelites failed to trust a God who had proven himself completely trustworthy.
A Statute and a Promise (Exodus 15:26): After the test, God gives them a statute: "If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you" (Exodus 15:26).
A Balanced Understanding: This verse should not be misinterpreted as a guarantee of perfect health and wealth for all believers. Such an interpretation adds to what God was saying. While God can and does heal, we live in a fallen world where sickness and suffering are realities. However, God's promise to Israel was that obedience would bring protection from the specific plagues that afflicted the Egyptians, which were a consequence of their rebellion against God.
The Great Physician: Sometimes, believers suffer because they are living outside of God's will. In such cases, the "Great Physician" calls them to obedience, offering healing and restoration through his Word.
Elim: A Place of Abundance (Exodus 15:27): The chapter concludes with God leading Israel to Elim, a place of abundance with twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees (Exodus 15:27). This act of provision demonstrates God's continued care for his people and his ability to provide for their needs, even in the wilderness. Elim serves as a reminder that God's faithfulness extends beyond miraculous interventions to include consistent provision and care.
Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
The Lord is a man of war: the Lord is his name.
Pharaoh’s chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.
The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone.
Thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O Lord, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.
And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.
And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea.
The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.
Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.
Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them.
Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.
The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.
Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away.
Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O Lord, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.
Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O Lord, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.
The Lord shall reign for ever and ever.
For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the Lord brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea.
And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.
And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.
And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah.
And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?
And he cried unto the Lord; and the Lord shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,
And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.
And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.
Exodus 15 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's journey from slavery to freedom. It encapsulates both the exultant praise for God's miraculous deliverance at the Red Sea and the immediate challenges that tested their faith in the wilderness. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder of God's power, faithfulness, and the human tendency to forget his blessings in times of hardship.
A Song of Triumph (Exodus 15:1-21)
The chapter opens with a magnificent song of praise led by Moses and the Israelites, celebrating God's victory over Pharaoh and his army. This song, often referred to as the "Song of the Sea," is a testament to God's power and a declaration of his unique character.
God's Exalted Power (Exodus 15:1-5): The song begins with a clear statement of God's triumph: "I will sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea" (Exodus 15:1). This verse establishes the core theme of the song: God's power and majesty. The Israelites witnessed firsthand how the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob intervened to save them. The elite troops of Egypt, with their horses and chariots, were no match for the Lord.
The Lord is a Warrior (Exodus 15:3-4): The song proclaims, "The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name" (Exodus 15:3). This imagery emphasizes God's active involvement in defending his people. He is not a passive deity but a powerful warrior who fights for those he loves.
Poetic Imagery of God's Majesty (Exodus 15:6-10): The song uses vivid poetic imagery to depict God's power. Scripture often refers to God's "right hand" as a symbol of his strength. Like a boxer delivering a knockout blow, "Your right hand, O LORD, was majestic in power. Your right hand, O LORD, shattered the enemy" (Exodus 15:6). God's "burning wrath" consumed the opposition like stubble (Exodus 15:7), and the "breath of his nostrils" turned the sea into a weapon of mass destruction (Exodus 15:8, 10).
The Uniqueness of God (Exodus 15:11-12): The song poses the rhetorical question, "Who is like you among the gods, O LORD? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?" (Exodus 15:11). The answer is self-evident. The Lord is unparalleled. The Egyptian "gods" were powerless to stop him because they were mere figments of imagination. He alone is glorious in holiness and worthy of reverence and praise.
Looking to the Future (Exodus 15:13-18): The song transitions from celebrating past deliverance to anticipating future blessings. God will lead the people he has redeemed (Exodus 15:13) to the land he has prepared for them (Exodus 15:17). The enemies who stand in their way will be filled with terror and dread upon hearing of God's mighty acts on behalf of Israel (Exodus 15:14-16). The Lord will firmly plant Israel in their land, like a mighty tree taking root. The people are called to follow their King, who will reign forever (Exodus 15:18).
Miriam's Song (Exodus 15:19-21): The section concludes with Miriam, Moses' sister and the first woman in Scripture identified as a prophetess, leading the women of Israel in song and dance (Exodus 15:20-21). This emphasizes the important role women played in the story of redemption. Micah 6:4 highlights Miriam's contribution alongside Moses and Aaron, reminding us that women were not marginalized but actively involved in God's kingdom program. The church today should celebrate and encourage the ministry of women.
The Waters of Marah: A Test of Faith (Exodus 15:22-27)
The narrative shifts from joyful celebration to a stark test of faith. The Israelites, just three days removed from the miracle at the Red Sea, find themselves in the wilderness without water (Exodus 15:22).
The Wilderness Experience (Exodus 15:22): It's important to note that their journey to the promised land required them to pass through the wilderness. Similarly, believers today may encounter "wilderness" experiences in their lives. These difficult times are not necessarily signs that we are outside of God's will but may be necessary steps in our journey to where God wants us to be.
From Thanksgiving to Grumbling (Exodus 15:23-24): When they finally find water, it is bitter and undrinkable. They named the place Marah, meaning "bitter," and grumbled against Moses (Exodus 15:23-24). This rapid shift from praise to complaint highlights the fickleness of human nature. It is a sobering reminder of how quickly we can forget God's past faithfulness when faced with present challenges.
Forgetting God's Faithfulness: Their previous crisis involved a water problem with no apparent solution, yet God miraculously intervened. Now, faced with another water problem, they immediately despair. "We doubt what God can do only because we forget what God has done." They had clearly seen what God could do with water.
God's Provision and the Test (Exodus 15:25): Moses cries out to the Lord, and God instructs him to throw a piece of wood into the water, miraculously making it drinkable (Exodus 15:25). This seemingly unorthodox method underscores God's sovereignty and his ability to use unexpected means to accomplish his purposes. God allowed this problem to test them.
Learning from the Past: The Lord expected Israel to learn from the Red Sea event. It was a demonstration meant to teach them to trust him in future difficulties. The Israelites failed to trust a God who had proven himself completely trustworthy.
A Statute and a Promise (Exodus 15:26): After the test, God gives them a statute: "If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you" (Exodus 15:26).
A Balanced Understanding: This verse should not be misinterpreted as a guarantee of perfect health and wealth for all believers. Such an interpretation adds to what God was saying. While God can and does heal, we live in a fallen world where sickness and suffering are realities. However, God's promise to Israel was that obedience would bring protection from the specific plagues that afflicted the Egyptians, which were a consequence of their rebellion against God.
The Great Physician: Sometimes, believers suffer because they are living outside of God's will. In such cases, the "Great Physician" calls them to obedience, offering healing and restoration through his Word.
Elim: A Place of Abundance (Exodus 15:27): The chapter concludes with God leading Israel to Elim, a place of abundance with twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees (Exodus 15:27). This act of provision demonstrates God's continued care for his people and his ability to provide for their needs, even in the wilderness. Elim serves as a reminder that God's faithfulness extends beyond miraculous interventions to include consistent provision and care.