The Three-Legged Stool

God’s Miraculous Deliverance (Exodus 15)

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Exodus 15 – The Song of Moses and Miriam

Introduction: Context of Exodus 15

  • Setting: After the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14), where God delivered the Israelites and destroyed Pharaoh’s army.
  • Purpose: Exodus 15 serves as a liturgical response, celebrating God’s victory and sovereignty, followed by a brief narrative on their journey into the wilderness.

I. The Song of Moses (Exodus 15:1–18)

Structure of the Song:

  1. Verses 1–5: Proclamation of Victory
    • Key Theme: God has triumphed gloriously; the horse and rider are thrown into the sea (v. 1).
    • God’s power over Pharaoh’s chariots and the sea emphasizes His divine might.
  2. Verses 6–10: God’s Power and Majesty
    • Key Theme: God’s “right hand” is exalted in power (v. 6).
    • The poetic imagery celebrates God’s ability to control nature and destroy His enemies.
  3. Verses 11–13: God’s Uniqueness and Steadfast Love
    • “Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods?” (v. 11) emphasizes the monotheistic claim against polytheism in the Ancient Near East.
    • God is praised for His guidance and redemption of Israel.
  4. Verses 14–18: God’s Future Reign
    • Key Theme: The surrounding nations will fear the God of Israel.
    • References to Canaan foreshadow Israel’s conquest of the Promised Land.
    • The final line declares the Lord’s eternal kingship: “The Lord will reign forever and ever” (v. 18).

Key Points to Highlight:

  • The Song is one of the earliest examples of Hebrew poetry in Scripture.
  • Its language and structure reflect ancient victory hymns in the Ancient Near East.
  • Application for Today: It reminds believers of God’s power to deliver and His steadfast love in guiding His people.

II. The Song of Miriam (Exodus 15:19–21)

  • Verses 19–20: A summary of the Red Sea event introduces Miriam, the prophetess, leading the women with tambourines in worship.
  • Verse 21: Miriam echoes the central refrain of Moses’ song: “Sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously.”
  • Note on Miriam’s Role:
    • She is a prominent figure in Israel’s history and is explicitly identified as a prophetess.
    • This section highlights the communal aspect of worship, where both men and women participate in praising God.

III. The Bitter Water at Marah (Exodus 15:22–27)

Verses 22–25a: Testing and Provision

  • Problem: After three days in the wilderness, the Israelites find no water, then only bitter water at Marah.
  • Response: The people grumble against Moses, and God provides a solution through a piece of wood, which Moses throws into the water to make it sweet.

Verses 25b–27: God’s Covenant Testing

  • Key Themes:
    • God tests the Israelites’ faith and obedience (v. 25b).
    • He gives a promise: If they obey His commandments, He will protect them from diseases as their healer (v. 26).
    • They camp at Elim, an oasis with abundant water and palm trees, showing God’s provision.

Key Points to Highlight:

  • The narrative reflects a recurring pattern in Israel’s wilderness journey: need, grumbling, divine provision, and testing.
  • God’s role as healer (Yahweh Rapha) is introduced in verse 26.

IV. Key Themes of Exodus 15

  1. God as Warrior and Redeemer:
    • The depiction of God as a victorious warrior is central to ancient Israelite identity (cf. Psalm 24:8).
    • This contrasts with modern discomfort over violence by emphasizing God’s justice and deliverance of the oppressed.
  2. Worship as a Response to Deliverance:
    • The Song of Moses and Miriam highlights worship as the proper response to God’s saving acts.
  3. God’s Sovereignty Over Creation:
    • The parting of the sea and control over natural elements reveal God’s authority over all creation.
  4. Faith and Testing:
    • The transition to the wilderness reminds believers that deliverance is often followed by a time of testing and trust in God’s provision.

V. Applications for Modern Readers

  1. Trust in God’s Deliverance:
    • Just as God delivered Israel, He delivers His people through Jesus Christ (cf. Colossians 1:13–14).
  2. Celebrate God’s Faithfulness:
    • The Song of Moses invites Christians to express gratitude and worship for God’s past and present faithfulness.
  3. Perseverance in Times of Testing:
    • Like Israel at Marah, believers are called to trust in God’s provision, even when circumstances seem dire.

Questions for Reflection:

  1. What does the Song of Moses teach us about God’s character and His relationship with His people?
  2. How does Exodus 15:22–27 challenge us to respond to God in times of need and testing?
  3. In what ways can we incorporate songs or acts of worship into our lives to celebrate God’s faithfulness?

Key Verses:

  • Exodus 15:2: “The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.”
  • Exodus 15:11: “Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?”
  • Exodus 15:26: “If you diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His eyes… I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.”

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