How does Judges 5:21 connect to God's deliverance in Exodus 14:21-22? Setting the Scene Judges 5:21 records Deborah’s victory song after God defeated Sisera’s army: “The River Kishon swept them away—the ancient river, the River Kishon. March on, O my soul, in strength!” Exodus 14:21-22 tells of Israel’s dramatic escape from Egypt: “Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind all that night and turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left.” Text at a Glance • Both scenes center on water becoming the instrument of God’s power. • God rescues His people while simultaneously judging their enemies. • The accounts demonstrate the LORD’s sovereign rule over nature. Parallels of Deliverance 1. Divine Intervention • Exodus: The LORD “drove back the sea.” • Judges: “The River Kishon swept them away.” 2. Enemy Overthrown • Pharaoh’s army drowned when the waters returned (Exodus 14:27-28). • Sisera’s forces were carried off by the swollen Kishon (Judges 4:15-16). 3. People Strengthened • Israel walked “on dry ground” (Exodus 14:22). • Deborah exhorts, “March on, O my soul, in strength!” (Judges 5:21), highlighting renewed courage after seeing God act. A Pattern of Salvation and Judgment • Genesis 7:17-23—Floodwaters save Noah’s family yet judge the world. • Exodus 14—Sea opens for Israel, closes on Egypt. • Judges 5—River aids Israel, sweeps away Canaanites. The repetition shows a consistent biblical pattern: the same water that saves the faithful destroys the wicked. God’s Sovereign Control over Nature • Psalm 114:3-7—“The sea looked and fled…Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the LORD.” • Job 38:8-11—God sets boundaries for the sea. Scripture treats these events as literal demonstrations of God’s authority. He commands winds, rivers, and seas to fulfill His purposes on behalf of His covenant people. Encouragement for Today • Past deliverances assure us God still intervenes (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). • He is able to reverse the natural order when necessary for His glory and our good. • Believers can “march on…in strength,” confident that the God who parted the Red Sea and flooded Kishon remains faithful. Key Takeaways • Judges 5:21 echoes Exodus 14:21-22, tying Deborah’s victory to the foundational Exodus event. • Water in God’s hand becomes both shield and sword. • Remembering these acts fuels courage and worship: the Lord saves, judges, and reigns—yesterday, today, and forever. |
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