What is the meaning of Exodus 15:21? And Miriam sang back to them • Miriam, introduced here as a “prophetess” (Exodus 15:20), answers the congregation with a responsive refrain. This echoing style lets every Israelite—men, women, and children—own the victory just experienced (cf. Exodus 15:1). • Her leadership in worship fulfills earlier glimpses of her calling (Exodus 2:4-8) and foreshadows her prominence alongside Moses and Aaron (Micah 6:4). • The moment shows that public praise is not reserved for a select few; it is a family affair where testimony is repeated so the memory never fades (Deuteronomy 6:20-25; Psalm 78:4-7). Sing to the LORD • The imperative “Sing” is a summons to active, vocal gratitude. Worship is not passive background music; it is the fitting response to God’s mighty acts (Psalm 95:1; 1 Chronicles 16:9). • “To the LORD” keeps attention fixed on the covenant God who just led them through the sea, not on the human leaders who lifted the staff. Similar calls ring throughout Scripture—“Sing to the LORD a new song” (Psalm 96:1-2), “making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19). • Singing unites doctrine and delight. As they rehearse truth in melody, faith is strengthened and fear of future enemies is quieted (2 Chronicles 20:21-22). for He is highly exalted • Praise is anchored in a reason: God’s absolute supremacy. He is not merely a little stronger than Pharaoh; He is “highly exalted,” set immeasurably above all powers (Psalm 97:9; Isaiah 12:5). • Exalting the LORD magnifies His character—holiness, faithfulness, power—reminding the people that the same God who stood for them today will stand for them tomorrow (Psalm 34:3). • The New Testament echoes the theme when it declares that God “exalted Him to the highest place” (Philippians 2:9-11), proving that the LORD’s glory is the thread binding the whole Bible together. the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea • The line recalls the literal, historic event moments earlier: “The waters returned and covered the chariots and horsemen” (Exodus 14:27-28). What no human army could accomplish, God achieved in a single stroke. • Mentioning both horse and rider underscores total victory—equipment and expert warriors alike lie powerless (Psalm 20:7; Nehemiah 9:11). • The image anticipates future triumphs: the LORD “swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea” (Psalm 136:15), and one day He will cast every rebellious force into final defeat (Revelation 19:11-21). • Israel now knows experientially that “salvation belongs to the LORD” (Jonah 2:9). Their enemies drowned; their faith surfaced. summary Exodus 15:21 is a joyous, responsive anthem led by Miriam, summoning the people to celebrate the LORD’s unrivaled greatness. It calls everyone to active praise (“Sing to the LORD”), grounds that praise in God’s incomparable majesty (“for He is highly exalted”), and anchors it in a concrete act of deliverance (“the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea”). The verse teaches that worship flows naturally from witnessing God’s mighty salvation, assuring believers that the One who overthrew Pharaoh remains forever exalted and worthy of song. |
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