Topical Bible: Praise: Song of Moses, After the Passage Through the Red Sea

◄ Praise: Song of Moses, After the Passage Through the Red Sea ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Song of Moses, found in Exodus 15:1-18, is a profound hymn of praise and thanksgiving sung by Moses and the Israelites after their miraculous deliverance from the Egyptian army at the Red Sea. This song is one of the earliest recorded hymns in the Bible and serves as a powerful expression of faith and recognition of God's mighty acts.

Context and Background

The Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for centuries, and God raised up Moses to lead them to freedom. After a series of plagues, Pharaoh finally allowed the Israelites to leave. However, he soon regretted this decision and pursued them with his army. Trapped between the Red Sea and the approaching Egyptians, the Israelites seemed doomed. Yet, God intervened, parting the waters of the sea, allowing His people to cross on dry ground, and then bringing the waters back to drown the pursuing Egyptian forces.

Structure and Themes

The Song of Moses is structured as a poetic celebration of God's deliverance. It can be divided into several thematic sections:

1. Praise for God's Triumph (Exodus 15:1-5): The song begins with Moses and the Israelites exalting God for His victory over the Egyptians. "I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea" (Exodus 15:1). This opening line sets the tone for the entire hymn, emphasizing God's supremacy and power.

2. God as Warrior and Savior (Exodus 15:6-10): The song continues by describing God's might and His role as a warrior who fights for His people. "Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power; Your right hand, O LORD, has shattered the enemy" (Exodus 15:6). This section highlights God's active involvement in the deliverance of Israel.

3. Acknowledgment of God's Uniqueness (Exodus 15:11-13): The Israelites recognize the uniqueness of God, declaring, "Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?" (Exodus 15:11). This acknowledgment underscores the monotheistic belief in the one true God, distinct from the deities of surrounding nations.

4. Prophetic Vision of Future Victories (Exodus 15:14-18): The song concludes with a prophetic vision of future victories and the establishment of God's people in the Promised Land. "The LORD will reign forever and ever!" (Exodus 15:18). This forward-looking perspective reinforces the hope and trust in God's continued guidance and protection.

Significance in Worship and Theology

The Song of Moses is significant in both worship and theology. It serves as a model for corporate worship, demonstrating how the community of believers can come together to celebrate God's deeds. Theologically, it affirms God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and covenantal relationship with His people. The song also foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who leads believers from the bondage of sin to the freedom of salvation.

Legacy and Influence

The Song of Moses has had a lasting impact on Judeo-Christian worship and literature. It is echoed in other biblical passages, such as the Song of Deborah (Judges 5) and the Psalms, which often recount God's mighty acts. In the New Testament, the themes of deliverance and victory resonate in the hymns of praise found in Revelation, particularly in the song of the Lamb (Revelation 15:3-4).

In summary, the Song of Moses stands as a timeless testament to God's power and faithfulness, inviting believers throughout the ages to join in the chorus of praise for His wondrous works.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 15:1-19
Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song to the LORD, and spoke, saying, I will sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider has he thrown into the sea.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Israel in Egypt
... Now, turning to the song of Moses, I shall ... you by noticing some interesting particulars
in the song which will ... of the redeemed, when they shall praise the Most ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/israel in egypt.htm

Where is the Lord?
... He remembered the days of old, Moses and his people; and when he his himself, and
would ... And sing thy great Redeemer's praise: He justly claims a song from me,. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/where is the lord.htm

Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487.
... Jeremiah, song of, [597]267, [598]315. ... Moses, man of God, prayer of, Psalm 90. ... Sacrifice,
of repentance, [932]9; of praise, [933]183; of righteousness, [934]196 ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/aron brother of moses 486.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... The song of triumph with which the Israelitish fugitives ... refused a passage through
his dominions to Moses and his ... of Teman, and the highest praise that could ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

Psalm CVI.
... Him at the waters of strife: so that Moses was vexed ... it is said, "Sing unto the Lord
a new song." And, that ... whole earth: sing unto the Lord, and praise His Name ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cvi.htm

The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
... He lived after his trial a hundred and forty ... titles; the ninetieth being referred
to Moses, the hundred and ... character, that is, songs of praise; Song of degrees ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxi the poetical books.htm

Infant Salvation
... Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings he hath perfected praise." The coming ... not
children in the greater deliverance to join in the song of Moses and of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/infant salvation.htm

On the Baptism of Christ.
... Again, the great Moses, when he was a goodly child, and yet at ... and we men are made
to join in the angels' song, offering the worship of their praise to God ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on the baptism of christ.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
... Saints in Heaven join in singing the Song of Moses, in which the servant of God
celebrated Jehovah's praise in overthrowing Pharaoh and his hosts ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter five the sovereignty of.htm

Christ Triumphant
... angels of God with loudest harmony chanted his praise. ... Then follow Abraham, Isaac,
and Jacob, Moses and Joshua ... he writes, "They sung a new song, saying, thou ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/christ triumphant.htm