Exodus Chapter 15

At a Glance

  • Exodus 15 records the first major act of communal worship following deliverance: the Song of the Sea.
  • Historical & Literary Context.
  • Exodus 15 sits at the juncture of deliverance and wilderness formation.
  • The poetry in Exodus 15 is not merely a celebration but a theological declamation—its lines frame God’s character and actions as a model for Israel’s life.
  • - Praise as memory and declaration: worship binds the people to God’s acts and character.

EXODUS CHAPTER 15

Chapter Overview

Exodus 15 records the first major act of communal worship following deliverance: the Song of the Sea. Moses and the Israelites lift their voices in a hymn of worship, celebrating Yahweh’s triumph over Pharaoh and the sea. The song moves beyond mere praise to articulate a robust theology of God’s character: He is a warrior, a savior, a holy and majestic king who dispenses justice and mercy. The poem gives voice to astonishment at God’s power—His right hand, His splendor, His majesty—and it asserts that the God of Israel is unlike the gods of Egypt or surrounding nations.

The chapter then transitions into a narrative of gratitude that extends into the wilderness: Miriam the prophetess leads the women in a dance and song, highlighting participatory worship across generations and genders. The immediate aftermath includes a reflection on the future: fear and awe will spread through the land of Canaan, and the people will trust in the Lord as they journey toward their promised home. The chapter ends by laying groundwork for the broader trek in the wilderness with a sense of divine presence that will accompany them as they travel.

Historical & Literary Context

Exodus 15 sits at the juncture of deliverance and wilderness formation. As a song of victory and worship, it serves as a liturgical anchor for Israel’s faith community, guiding future worship gatherings. This is an ancient Near Eastern pattern: after a military or divine victory, a collective hymn accompanies the memory and identity of the people.

The poetry in Exodus 15 is not merely a celebration but a theological declamation—its lines frame God’s character and actions as a model for Israel’s life. The inclusion of Miriam’s song and dance signals communal participation in covenant faithfulness. This chapter functions as a template for how Israel ought to respond to God’s acts: with praise, remembrance, and a bold faith that relies on the Lord’s steadfast love.

Key Themes

- Praise as memory and declaration: worship binds the people to God’s acts and character.

- God as warrior and savior: divine might is rightly acknowledged as the source of victory.

- Covenant identity in song: communal memory shapes future obedience and trust.

- Gender-inclusive worship: Miriam’s leadership highlights communal participation.

Modern Application

Exodus 15 challenges modern readers to cultivate a posture of gratitude that grows into public worship and joyful trust in God’s character. It affirms that worship is not incidental but foundational to identity, especially after moments of deliverance from fear and oppression. The chapter’s emphasis on remembrance through song can inspire contemporary faith communities to embed expressive worship, including arts, dance, and communal storytelling, as means of transformation and solidarity.

- Psalm 107 (God’s deliverance and songs of praise)

- Deuteronomy 32 (reflection on God’s faithfulness)

- Revelation 15 (worship before God’s throne)

- Luke 2 (Mary’s song of praise)

Recommended Personas

- Moses (leadership and prophetic song)

- Miriam (prophetic leadership in worship)

- David (psalmic perspective)

- Jesus (fulfillment of worship through the new covenant)

Chapter Text

1

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.

2

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.

3

The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name.

4

Pharaoh’s chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.

5

The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone.

6

Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.

7

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.

8

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.

9

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.

10

Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.

11

Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?

12

Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them.

13

Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.

14

The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.

15

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.

16

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.

17

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.

18

The LORD shall reign for ever and ever.

19

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.

20

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.

21

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.

22

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.

23

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.

24

And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?

25

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,

26

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.

27

And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.

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