Exodus 15:1-27

15:1-18 | The Song of the Sea (composed by Moses) is the first psalm in the Bible. At key moments in their history, the Hebrew people created songs like this to commemorate God’s great works. The Lord is my strength and song means “He is my strong song; He is my reason for singing” (Ps. 118:14; Isa. 12:2).

15:3 | In the conflict between the Hebrew people and the Egyptians, God reveals Himself as the Warrior (a man of war) for His people! There was no battle between defenseless Israel and Egypt; Yahweh fought (and still does fight) for His children.

15:6 | The Lord’s right hand is a symbol of His authority and direct involvement with His people (Ps. 17:7; 118:15).

15:14-15 | The dramatic way in which the Lord delivered the Hebrew people from Pharaoh’s army at the Red Sea caused Yahweh’s name to be feared among neighboring nations (Josh. 2:9). Yet even the nations’ fears did not hearten the Hebrew people to take the land the Lord had promised them (Num. 13-14).

15:20-21 | Miriam was Moses’ sister, too, but perhaps she is referred to as Aaron’s sister because of his priestly role and her role here in leading Israel’s worship. She was the first prophetess in Scripture but not the only one. Others include Deborah (Judg. 4:4), Anna (Luke 2:36), and Philip’s daughters (Acts 21:9).

15:22-26 | People can change from praise to complaint so easily: Israel’s elation lasted just three days, until they encountered bitter, brackish water at Marah. Moses cried out to God, and the Lord revealed Himself as Yahweh Rophe (the LORD who heals). The Healer of the water promised to protect the people if they would obey Him.