Exodus 15:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord, saying, "I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.

NIV: Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord: "I will sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea.

NASB: Then Moses and the sons of Israel sang this song to the Lord, saying: 'I will sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted; The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea.

CSB: Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord. They said: I will sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted; he has thrown the horse and its rider into the sea.

NLT: Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord: 'I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; he has hurled both horse and rider into the sea.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the Lord, and spoke, saying: “I will sing to the Lord, For He has triumphed gloriously! The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea!

This chapter begins with a song of celebration regarding the defeat of the Egyptians at the sea (Exodus 14:21–29). All the horsemen and chariots which Egypt sent against Israel (Exodus 14:5–9) were wiped out by God's miraculous intervention. Moses' words worship God for this rescue. The praise comes from Moses and the people, accompanied by Miriam, Moses' sister (Exodus 2:4–7), leading the Jewish women in dance while carrying a tambourine (Exodus 15:20–21). Her singing repeats the words which begin this extended section of praise.

Songs can emphasize many different emotions; this chapter focuses on the joy of rescue by the Lord from the hands of Israel's enemies. Music and worship were linked, important aspects of ancient Jewish culture (Genesis 31:27). The first mention of music in Scripture is associated with Jubal (Genesis 4:21). The Hebrews would continue to worship the Lord in song in worship rituals of the tabernacle and temple. Songs are also used in Jewish synagogues today. The book of Psalms contains many poetic refrains meant to be sung along to music.

Exodus 15:1–18 is Moses' song of celebration. Israel has just been saved from an attacking Egyptian army (Exodus 14:5–9). God miraculously parted the waters of the sea so His people could cross safely; the pursuing soldiers were all drowned (Exodus 14:21–29). In this song, Moses recounts this amazing series of events. He also looks ahead to Israel's conquest of the Promised Land (Genesis 13:12, 14–16).

Israel celebrates the supernatural event which eliminated the Egyptian army. God's power parted the waters of the Red Sea for the Hebrews to cross, then collapsed the same waters over the pursuing soldiers (Exodus 14:21–29). Moses, his sister Miriam, and the other Israelites praise the Lord for His works. They anticipate that this event will strike fear into the hearts of the wicked Canaanite nations (Deuteronomy 9:4). Yet, when the only water they find is undrinkable, the Israelites complain and criticize Moses. God provides a means to purify the water. He then provides a clear message about obedience and leads the people to a well-watered oasis.

When the nation of Israel was freed (Exodus 12:40–41), God led them to a specific place (Exodus 13:17–18). The Egyptians sent an army in pursuit (Exodus 14:5–9). God completed Israel's salvation by leading them across the Red Sea and wiping out the Egyptian army (Exodus 14:21–28). Here, the people celebrate their freedom with singing and dancing. However, they will soon complain when water runs short. In the following chapter, they will complain about food and be given the gift of "manna" (Exodus 16).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.