Exodus 15:1-27 – “New Surroundings By Joy”
I.) Intro.
Have you ever noticed how good of a winner you are? It’s a gift that people everywhere possess when they are victorious. Along with that, I’ve come to realize that as good a winner as I am, it never sustains me for very long. I can be singing and rejoicing in my victory one moment, only to be complaining and whining the next. The confidence I had in victory is lost in a fraction of time. Now, normally I don’t live on such extremes of the pendulum, but at times we all go through seasons where our life seems to be on a good roll, and then at a moment’s notice the wind changes, and we are singing the blues!
That’s the case in chapter 15. Victory is won by the Lord, and the people break forth in spontaneous praise to the Lord. Yet, by the end of the chapter, just three days out, they are singing a different song. Folks, I can relate to that. I’m normally an upbeat guy; I kind of always see the glass half full instead of half empty. But there are occasions where I doubt the Lord’s faithfulness and become a pessimist. I remember talking to a person one time, encouraging them not to be so pessimistic, to which they replied, “I’m not a pessimist, I’m a realist!”
God forbid that we should stop praising the Lord because things don’t work out the way we think they should. That’s not our prayer anyway. Instead, we ought to praise Him because they are going to work out the way He wants them to!
II.) Vs. 1-17 A song for the past, present & future
As we break apart this song sung while at the sea, there are several important things to remember:
- Moses’ leadership in praise: According to verse 1, Moses wrote and instituted this song. The Israelites only followed the example of Moses. It’s important that the body of Christ sees the leadership as the instigators of praise to God. Notice that Moses starts with, “I will sing to the Lord.” He declares what he will do and to whom he is going to do it. The people then joined in the song. But what they needed to learn was that they were to sing this song not only on the seashore of victory but also through the desert of dryness!
- Affirming trust in God: This song not only records the blessing of victory over the Egyptians, but it also seeks to use that victory as a basis for continual trust in the Lord. The song is divided into two parts:
- Vs. 1-13: The past and present tense expressions of what God has done on their behalf.
- Vs. 14-17: The future tense expressions of what God will do.
- A song for the future: This incident and song became a sort of national anthem, mentioned 15 times in the Psalms and 12 times in the prophets. Even during the Great Tribulation, as we read in Revelation 15:3, this song will be sung to encourage tribulation believers, reminding them of God’s continual faithfulness. The song assures Israel—and us—that what God can do is based on the knowledge of what He has already done.
Vs. 1-13 A song of God’s past and present work:
Vs. 1-2 Verse 1 is the chorus, later picked up by Moses’ sister Miriam. The use of first-person pronouns (I and my) emphasizes that the song is personal. The Lord is our strength, salvation, and deliverer because of His character and nature.
Vs. 3-8 The events that transpired are poetically described. Although Moses sings about the natural destruction of Pharaoh’s army, it was the direct hand of God that brought it about. God caused the natural to act unnaturally. The point is: Don’t focus on the situation or circumstance—rejoice in God, who controls everything!
Vs. 9-10 This section recalls the arrogant “I will’s” of Egypt, showing that while Egypt was certain of victory, God’s power prevailed. God fought for Israel and turned the tide. This reminds us that no matter what enemy pursues us, as long as the Lord fights our battles, we can move forward with confidence.
Vs. 11-13 These verses reflect on the Lord’s character and nature. God is above all others and always faithful. The purpose of the events in our lives is to reveal more of His character and nature to us. Let us learn to sing His praise in all things!
Vs. 14-17 A song of victory for the future:
These verses describe how Israel’s victory over Egypt will be received by the nations occupying the Promised Land. Israel’s victory will strike fear into their future enemies. God uses one victory in our lives to build the next one, just as Rahab in Jericho heard of the Red Sea crossing. The song assures Israel of future victories as God brings them into the land He promised their forefathers.
Vs. 17 Based on God’s past victories, they are confident He will bring them into the land of promise. We can trust that God, who began a good work in us, will be faithful to complete it!
III.) Vs. 18-21 Let’s dance to the music
Vs. 18 What a glorious promise! The Lord will reign forever, and His victory is ours. We share in His triumph, reigning with Him. Let’s align our wills with His!
Vs. 19 Israel’s hope is tied to God’s deliverance. Our hope rests in the finished work of Christ, who is the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2).
Vs. 20-21 Miriam, Moses’ sister, led the women in praise to God. Don’t worry about how you appear to others when you praise God. Worship is not about performance—it’s a participation exercise. When we sing to the Lord, we do so for an audience of One!
IV.) Vs. 22-27 How did that song go again?
Vs. 22 Now we see their first movement as freed people. After three days, the singing dies down as the water supply runs low. Where was the praise for future victories? Where was the trust in God who controls the natural and uses it supernaturally?
Vs. 23 The waters they find are bitter. We all face bitter disappointments in life when things don’t turn out the way we expect. How do we react when we face this?
Vs. 24 They began to murmur against God. Don’t praise God only when things go your way. Praise Him because He loves you and knows what you need before you ask!
Vs. 25 Moses cried out to the Lord, who showed him a tree to make the water drinkable. Symbolically, the water represents the Word of God, and the tree represents the cross. When we apply the cross of grace, the Word becomes sweet, and it quenches our thirst. This was a test, and they failed. Remember, God doesn’t create joy by new surroundings—He creates new surroundings by joy!
Vs. 26 God promises health and well-being if they obey His Word. God always shows Himself faithful.
Vs. 27 Seven miles away, they found the oasis of Elim with 12 wells and 70 palm trees—a reminder of God’s provision for their needs. Let’s not complain but instead sing praise to His faithfulness!