In Exodus 13:1-17 we find a song written by Moses and 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 hasdone on their behalf.
•Vs. 14-17: The future tense expressions of what God will do.
• God’s victory over the Egyptians assures future victories! 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.