“Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD. … Then Miriam …, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand …. Miriam sang to them.”
Exodus 15:1, 20-21
After witnessing the suffering of their people, the arrival and lifting of the ten plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the destruction of the entire Egyptian army, how could the Israelites help but break out into song?
In earth-shattering displays of His power, God burst onto the scene for His people after some 400 years of slavery and cruel oppression. They would have felt utter terror as Pharaoh’s army pounded after them in their escape from Egypt. They’d reached the Red Sea and could go no further. Survival looked hopeless. But God parted the sea, led them through on dry ground, and swallowed up Pharaoh and his army.
It was Miriam who led the singing, tambourine playing, and dancing with the chorus of, “Sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea” (v. 21). Her brother Moses expanded those jubilant lyrics, giving us today the first song written out for us in the Bible. And that song’s last line has echoed throughout all of history: “The LORD will reign for ever and ever” (v. 18).
In earth-shattering displays of His power, God burst onto the scene for His people after some 400 years of slavery and cruel oppression. They would have felt utter terror as Pharaoh’s army pounded after them in their escape from Egypt. They’d reached the Red Sea and could go no further. Survival looked hopeless. But God parted the sea, led them through on dry ground, and swallowed up Pharaoh and his army.
It was Miriam who led the singing, tambourine playing, and dancing with the chorus of, “Sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea” (v. 21). Her brother Moses expanded those jubilant lyrics, giving us today the first song written out for us in the Bible. And that song’s last line has echoed throughout all of history: “The LORD will reign for ever and ever” (v. 18).
Scripture Focus
Exodus 15:1-21
Insight
“God will make a way/ Where there seems to be no way/ He works in ways we cannot see/ He will make a way for me.” (Don Moen, 1990)
Bible In A Year
- Lamentations 4-5
- Psalm 130
- 2 Corinthians 12