Exodus 15
BSB1 Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD: “I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted. The horse and rider He has thrown into the sea. 2 The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him. 3 The LORD is a warrior, the LORD is His name. 4 Pharaoh’s chariots and army He has cast into the sea; the finest of his officers are drowned in the Red Sea. 5 The depths have covered them; they sank there like a stone. 6 Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power; Your right hand, O LORD, has shattered the enemy. 7 You overthrew Your adversaries by Your great majesty. You unleashed Your burning wrath; it consumed them like stubble. 8 At the blast of Your nostrils the waters piled up; like a wall the currents stood firm; the depths congealed in the heart of the sea. 9 The enemy declared, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword; my hand will destroy them.’ 10 But You blew with Your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters. 11 Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders? 12 You stretched out Your right hand, and the earth swallowed them up. 13 With loving devotion You will lead the people You have redeemed; with Your strength You will guide them to Your holy dwelling. 14 The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the dwellers of Philistia. 15 Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; those who dwell in Canaan will melt away, 16 and terror and dread will fall on them. By the power of Your arm they will be as still as a stone until Your people pass by, O LORD, until the people You have bought pass by. 17 You will bring them in and plant them on the mountain of Your inheritance— the place, O LORD, You have prepared for Your dwelling, the sanctuary, O Lord, Your hands have established. 18 The LORD will reign forever and ever!" 19 For when Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and horsemen went into the sea, the LORD brought the waters of the sea back over them. But the Israelites walked through the sea on dry ground. 20 Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. 21 And Miriam sang back to them: “Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea." 22 Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the Desert of Shur. For three days they walked in the desert without finding water. 23 And when they came to Marah, they could not drink the water there because it was bitter. (That is why it was named Marah.) 24 So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?" 25 And Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log. And when he cast it into the waters, they were sweetened. There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them, 26 saying, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His eyes, and pay attention to His commands, and keep all His statutes, then I will not bring on you any of the diseases I inflicted on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you." 27 Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they camped there by the waters.
Study Notes — Exodus 15
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Exodus 15
- Themes from Exodus 15
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Exodus 15
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Exodus chapter 15 begins with the Song of Moses, a triumphant hymn of praise to God for His deliverance of the Israelites from the Egyptians at the Red Sea (Exodus 15:1-21). The song emphasizes God's power, holiness, and redemption. The chapter then describes the bitter water at Marah, which God made sweet, and the Israelites' arrival at Elim, where they found abundant water and palm trees (Exodus 15:22-27). The chapter concludes with the Israelites' journey to the wilderness of Sin, where they grumbled against Moses and God provided manna and quail for them to eat (not included in this chapter but sets the stage for the next). Key verses include Exodus 15:2, which says, 'The Lord is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation,' and Exodus 15:11, which asks, 'Who among the gods is like You, Lord?'
Context for the Chapter
Exodus chapter 15 follows the dramatic events of the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus 14, where God miraculously delivered the Israelites from the pursuing Egyptian army. This chapter serves as a pause in the narrative to reflect on the significance of God's action and to express worship and praise. It sets the stage for the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, where they will face various challenges and learn to trust God's provision and guidance.
Heart Application
The chapter encourages believers to reflect on God's power and redemption in their lives, prompting a response of worship and praise. Just as the Israelites trusted God in the midst of uncertainty, believers today can trust in God's strength and provision, especially in times of difficulty or doubt.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Exodus chapter 15 is about the Israelites praising God for saving them from the Egyptians by parting the Red Sea. They sang a song, known as the Song of Moses, thanking God for being their strength and salvation. This chapter reminds us to always thank God for the great things He does for us, like saving us from sin, as seen in Exodus 15:2 where it says, 'The Lord is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation.'
Voices from the Church
“The song of Moses is a very model of a grateful heart, and it should stir us up to similar expressions of praise to our God, who has redeemed us from the slavery of sin.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“In this song, we see the Church, under the figure of the Israelites, celebrating the wonderful works of God, and we are taught to do the same, acknowledging His power and goodness in our redemption.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Song of Moses (Exodus 15:1-21) — The chapter begins with a triumphant song of praise to God for His deliverance of the Israelites, highlighting His power, holiness, and redemption.
- The Bitter Water at Marah (Exodus 15:22-25) — After the song, the narrative turns to the Israelites' journey, where they encounter bitter water that God makes sweet, demonstrating His care for their physical needs.
- Arrival at Elim (Exodus 15:27) — The Israelites then come to Elim, where they find abundant water and palm trees, symbolizing God's provision and rest for His people.
- Introduction to the Wilderness Experience — The chapter concludes by setting the stage for the Israelites' experience in the wilderness, where they will face challenges and learn to trust God's guidance and provision.
- Conclusion — The overall message of the chapter is one of worship, trust, and the celebration of God's redemption, pointing forward to the greater redemption achieved by Christ.
Core Doctrines
- Redemption
- This chapter teaches about God's power to redeem His people from slavery, foreshadowing the ultimate redemption through Christ.
- Worship
- The importance of worship as a response to God's redemption is emphasized, showing that praise is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life.
- Providence
- God's ongoing care and provision for the Israelites demonstrate His providence, reassuring believers of His involvement in their lives.
- Holiness
- The chapter highlights God's holiness, stressing the need for believers to reverence and obey Him.
Lessons from Exodus 15
- Lesson of Redemption — The chapter teaches us about the power of God's redemption and the importance of praising Him for it.
- Lesson of Trust — We learn to trust God's power and provision, even in the face of uncertainty or difficulty.
- Lesson of Worship — The Israelites' immediate response of worship after their deliverance emphasizes the importance of praise in our relationship with God.
- Lesson of Providence — God's care for the Israelites' physical needs demonstrates His ongoing providence and encouragement to trust in His guidance.
- Lesson of Holiness — The chapter underscores the reverence and obedience due to God's holiness, highlighting the need for believers to live in accordance with His commands.
Themes from Exodus 15
- Redemption — The chapter's central theme is God's redemption of the Israelites, foreshadowing the redemption achieved by Christ.
- Worship — The importance of worship as a response to God's redemption is a significant theme, encouraging believers to praise God for His salvation.
- Trust — Trust in God's power and provision is a key theme, as seen in the Israelites' journey and God's care for them.
- Providence — God's providence is highlighted through His care for the Israelites' needs, reassuring believers of His involvement in their lives.
- Holiness — The theme of God's holiness emphasizes the need for reverence and obedience, underscoring the importance of living a life that honors God.
Questions for Meditation
- How does the Song of Moses inspire you to praise God for His redemption in your life?
- What are some ways you can apply the principle of trusting God's power and provision in your daily life, especially in challenging situations?
- How does the story of the bitter water at Marah encourage you to trust God's care for your physical and spiritual needs?
- What does the abundance found at Elim symbolize for believers today, and how can we experience such rest and provision in our journey with God?
- In what ways can you express your gratitude to God for the redemption you have in Christ, as reflected in Exodus 15:13?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Song of Moses (Exodus 15:1-21)
| 15:1 | The chapter begins with Moses and the Israelites singing a song to the Lord, praising Him for the victory over the Egyptians. |
| 15:2 | The song expresses trust in God's strength and salvation, emphasizing His role as the redeemer of His people. |
| 15:3-5 | These verses describe God's power in defeating the Egyptian army, using imagery of war and divine judgment. |
| 15:6-10 | The song continues, praising God's right hand, which shattered the enemy, and describing the destruction of the Egyptians in the Red Sea. |
| 15:11 | The verse asks who among the gods is like the Lord, emphasizing God's uniqueness and power. |
| 15:12-13 | The song concludes by looking forward to God's leading the people He has redeemed into His holy dwelling, highlighting the ultimate goal of redemption. |
| 15:14-16 | The nations hear of God's deeds and tremble, while the leaders of Edom, Moab, and other nations are dismayed and fearful. |
| 15:17-18 | The song speaks of God's planting His people on the mountain of His inheritance, looking forward to their possession of the Promised Land. |
| 15:19-21 | The chapter concludes the song with the statement that the horses and chariots of the Egyptians were cast into the sea, and Miriam leads the women in singing and dancing to celebrate God's victory. |
2. The Bitter Water at Marah (Exodus 15:22-25)
| 15:22 | The Israelites journey into the wilderness of Shur and come to Marah, where they cannot drink the water because it is bitter. |
| 15:23 | The people grumble against Moses, who cries out to the Lord, and God shows him a tree to throw into the water, making it sweet. |
| 15:24-25 | The people are instructed to obey God's commands, and God will not bring on them any of the diseases He brought on the Egyptians if they listen attentively to His voice and do what is right in His sight. |
3. Arrival at Elim (Exodus 15:27)
| 15:27 | The Israelites come to Elim, where there are twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they camp there by the water. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Song of Moses in Exodus 15?
The Song of Moses is significant because it expresses the Israelites' praise and gratitude to God for their deliverance from the Egyptians, highlighting God's power, redemption, and holiness, as seen in Exodus 15:2 and Exodus 15:11.
Why did God make the bitter water at Marah sweet?
God made the bitter water sweet to demonstrate His care for the Israelites' physical needs and to encourage them to trust in His provision, as described in Exodus 15:22-25.
What is the symbolic meaning of the twelve springs and seventy palm trees at Elim?
The twelve springs and seventy palm trees at Elim symbolize God's abundant provision and rest for His people, as mentioned in Exodus 15:27, providing a place of refreshment and rejuvenation in their journey.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 15:2 → Psalm 118:14 | Both verses express trust in God as the source of strength and salvation, highlighting the continuity of worship and praise throughout the Bible. |
| 2 | Exodus 15:11 → Isaiah 46:5 | Both passages ask who is like God, emphasizing His uniqueness and power among the gods of the nations. |
| 3 | Exodus 15:13 → John 1:1 | The concept of God leading His redeemed people is foreshadowed in Exodus and fulfilled in Christ, who leads believers to eternal life. |
| 4 | Exodus 15:17 → Hebrews 12:22-24 | This verse looks forward to God's planting His people on the mountain of His inheritance, a promise fulfilled in Christ, who has given believers an inheritance in heaven, as seen in Hebrews 12:22-24. |
| 5 | Exodus 15:22-25 → John 4:14 | The provision of sweet water in the wilderness prefigures the living water that Christ gives, which quenches spiritual thirst forever. |
| 6 | Exodus 15:26 → Matthew 4:4 | The instruction to obey God's commands and trust in His provision is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to trust in God's Word and provision. |
| 7 | Exodus 15:27 → Revelation 7:17 | The rest and provision found at Elim symbolize the ultimate rest and provision believers will experience in heaven, where God will wipe away every tear and provide for all needs. |
| 8 | Exodus 15:1-21 → Ephesians 1:3-14 | The song of praise in Exodus 15 is mirrored in the New Testament's descriptions of redemption and praise, highlighting the continuity of worship from the Old to the New Testament. |
| 9 | Exodus 15:11 → Psalm 77:13 | The question of who is like God among the gods is a recurring theme, emphasizing God's uniqueness and power, as seen in both Exodus 15:11 and Psalm 77:13. |
| 10 | Exodus 15:13 → Acts 13:17 | The concept of God's redemption is central to both the Old and New Testaments, with Exodus 15:13 and Acts 13:17 highlighting God's redemption of His people. |
Sermons on Exodus 15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Hebrews) 2-Moses by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Moses and his commitment to serving God. The speaker highlights Moses' dedication by mentioning his 40 days of fasting and his |
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Healing - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of using the gift that God has given us. He shares his personal experience of receiving more of God's gifts by choosing to use |
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The Holiness of God by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of responding to the reality of God's holiness. He starts by highlighting the commandment in Exodus 20:3 to have no other god |
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Christ Made Perfect by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of being reconciled to God at a young age. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the purpose of Jesus' death on t |
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(Forging the Vessel of Recovery) 1- the Success of the First Century Church by B.H. Clendennen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of personal witness for Christ. They highlight that while television, radio, and printed materials are valuable tools for spre |
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The Holiness of God - Part 1 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the holiness of God and the need for reverence and sanctification in His presence. He refers to the story of Moses encountering God at the b |
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The Making of a Worshipper by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the common question of why God allows sudden disasters and tragedies to happen. He uses the example of the Israelites in the Bible who were fr |
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(Reformation Within Protestantism): Faith in Practice by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that when God speaks, His words have multiple applications and are true for anyone who believes them. He asserts that nothing in history, ph |
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Don't Lose Your Song by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not losing one's song, referring to the joy and praise that comes from having a strong faith in God. The speaker reads from |
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The Life of David Brainerd - Part. 2 by Jonathan Edwards | In this sermon transcript, the preacher reflects on their own feelings of unworthiness and insufficiency. They express a desire for a close and constant devotion to God and a fear |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Exodus 15
Matthew Henry's commentary on Exodus 15 reflects on the Song of Moses as a model of gratitude and praise, encouraging believers to express their thankfulness for God's redemption in their lives. He notes the song's emphasis on God's power, holiness, and the redemption of His people, drawing parallels with the ultimate redemption achieved by Christ. Henry also observes the provision of sweet water and the rest at Elim as symbols of God's care for His people, pointing to the spiritual refreshment and rest found in Christ. The commentary concludes by emphasizing the importance of obedience and trust in God's provision, as seen in the Israelites' journey, and the eternal rest and provision that await believers in heaven. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Power
The chapter vividly describes God's power in parting the Red Sea and destroying the Egyptian army, demonstrating His ability to overcome any obstacle to save His people.
Israel's Worship
The Israelites' immediate response to their deliverance is worship, indicating the appropriate response to God's redemption is praise and adoration.
God's Provision
Even after the dramatic rescue, God continues to provide for the Israelites' needs, showing His ongoing care and provision for those He redeems.