The Song of Moses

God’s great acts of salvation inspire the redeemed to praise the Lord, and this is most evident in Exodus 15. Israel has been rescued fully and finally from the Egyptians through the miracle of the Red Sea crossing (ch. 14), so what could be more fitting than for Moses to worship the Lord?

Today’s passage begins the record of the Song of Moses, which was sung in the aftermath of God’s victory over Egypt at the Red Sea. One commentator notes that this was likely the very first part of the book of Exodus written, which makes sense because at this point in Israel’s history, Moses would not have had the time to sit down and record all the history, since the Israelites have been on the run from Pharaoh. But it was important to worship God for His wondrous salvation, so Moses must have immediately written down this song so that he could teach it to the Israelites.

In the song we have a celebration of the Lord’s conquering the horses and riders who made up the Egyptian army. Exodus 15:1 begins the song by noting how the Lord threw the army into the sea and their destruction. Lest there be any doubt about this, verse 2 reemphasizes that this redemption has been the work of God alone. He is the strength, song, and salvation of His people. This is true in every generation—the Lord alone is Redeemer. As God says in Isaiah 43:11, “I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior.” Whatever rescue we experience, whatever obedience we render to God, whatever success we find—all this is ultimately the work only of our Creator. John Calvin comments on the meaning of the Song of Moses that “the sum is, that they were strong in God, and had not conquered their enemies by their own bravery; and that, therefore, it is not lawful to glory save in God alone.”

This song reveals Israel’s resolve to praise the Lord, who is their “father’s God” (Ex. 15:2). This is in keeping with one of the major themes of Exodus—the God who saved Israel from Egypt is the same God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the covenant Lord of Israel who always fulfills His promises (2:24; 3:1–12). The Song of Moses, then, places the exodus generation in the centuries-long story of God and His faithfulness to His people, a story that we who trust in Christ are part of as well. As we in the strength of the Lord overcome His and our enemies, we have the privilege of singing “the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb” (Rev. 15:1–4).