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Exodus 15:13

“You have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed; you have guided them by your strength to your holy abode.”

What is God’s ultimate purpose in salvation? We have addressed this question thus far in our study of Exodus, noting that Israel’s redemption from slavery demonstrates that the Lord saves people so that they will worship Him. The end goal of the exodus, after all, was for the Israelites to sacrifice to God in the wilderness (see Ex. 3:18; 5:3; 8:27). Yet in creating a community of worshipers, God does not will to keep them away from Him, to have them sacrifice from afar. Instead, His goal is that they be with Him in His presence as they worship Him.

Today’s passage tells us as much when it says that the Lord has guided the Israelites by His strength to His “holy abode” (15:13). This line seems strange to us, for at this point in the exodus story, the people have not yet come to the Lord’s house. But remember that God’s promise to Abraham was not only that He would bring Israel out of Egypt but that He would bring them into Canaan (Gen. 15), and in light of the witness of all Scripture, it would be in Canaan, specifically in Jerusalem, where the Lord would choose to dwell (Deut. 12:1–12). In Moses’ day, Israel did not yet possess the promised land, but the fact that God kept His promise to liberate the Israelites from slavery confirmed that He would also keep His promise to settle His people in Canaan. Thus, at this point in the Song of Moses, the hymn becomes forward-looking. Exodus 15:13 celebrates what was sure to come even though at the time it was not yet a reality for Israel.

Exodus 15:13 continues the theme of the Song of Moses in celebrating the strength of God as seen in His accomplishing of salvation (see vv. 1–12). The same verse adds, however, that God is acting in His “steadfast love” in saving the Israelites and bringing them into Canaan. “Steadfast love” here translates the Hebrew term hesed, which is used in the Old Testament for God’s never-ending covenant faithfulness and affection. The Lord’s love for His people is so deep that He is faithful to us even when we are unfaithful to Him (see 2 Tim. 2:13). This love, in turn, means that He desires to dwell closely with us—so closely that under the old covenant, His blessed presence filled first the tabernacle and then the temple (Ex. 40:34–38; 1 Kings 8:10–11). Ultimately, however, God dwells closest to us in the person of Jesus Christ. Our Creator desired to be with us so strongly that He assumed our human nature in the incarnation (John 1:14).

Coram Deo Living before the face of God

How often do we think about the fact that the transcendent God and Creator of the universe desires for His people to dwell with Him? It is easy for that truth to be forgotten and for us not to realize how marvelous it is that the Lord wants to be with His children. But in Christ Jesus, He draws near to His people. Let us praise Him for the awesome privilege of being near to Him.


For Further Study
  • Leviticus 26:1–13
  • Isaiah 7:14
  • Matthew 1:18–25
  • Revelation 21:1–4

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    The Terror of the Nations

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    From the May 2022 Issue
    May 2022 Issue