A Song to Teach Every Generation.

A Song to Teach Every Generation. Exodus 15:1-19.

The sea churned as the huge walls of water came crashing down on the Egyptian army. The noise alone was great enough to send people running along the sea side to get a glimpse of the aftermath.

Millions of people lined the shores watching waves spreading out from the center of the sea upon which they, themselves, previously walked. The Egyptian army was defeated; drowned in the depth of the sea. God had defeated their enemy.

Shock registered upon the faces of all of Israel. Their enemy they feared was defeated and salvation was theirs. As Moses said, God delivered and they were safe.

So what now? They had witnessed the saving hand of God and joy filled their heart. One person started to sing a song and soon a group of people had comprised a song that was sung by the firesides that night.

Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the LORD, and spoke, saying:
“I will sing to the LORD, For He has triumphed gloriously! The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea!

The LORD is my strength and 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.

The LORD is a man of war; The LORD is His name. Exodus 15:1-3(NKJV)

There is no greater instrument than the instrument of the voice when influenced by the heart. When a person is full of delight, their heart is light. When delivered from circumstances, people desire to let it out, they have to tell someone and a song to the Lord is a correct response.

Jehovah is His name; “the existing one.” Israel had learned to respect their God and had found a new reverence towards Him. Yet, He was not just God, He was their God and now they had begun to treat Him as their God.

This is the result of the trial they faced. Though tough and insurmountable, Israel had learned to respect God.

Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has cast into the sea; His chosen captains also are drowned in the Red Sea. The depths have covered them; They sank to the bottom like a stone.

“Your right hand, O LORD, has become glorious in power; Your right hand, O LORD, has dashed the enemy in pieces.

And in the greatness of Your excellence You have overthrown those who rose against You; You sent forth Your wrath; It consumed them like stubble.

And with the blast of Your nostrils The waters were gathered together; The floods stood upright like a heap; The depths congealed in the heart of the sea.

The enemy said, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; My desire shall be satisfied on them. I will draw my sword, My hand shall destroy them.’

You blew with Your wind, The sea covered them; They sank like lead in the mighty waters.

“Who is like You, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness,  Fearful in praises, doing wonders? Exodus 15:4-11(NKJV)

At one point in their captivity the Children of Israel were willing to comply with their task master. They had food on their table; they were able to participate in commerce. There was no need for a God; the comforts and safety in Egypt replaced God.

It was only after God hardened the Pharaoh’s heart did they see the world of Egypt for what it was. Egyptians took advantage of God’s people and when the mistreatment began, suddenly the love affair with Egypt was gone; life had become unbearable.

This passage of the song now shows their alliance and allegiance to a different world, the world that belongs to God; a world they would separate themselves to.

You stretched out Your right hand; The earth swallowed them.

You in Your mercy have led forth The people whom You have redeemed; You have guided them in Your strength To Your holy habitation.

“The people will hear and be afraid; Sorrow will take hold of the inhabitants of Philistia.

Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; The mighty men of Moab, Trembling will take hold of them;  All the inhabitants of Canaan will melt away.

Fear and dread will fall on them; By the greatness of Your arm They will be as still as a stone, Till Your people pass over, O LORD, Till the people pass over Whom You have purchased. Exodus 15:12-16 (NKJV)

Israel had realized they were made for something more than working for a task master. They were God’s people with a promise of a new land. However, before their trial, those promises seemed so distant and imposable to attain.

Now they looked towards the people living in their promised land as no great problem at all; for God would deliver them and those who do not worship God should fear.

The greatest part of Israel’s new found attitude is they were no longer afraid of facing God, facing others, or facing their future. They had become brave overnight and were able to go ahead with their life as God’s people.

You will bring them in and plant them In the mountain of Your inheritance,  In the place, O LORD, which You have made For Your own dwelling,  The sanctuary, O Lord, which Your hands have established.

“The LORD shall reign forever and ever.” For the horses of Pharaoh went with his chariots and his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought back the waters of the sea upon them. But the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea. Exodus 15:17-18 (NKJV)

This song of deliverance was more than a time of celebration; It was a song that all were to learn for it was a way to never forget the lessons of those days.

When facing trials people need to remember the power of the Lord and they should let that power be their strength in adversity. These would teach this song to their children and it would be remembered to this day, as it is written in our scriptures.

The victory of this day could spurn victories in the future if people were to commit this song to heart. Such is the importance of worship.

Throughout the world church services begin with songs, music, a hymn, and people hear the music, but often miss the words. Some hear the words, however, they do not contemplate what the song really means.

Worship is a time to allow the music to come out of our beings; yet not only from our vocal chords, but from our heart. Out heart is a two way instrument. From it comes praise and into our lives flow security, bravery, and remembrance of the great works of God.