The Main Point in Exodus 15:1-13 and 20-21: Lessons on Faith and Deliverance

Exodus 15:1-13 and 20-21 are two poetic passages in the Bible that vividly describe the Israelites’ gratitude and faith in God following their miraculous crossing of the Red Sea. These verses offer profound lessons on faith, deliverance, and the unwavering protection of Jehovah.

Exodus 15:1-13 - The Song of Deliverance

In Exodus 15:10-13, we see the Israelites celebrating their escape from Pharaoh’s army. The passage paints a vivid picture of salvation:

You blew with your breath, the sea covered them; they sank like lead in majestic waters. Who among the gods is like you, O Jehovah? Who is like you, showing yourself mighty in holiness, awesome in praises, doing wonders? You stretched out your right hand, and the earth swallowed them up. In your faithful love, you have led the people whom you have redeemed; in your might, you will guide them to your holy dwelling.

This passage emphasizes the power and might of Jehovah, who delivered the Israelites from their captors. The imagery of the sea rushing over Pharaoh’s forces and the earth swallowing them up underscores the miraculous nature of this event and the Israelites

Hebrews 11:24-29 and the Faith of Moses

The apostle Paul, in Hebrews 11:24-29, provides insight into the faith of Moses, another key figure in these passages. Moses, facing the choice of comfortable ease with Pharaoh’s family or joining his people in suffering, chose the latter:

By faith, Moses when grown refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing to suffer with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He viewed the reproach of Christ as greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he esteemed the cinévous promise over temporal comfort. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king, for he held firm to a promise he could not see, and by faith he observed the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn might pass by and not harm their children.

Moses’ faith is a powerful example of choosing God’s purpose and trusting in His protection. His steadfastness in the face of danger teaches us the importance of having unwavering faith.

Exodus 15:14-18 - The Intricacies of the Poem

While Exodus 15:1-13 and 20-21 are rich in meaning and imagery, it is important to note that the poem in Exodus 15:14-18 is not anachronistic in its references and linguistic form. The passage describes the Israelites’ victory over the Philistines, Edom, Moab, and Canaan, reflecting the poet’s understanding of history and geography rather than the previously assumed timeline of the Israelites’ exodus. The poem was likely written much later, during the period of the Judges.

Exodus 15:20-21 - Miriam’s Song

Exodus 15:20-21 is a brief but powerful poem attributed to Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron. This passage describes her joy in God’s deliverance:

Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand; and all the women went out after her with tambourines and with dances. And Miriam sang to them: ‘Sing to Jehovah for he is highly exalted; horse and rider he has thrown into the sea.

Miriam’s celebration and song reflect the communal nature of faith and the joy that comes with deliverance. Her actions inspire us to express our gratitude and trust in God’s protection through acts of worship and faith.

Lessons for Modern Faith

The main point of these passages is to build faith in Jehovah and His purpose, knowing that He will protect us when we need Him. Whether facing a Pharaoh, the trials of faith like Moses, or modern-day challenges, the message remains the same: follow God’s path and trust in His steadfast protection and provision.

Key Takeaway

The passage from Exodus 15:1-13 and 20-21 teaches us the importance of faith, trust, and joyful celebration in the face of adversity, illustrating God’s power and faithfulness in delivering His people.