Exodus 15:18-21, Micah 6:4
The first 21 verses of Exodus 15 is a song of praise to God for
His deliverance of Israel. We see Moses and all Israel singing.
Miriam was the sister of Moses and Aaron. As a young person she
was instrumental in saving the life of Moses (Exod. 2:7-9). She
was responsible for getting her mother to be a nurse for Moses.
In verses 20-21 we see her leading the women in a time of praise
and thanks to God after crossing the Red Sea. God today seeks
those who will praise him.
I. The Praise to God (Exodus 15:18)
A. Delight (v. 1). Singing because the triumph of the crossing the Red Sea. Note carefully Psalm 100, a psalm of praise.
B. Deliverance (v. 2). Note the fourfold reason to sing:
1. My strength. He gives divine strength. This comes by waiting before him Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
2. My song. Psalm 104:33 encourages us to sing praise unto
the Lord. Psalms 104:33 I will sing unto the LORD as long as I
live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. Psalms
104:33 I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing
praise to my God while I have my being.
3. My God. This could be translated, "My personal God"
as David said in Psalm 23:1, "My shepherd."
4. My preparation-"I will prepare him an habitation." He will not only live in my heart-he will also have all my heart!
C. Destruction (vv. 3-8). The Bible says "The Lord is a man of war” (v. 3). He destroyed those who followed Israel into the Red Sea. The Bible says in verse 6 that He hath dashed in pieces the enemy.
II. The Protection by God (Exod. 15:19-21)
A. protection (v. 19). God led Israel through on dry ground. God protected Israel but allowed Pharaoh's army to be drowned. God protects his people.
B. Praise (v. 20). Miriam led in singing and praise to God.
In God's presence there is joy Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt shew me
the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right
hand there are pleasures for evermore.. He wants our joy to be
full (1 John 1:4). Note how a merry heart will sing praise James
5:13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let
him sing psalms.
C. Protection (v. 21). Sing to the Lord because of his protection
and provision. Note: "For He has triumphed gloriously."
God's people too may triumph. God is still God. We enjoy this
same protection today.
Ill. The Perseverance by God (Mic. 6:4)
A. Salvation-"Psalms 40:2 He brought me up also out of
an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a
rock, and established my goings. He has made us new 2 Corinthians
5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
B. Service-"I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam."
God calls people to his service (Mark 16:15; John 15:16). All
his people are called to do a specific ministry in God's work.
Conclusion :All Israel joined in singing praise unto God. God had just freed them from Pharaoh and the Egyptians. He led them through the Red Sea. The psalmist admonishes us not to forget all the Lord's benefits (Ps. 103:1). Paul tells us to give thanks in all things (1 Thess. 5:18). Singing is one of the ways we may praise the Lord! Join Moses, Israel and Miriam
in singing praise to God. Psalms 100:1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.