Exodus 15:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 15:1
1 Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
Chapter Context
Exodus 15 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, sacrifice, salvation. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-27: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 15:1
1 Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
Analysis
Moses and Israel's immediate response to deliverance is worship—'Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD.' Salvation provokes song. The content 'I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously' celebrates divine victory. The phrase 'triumphed gloriously' translates 'gaoh gaah' (גָּאֹה גָּאָה—exalted He is exalted), using Hebrew intensive form for emphasis. The specific victory: 'the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea' recounts the visible triumph.
Historical Context
This is Scripture's first recorded song and became a model for Hebrew poetry. The Song of Moses appears again in Deuteronomy 32 (different song) and Revelation 15:3 where martyrs sing 'the song of Moses.'
Reflection
- How quickly does salvation produce worship in your life, or do you delay gratitude?
- What 'horse and rider' (source of enemy power) has God overthrown in your experience?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Exodus 18:11, Psalms 107:8, 107:15
- Sin: Revelation 15:3
- Glory: Exodus 15:21
- Parallel theme: Psalms 106:12, Colossians 2:15