Exodus 15:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 15:21
21 And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to 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 sacrifice, creation, 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 provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 15:21
21 And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
Analysis
Miriam's responsive song, 'Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea,' parallels verse 1, creating antiphonal worship. The call 'Sing ye' invites participation—worship as communal activity, not performance. The identical content to Moses' song shows unity in theology across gender and role. This corporate worship, with responsive singing between leader and congregation, models biblical worship patterns.
Historical Context
Antiphonal (call-and-response) worship appears throughout Scripture (Exodus 15:21, Psalm 136, Nehemiah 12:31, 38). Miriam's leading women in response to Moses' song establishes this pattern.
Reflection
- How does antiphonal worship (call and response) engage congregation actively rather than creating spectators?
- What does the identical content of Moses' and Miriam's songs teach about theological unity across different expressions?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Glory: Exodus 15:1
- Sin: Revelation 15:3
- Parallel theme: Revelation 5:9