Worship is the acknowledgement of the worth of our God. The word comes from the English word “worth-ship”. The Israelites are not only singing TO the Lord but ABOUT the Lord. The word “Yahweh” appears 12 times. The words thee, thou and thine appear 33 times. This is an opportunity for Israel to bear account of God’s worth.

1 – Introduction (vs. 1-2)

The destruction of Pharaoh and his hosts is the occasion for this song. The theme of the song is Yahweh.

2 – Stanza 1 – The superiority of Yahweh over Pharaoh and all his hosts (vs. 2-10)

This has been demonstrated in two ways:-

• In delivering Israel from the hand of Egypt (vs. 2). Pharaoh was the king of the most powerful empire on earth at this time. Yahweh is more powerful.
• By destroying Pharaoh and his armies (vs. 3-10). This is evidence that Yahweh IS more powerful than mighty Egypt.

3 – Stanza 2 – The transcendence of Yahweh above all of the gods of Egypt and the whole world (vs. 11-21)

The attributes of God show his greatness in the history of the world – Holiness, miracles, loving-kindness, strength and power.

Moses anticipates the response of the nations in Canaan to what has just happened in the Red Sea. (vs. 13-17). This is a “prophetic perfect”. The event is so certain to take place that it is written in the text as past tense.

The awesomeness of God is seen here. Those who rebel against God face fear, anguish and judgment because he is a just God. Yahweh will reign forever and ever. See Revelation 4 & 11.

Categories: Exodus