Exodus - Part 18 - Exodus 15:1-21

The Israelites have crossed the Red Sea by God’s mighty power. They watched as God closed the water over the Egyptian army. It’s easy to imagine that the Israelites were in awe of what they saw. They broke out in praise to God and Moses wrote the song in this part of Exodus.

This song has four main parts. First, God’s total victory is announced. Second, it describes what weapons God used. Third, God’s character is elevated. Fourth, God’s promises are fulfilled.

It is a song extolling the strength of God and how he triumphed over the Egyptian army. God used the wind and the sea as a weapon to protect his people and wipe out the Egyptian army. Moses praises God for being Israel’s salvation. He also praises God for what He will do. He will bring His chosen people into the land that he promised to them. He will drive out their enemies before them. The fear of God will fall on the inhabitants of the land where God is taking them. And those promises came true.

Later on, in 2 Chronicles, King Jehoshaphat is facing battle against the armies of the nations that surrounded Israel. When Jehoshaphat was told these armies were coming, the first thing he did was to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast for the land. Everyone gathered at the temple and Jehoshaphat prayed.

God answered his prayer through a prophet and told the king and the Israelites to not be discouraged because this was God’s battle. He told them to go and face their enemies but they wouldn’t have to fight. Jehoshaphat and the people fell down and worshipped the Lord. Then they did as God said. Jehoshaphat selected a group of people to go before the army and sing praises to the Lord. Tactically, this doesn’t make sense but praise is a weapon that God can use. As they were praising God, God caused their enemies to become confused and they started fighting each other and destroyed one another. When the Israelites arrived, everyone was dead and they just collected all the spoils of the war. Because of their praise and faith, God fought the battle like He promised and we can do the same today.