Exodus 15:1

Then sang Moses. Moses’ song at the Red Sea has ever provided the church of God a pattern for praise in all its conflicts with the powers of darkness (see PP 289). The majestic theme of this song echoes through all the songs of Israel, in praise to God for His glorious works on their behalf. Finally, the song of Moses the servant of God will be sung again, with the song of the Lamb, by heroes of faith standing upon the “sea of glass,” victorious over the beast and his image (Rev. 15:3).

Moses is not expressly designated as the author of this song, but its form and content point undeniably to him as such (see PP 288). The song is composed of three climactic stanzas, each of which begins with praise to the Lord and ends with a description of the overthrow of the Egyptian host (Ex. 15:2-5, 6-10, 11-18). The theme announced in v. 1 is treated in three different ways, in each of which, however, the omnipotence of God is dominant. With clear prophetic insight, the third stanza especially, points to the glory of Israel in its future homeland, and to the sanctuary as God’s dwelling place.

He hath triumphed gloriously. The words of v. 1 were repeated by a chorus of women, led by Miriam (see vs. 20, 21). It is not certain whether this was done after each stanza, that is, after vs. 5, 10, and 18, or only at the end of the song. The words translated “triumphed gloriously” mean, literally, “highly exalted” or “gloriously glorious,” as the LXX has rendered this common Hebrew verb. It is repeated to convey the thought of exaltation in the most emphatic way possible.