Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD:
“I will sing to the LORD,
for he is highly exalted.
Both horse and driver
he has hurled into the sea.
“The LORD is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
The LORD is a warrior;
the LORD is his name.
Pharaoh’s chariots and his army
he has hurled into the sea.
The best of Pharaoh’s officers
are drowned in the Red Sea.
The deep waters have covered them;
they sank to the depths like a stone.
Your right hand, LORD,
was majestic in power.
Your right hand, LORD,
shattered the enemy.
“In the greatness of your majesty
you threw down those who opposed you.
You unleashed your burning anger;
it consumed them like stubble.
By the blast of your nostrils
the waters piled up.
The surging waters stood up like a wall;
the deep waters congealed in the heart of the sea.
The enemy boasted,
‘I will pursue, I will overtake them.
I will divide the spoils;
I will gorge myself on them.
I will draw my sword
and my hand will destroy them.’
But you blew with your breath,
and the sea covered them.
They sank like lead
in the mighty waters.
Who among the gods
is like you, LORD?
Who is like you—
majestic in holiness,
awesome in glory,
working wonders?
– Exodus 15:1-11
This passage is a retelling of the parting of the Red Sea narrative in song…hard to picture Charlton Heston singing isn’t it 🙂 This poem/song remembers and restates how the breath of God (a strong wind) exerted power over the waters and caused the eventual deadly consequences for the Egyptians. The waters of the deep congealed and they sunk like lead.
I have a confession to make….I just finished watching the original Mad Max movie on Netflix. Sure it is a bit corny and Mel Gibson looks like a teenager, but it was probably a good movie when it was made. Without spoiling the plot for those who have not seen it, suffice it to say that some bad dudes (kind of like the Egyptians) are chasing and messing with Max’s family (Moses and the Israelites) and he gets really mad (thus the title of the movie Mad Max). Now God is no Mad Max and I am pretty sure God does not wear black leather, but he did allow the Egyptians to reap what they had sown. God gave Pharaoh many chances to stop “messing with his family” then he allowed the Egyptian’s own lust for retribution to lead them into the Red Sea and doom. It is reassuring to know that God has our backs.
I think it is really amazing that the Israelites and Moses paused to sing a song unto the Lord. What can this teach us about water, God, and singing praises? I guess the very fact that Moses sings this song is an example for us to “sing songs to God” when we encounter his glory and miracles. The Israelites remembered! The song was a spiritual and emotional standing stone to commemorate God’s protection and love. The water was used as an instrument by God to demonstrate his power and love. I think God does this in big and small ways all the time, from the dew on a leaf to frost on grass. Maybe we do not need wait for a dramatic “parting of the sea” to sing praises.
Prayer: God make me aware of the miracles I see and experience today, both large and small. Help me to boldly sing your praises when I do.
Walking on Water 