The Song of Moses & Miriam
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Picture this scenario for a moment. Moses is leading the Israelites out of Egypt. The Israelites are looking forward to God's mighty deliverance from their slavery in Egypt. Yet, the hearts of Pharaoh and his servants are hardened. Pharaoh now brings along his six hundred chosen chariots and they pursue after the children of Israel. As the Israelites cross the Red Sea, the Egyptians flee toward it. The Israelites walk into the middle of the sea on dry ground for the waters have been separated. The Egyptians are still chasing after the Israelites intending to capture them. Then suddenly on following the Lord's instructions, Moses stretches out his hand over the sea and the sea goes back to it's place. The waters cover the chariots and the horsemen; and all those Egyptians are drowned in the sea. However, the Israelites pass through safely. Wow, don't you think it is amazing?
Now, put yourself into the shoes of Moses. How would your response be? As I consider the passage on the song of Moses and Miriam in Exodus 15:1-21 in the light of the above scenario, I believe that Moses was rejoicing with thanksgiving in his heart and the song was a sort of expression of love and gratitude towards God. According to some Bible commentators, this song of Moses is the oldest recorded song in the world. It celebrates God's victory and exhorts us to lift our hearts and voices unto the Lord. Moses and the children of Israel sang this triumphal song of deliverance from the hosts of Egypt on the banks of the Red Sea and then, Miriam led the women in dances unto the Lord. What a beautiful praise and worship session in progress !
As I read through the verses in this song, I find that I can learn at least five vital lessons. Firstly in Exodus 15:1 , Moses provides the reason for this song that he sings: “The horse and it's rider he has hurled into the sea” . If we cross-refer to Exodus 14:27-28 , we will discover that the Lord swept the Egyptians into the sea and not one of them survived. It is the Lord who fought for His people. Yes, and the Lord is also the one who fights for us. He is “Jehovah Nissi”, the Lord our Banner. Therefore, in every difficulty and problem that we face, we can be rest assured that the Lord will carry us through. We can have victory in Christ Jesus!
Secondly, God is faithful to His promises. When God promised the Israelites that He would deliver them out of Egypt, He did deliver them! Thus, Moses was able to say that, “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation” In Psalm 18:2 , David also says the same and adds that the Lord is “the horn of my salvation” . This means that in Christ, we have the strength and victorious power to be delivered from the hand of our enemy, the devil. A verse from 2 Corinthians 1:20 has always been and encouragement to me and I would like to share it here: “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes' in Christ…” .
Thirdly, the Lord is our shepherd. Our God is also known by the name “Jehovah Raah”. He is the One who cares for us and leads us. I particularly like the verse found in Exodus 15:13 “in your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.”
The Lord's unfailing love is evinced as His people travelled in the wilderness. The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to show them the way. By night, He went in a pillar of fire to give them light. Moreover, in Psalm 77:20 , it is stated that the Lord leads his people “like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.” Indeed, Jesus' unfailing love is clearly demonstrated because he died for use while we were still sinners. And when we have accepted Him into our lives to become our personal Lord and Saviour, He continues to care for, love guide and protect each of us. There is no doubt about it - Jesus is our Good Shepherd. In Him, we can also enter into His holy dwelling, the Holy of Holies to enjoy His sweet and awesome presence. Hallelujah!
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Fourthly, what grapples my mind as I consider The Song of Moses is the various attributes of God that are mentioned. For instance, in Exodus 15:3 , it reveals the nature and character of God as being a warrior. As stated earlier, He is the One who fought the battle over the devil and we have a victorious god. Amen? In Exodus 15:11 , Moses ponders, “Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you - majestic in HOLINESS, awesome in GLORY, working WONDERS?
According to Selwyn Hughes , when we contemplate of God, it humbles the mind, expands the soul and consoles the heart. In my opinion, even in our praise and worship sessions, it is essential for us to take time to dwell in contemplation of God Songs which relate to God's wonderful characteristics or attributes are important. The help us to know and remember that God is majestic, holy, awesome, glorious and powerful.
Last but not least, I learn that we need to exalt the Lord and remember of His faithfulness, giving thanks to Him in all circumstances. Moses did the right thing by leading the Israelites in this song to celebrate of His goodness. This is crucial. Sometimes, we may tend to exalt ourselves when we are faced with victories and allow pride to come within us. Consider this: If for a moment, Moses thought that it was his own hand which he stretched our over the sea that worked the miracle, the consequence would have been disastrous. But, that did not happen. The Israelites and Moses knew it was the great power of the Lord ( Exodus 14:31 )
Just before I end, this may be of some interest to the tambourine dancers. In Exodus 15:20 , we see Miriam, Moses' sister leading the women in dances as an accompaniment to the song. Miriam is known here as a prophetess as she moved in the Spirit and obtained revelations from the Lord.
Furthermore, she was called a prophetess because of her musical skill. In the Bible, prophesy and music are often closely related. Well, to those who serve in this ministry, the Lord may use you even to exercise the gift of prophecy and move in the Spirit of Prophecy …
Do read Exodus 15:1-21 (and sing this song of Moses and Miriam, if you wish) God bless!
© 2004 Timothy Lee
Email : author@gsus.biz
http://www.gsus.biz
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