One of God's Saving Acts: The Crossing of the Red Sea--Part III

The conclusion of the biblical account of the crossing of the Israelites across the Red Sea out of Egyptian bondage into the wilderness relates two songs of Moses and the Israelites, and Miriam and all the women in Exodus 15:1-21. It is probably that the song of Miriam and the women in verse 21 is simply the introduction of the song of Moses and the Israelites in verse 1, so the hearer or reader should understand verses 1-18 as the same song which the biblical composer chooses not to include the entire song as a repetition.

This song naturally falls into three stanzas:

Verses 1-3--The worshipers exalt Yahweh, the God of Israel, in praise for all Yahweh has done for his people. Yahweh is triumphant, strong, mighty, savior, exalted, and warrior. These are all very important aspects of Yahweh's nature and character.

Verses 4-10--The worshipers emphasize the utter failure of the enemies of Yahweh. The determined opponents of Yahweh are cast down, sunk, covered, overthrown. Powerful enemies of God and his faithful servants frequently cause anxiety and fear and doubts. But the biblical story of the crossing of the Red Sea should be renewed encouragement for anxious and fearful hearts.

Verses 11-18--The worshipers underline the eternal characteristics of the God we serve: God is incomparable, majestic in holiness, awesome in splendor, doing wonders, steadfast love, redeeming and guiding his people, and ultimately bringing his people into the land of Canaan, where he establishes his sanctuary and reigns as king of Israel and the whole world.

The songs, the tambourines, the dancing blend together in unity to glorify God for his mighty, saving acts. We should glorify him in similar, biblical ways.

Two modern religious songs seem to capture the mood and thoughts of the powerful songs recorded in the Bible in Exodus 15:1-21. Ponder over these songs:

The Battle Belongs to the Lord
[Words and Music: Jamie Owens-Collins--1985]

Stanza I:
In heavenly armor we'll enter the land,
The battle belongs to the Lord.
No weapon that's fashioned against us will stand,
The battle belongs to the Lord.

Stanza II:
When the power or darkness comes in like a flood,
The battle belongs to the Lord.
He's raised up a standard, the power of his blood,
The battle belongs to the Lord.

Stanza III:
When your enemy presses in hard, do not fear,
The battle belongs to the Lord.
Take courage, my friend, your redemption is near.
The battle belongs to the Lord.

Chorus:
And we sing glory, honor, power and strength to the Lord.
We sing glory, honor, power and strength to the Lord.

Onward, Christians Soldiers
[Words: Sabine Baring-Gould--1864; Music: Arthur Sullivan--1871]
Stanza I:
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before;
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe,
Forward into battle, see his banners go!

Stanza II:
At the sign of triumph, Satan's host doth flee;
On, then, Christian soldiers, on to victory;
Hell's foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
People, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise!

Stanza III:
Crowns and throne may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
But the church of Jesus constant will remain;
Gates of hell can never 'gainst that church prevail;
We have Christ's own promise and that cannot fail.

Stanza IV:
Onward, then, ye people, join our happy throng;
Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song;
Glory, laud and honor unto Christ the King,
This thru countless ages humans and angels sing.

Chorus:
Onward, Christian soldiers! Marching as to war.
With the cross of Jesus going on before.

Do you love songs? What are some of YOUR favorite songs? Share them with your friends and associates and church. Let me hear your songs. Songs keep our lives alert and motivating and uplifting.

John Willis