Exodus 15:1-4a,. 8-13, 17-18. The Song of the Sea

This is variously considered a hymn of praise, an enthronement psalm, a Litany. In addition to the title, "Song of the Sea," it is also referred to as "The Song of Moses," or "The Canticle of Moses." Sometimes it is called "The Song of Miriam. " In Exodus 15:21 we read that Miriam led the women in a refrain "Sing to the Lord, for he has risen up in triumph; horse and rider he has hurled into the sea." The canticle opens with these words.

Some scholars date this song to the eleventh or:early twelfth century BC; some as far back as the thirteenth. The Exodus is generally dated to about 1250-BC, One dates it to 622 BC, believing that it was composed for the Passover celebration of King Josiah.

In the previous chapters of Exodus we read of the persecution of the Israelites, their enslavement, the slaughter of her male children and their forced labor. Plagues forced Pharaoh to allow the Israelites to depart, but he sent his army in pursuit. The army was destroyed at the Sea of Reeds through a miraculous intervention by God. Israel was saved and the people put their faith in God and in Moses.

This canticle expresses Israel's faith in God's saving might. The theme is expressed in the opening words: "I will sing to the Lord, for he is gloriously triumphant ... and he has been my savior. (15: 1-2). These are words of praise and thanksgiving. Verse 2 speaks of the Lord as the strength and courage of his people, and he is called "warrior' (vs. 3), the champion of his people. God's plan for his people will not be thwarted, no obstacle will stand in his way; adversaries will be overthrown.

Redemption from Egypt was the beginning that would lead to the land promised to the people: "In your mercy you led the people you redeemed.. guided them to your holy dwelling ... brought them in and planted them on..the mountain of your inheritance" (vs. 13 & 17).

The canticle ends with a proclamation of the kingship of the Lord; he "shall reign forever and ever." The belief that the Lord is king is rooted in Israel's faith from very early times.

"The exodus motif runs through much of the Old Testament, and ... the New Testament as well. The exodus, passover and covenant were founded on soothing outside space and time, on God's fidelity," which was everlasting. Throughout her history "as crisis after crisis struck, Israel could hope for a divine intervention," and experienced many. In difficult times the people looked for the promised new exodus, but their expectation or the realization fell short. Fulfillment of the promised new exodus "remained alive in Jewish hearts, thus preparing for the New Testament teaching on Christ's victory over sin and death as the true exodus." (McNamara).