Ex 15:1-27. SONG OF MOSES.
1. Then sang Moses and the children of Israel--The scene of this
thanksgiving song is supposed to have been at the landing place on the
eastern shore of the Red Sea, at Ayoun Musa, "the fountains of Moses."
They are situated somewhat farther northward along the shore than the
opposite point from which the Israelites set out. But the line of the
people would be extended during the passage, and one extremity of it
would reach as far north as these fountains, which would supply them
with water on landing. The time when it was sung is supposed to have
been the morning after the passage. This song is, by some hundred
years, the oldest poem in the world. There is a sublimity and beauty
in the language that is unexampled. But its unrivalled superiority
arises not solely from the splendor of the diction. Its poetical
excellencies have often drawn forth the admiration of the best judges,
while the character of the event commemorated, and its being prompted
by divine inspiration, contribute to give it an interest and sublimity
peculiar to itself.
I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed
gloriously--Considering the state of servitude in which they had
been born and bred, and the rude features of character which their
subsequent history often displays, it cannot be supposed that the
children of Israel generally were qualified to commit to memory or to
appreciate the beauties of this inimitable song. But they might
perfectly understand its pervading strain of sentiment; and, with the
view of suitably improving the occasion, it was thought necessary that
all, old and young, should join their united voices in the rehearsal of
its words. As every individual had cause, so every individual gave
utterance to his feelings of gratitude.
JFB.
Outline
1 Moses' song
22 The people find water
23 The bitter waters at Marah are sweetened.
27 The people come to Elim where there were 12 wells of water.
Photo of Date Palms in the Jordan Valley
Important Topics for Bible Study
Moses and all of Israel praise the
Lord
fearful [in] praises
Israel arrived at the bitter waters of Marah
The people murmured against their leader Moses
Moses brings their cry before the Lord
The bitter waters are sweetened
He proved them
Jehovah Rapha
Israel comes to an oasis called Elim
They found 12 wells of water and 70 palm trees
Quick Reference Map
Map of the Possible Route of the
Exodus
(Click to Enlarge)
Ancient Customs
Song
singing
timbrel and dancing
Pharaoh's chariots and his host
habitation
prophetess
murmured
a statute and an ordinance
encampment
Ancient People
God, Moses, Miriam
the LORD
Geography
Egypt
Edom
Moab
the Red sea
the wilderness
Quick Reference Maps
Map of the Red Sea and Egypt
(Click to Enlarge)
The Old Testament
Exodus Resources
Moses
and the Exodus
The Giving of the Law
The
Tabernacle
The Wilderness Wanderings