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.
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