God, My strength and My salavtion (Exodus 15aq)*

Exodus 15:1-21

Key Verse - 15:1

1.            This first part of this poem can be divided into three parts - v1 and 19-21, v2-12, and v13-19. The second part can be divided into two (v2-5, v6-12), and the third part into three (v13, v14-16, v17-19). Find the theme of each part and how these parts are related to each other?

2.            [15:1] What was the chief effect Moses and the Israelites had at this time? What was the cause of their great joy? What does it mean for the Lord to ‘be exalted’? Discuss the relationship between the Lord being exalted and this song of joy (ref. Psalm 28:7; 33:1-3; Isaiah 44:23; 49:13; 52:9). Compare this stanza with the song sung by Miriam and all other Israelite women (20-21)? What might be the relationship between these two?

3.            [15:2-5] Who is the Lord (2a)? How are these four descriptions of God related? Based on this, what would He do for Moses (2b)? What was Moses’ conclusion (3b)? What did he mean that ‘the Lord’ is his name’ (ref. 3:14)? What did God do to Pharaoh and his army and officers (4-5)? Why did Moses address these facts?

4.            [6-10] How was God’s right hand described and what did it do (6, ref. Isaiah 41:10; 48:13; 62:8)? In His majesty, what did He do (7-8)?  What was the antithetical force that opposed His majesty (9a)? How did it express itself as being against God (9)? What was the result of this confrontation (10)? Discuss the meaning of God’s majesty being in His right hand.

5.            [11-12] What are the three attributes that distinguish God from among all other gods (11)? What do these distinctive characteristics of God do to his enemies (12)?

6.            [13-18] What did Moses and the Israelites envision? Based on what (13)? In fulfilling this vision, who posed trouble? How did God frame their minds and spirit? How or by what (14-16a)? For what purpose did He do this (16)? What was God’s ultimate goal for His people (17-18)? Discuss the place where they were living and under what conditions.

7.            [19-21] What were the concluding facts of the Red Sea event (19)? Who joined in dancing and singing to the Lord (1, 20)? Why (21b)? Discuss the meaning and significance of the Red Sea event both for Israel and for us, particularly in regard to ‘God’s exaltation’.