The Song of Moses and Miriam

Context & Setting

  • Main Biblical Reference: Exodus 15:1–21
  • Historical Period: Israel’s early national origins during the exodus from Egypt
  • Geographic Location: The shore of the sea Israel crossed after leaving Egypt (often identified with the Red Sea/“Sea of Reeds” region)
  • Key Characters: Moses, Miriam, the Israelites, the LORD (YHWH)

The Narrative

The Beginning:
After the LORD brings Israel safely through the sea and Egypt’s forces are overthrown, the people stand on the far shore in awe. In response to this deliverance, Moses leads Israel in a song of praise. The song begins by exalting the LORD as warrior and savior.

The Middle:
The song recounts how the LORD’s power overwhelmed Egypt’s chariots and horsemen, portraying the waters as instruments of divine judgment. It contrasts human strength with God’s unmatched majesty, declaring that no one is like the LORD in holiness and wonders. The lyrics then look forward, describing how surrounding nations will hear and tremble as the LORD leads his people onward. It anticipates Israel being brought to God’s “holy dwelling” and affirms that the LORD reigns.

The End:
Miriam, identified as a prophetess and Aaron’s sister, leads the women with tambourines and dancing. She echoes the song’s central refrain, calling the community to praise the LORD for triumphing over horse and rider. Israel’s first major act after deliverance is communal worship that memorializes what God has done.

Theological Meaning

This song presents deliverance as the LORD’s work from beginning to end: he rescues his people, judges oppressive power, and reveals his holiness. Worship is shown as a fitting response to salvation, turning historical rescue into covenant testimony for the whole community. The song also ties redemption to God’s ongoing purpose—guiding his people toward the place where he will dwell among them—and proclaims his kingship: “The LORD will reign forever and ever.”

Historical & Cultural Insight

Victory songs were a common way in the ancient Near East to preserve major events and interpret them theologically. Exodus 15 functions as Israel’s poetic “memory” of deliverance, using parallel lines and repeated refrains—features typical of Hebrew poetry—to teach the community how to remember and confess God’s saving acts.

Key Memory Verse

"The LORD will reign forever and ever." — Exodus 15:18

Quizzes

Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.

1. After Israel is brought safely through the sea and Egypt’s forces are overthrown, what does Moses lead the people to do?

2. How is Miriam described, and what does she lead the women to do?