1 Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD:
“I will sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted.
Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea.
2 “The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. 3 The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name.
4 Pharaoh’s chariots and his army he has hurled into the sea.
The best of Pharaoh’s officers are drowned in the Red Sea.
5 The deep waters have covered them; they sank to the depths like a stone. 6 Your right hand, LORD, was majestic in power. Your right hand, LORD, shattered the enemy.
7 “In the greatness of your majesty you threw down those who opposed you. You unleashed your burning anger; it consumed them like stubble.
8 By the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up. The surging waters stood up like a wall; the deep waters congealed in the heart of the sea. 9 The enemy boasted, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake them. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword and my hand will destroy them.’ 10 But you blew with your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters. 11 Who among the gods is like you, LORD? Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?
12 “You stretch out your right hand, and the earth swallows your enemies.13 In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.
14 The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the people of Philistia. 15 The chiefs of Edom will be terrified, the leaders of Moab will be seized with trembling, the people[c] of Canaan will melt away;16 terror and dread will fall on them. By the power of your arm they will be as still as a stone—until your people pass by, LORD, until the people you bought[d] pass by.17 You will bring them in and plant them on the mountain of your inheritance—the place, LORD, you made for your dwelling, the sanctuary, Lord, your hands established.
18 “The LORD reigns for ever and ever.” (Exodus 15:1-18)
This is a song. A song of salvation from the hearts of Israelites. Songs can bring out our deepest emotions. With melody and rhythm, we can express our emotions through verbal and non-verbal language. Songs can freely use emotive language. What is emotive language? Emotive language is free from logic and facts as long as the emotion is expressed. It will give you a strong impression. Those who listen will not be lulled to sleep. Of course this writer does not suggest the Bible is void of logic or facts. This writer is talking about the characteristic of a song. A song is to magnify the song writer’s emotion and give memorable impression.
When the Israelites reached Red Sea, they knew Pharaoh’s mightiest army was marching near. The Israelites were filled with anxiety and fear. As the Red Sea parted, they looked back and they could see dust cloud is getting bigger every time they turned their heads. Since Israelites were running away with both elderlies and infants, Pharaoh’s speedy army would reach them in no time. This great army are riding on fast horses and light chariots. Even though there is a through road in front, the army will be upon them too soon. They might have crossed the Red Sea but the army surly can overtake them afterwards. After all, God has not told them Red Sea will regain its flow!
Perhaps we can imagine where we are at now. We are like the Israelites being chased down by this tiny ridiculous virus. We are told to distance from our friends and loved ones. As we walk down the streets, there are lines and markings to keep us apart, even the air we breathe seems restricted. Wearing a mask is worse. The pressure from the heart now surface to my nose and mouth. From figuratively to physically, we are pressurized. Reading the song of Crossing Red Sea can be therapeutic. Actually we can actually breathe freely. We may repress and is not able to sing praises aloud because of the pandemic. However, this song reminds us the enemies may be upon us. At God’s own time, He will eradicate them all. “Lord, we hope for the day we can breathe freely and move around freely again! We will sign praises aloud in the crowd, returning to you the glory. Just like the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, we will honor you, rejoice in you O Lord. This is our prayer.”