Exodus 15:19, commentary and pictures

Exodus 15:19 recounts the Red Sea deliverance in which Pharaoh's horses, chariots, and horsemen went into the sea in pursuit of Israel, the Lord brought the waters of the sea back over them, and the children of Israel went across on dry land in the midst of the sea. It contrasts Egypt's destruction with Israel's safe passage as the Lord's triumphant deliverance. The crossing was a work of God in which Jesus Christ led Israel in the pillar of cloud, and the cloud together with the Lord's angels protected the people, so that the Lord saved Israel from the Egyptians and the people saw his mighty work.

The verse belongs to and gives the reason for Israel's song of triumph and praise after the deliverance, in which the drowning of Pharaoh and his warriors and the safe crossing are celebrated. The people's voices rang out over the waters in praise when they sang of this triumph. The whole host of Israel joined together in this song of triumph at deliverance from Pharaoh's army.

Singing this deliverance was used to fix precious lessons in the minds of the people as they journeyed through the wilderness, lifting thoughts from trials and difficulties of the way, soothing and calming the restless, turbulent spirit, implanting principles of truth in the memory, and strengthening faith. United singing taught order and unity through concerted action and brought the people into closer touch with God and with one another. The deliverance at the sea was made into a song as a memorial of God's mighty dealings, so that parents could teach these events to their children and later generations would remember God's power, providential care, and deliverance rather than let these works fade from memory.

This victory showed God's power to protect and deliver Israel and led to a song of triumph, yet the people soon murmured when they found bitter water at Marah. Although the deliverance prompted Israel's song of praise, the later lack of gratitude at Elim shows that receiving God's mercy does not necessarily strengthen faith or lead people to keep acknowledging his care.