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Exodus 15 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
The structure of this song can be broken up into four sections with a one-line closing declaration. The first stanza briefly mentions the powerful victory of the Lord. Stanza two mocks the enemy’s failed attempts to overcome the Lord, and praises God for His mighty hand. The third stanza talks of Israel’s deliverance and the fourth mentions Israel’s growing fame as others hear their story and fear their God.
In verse 13, the song mentions how God led his people whom he redeemed. The Hebrew word “redeem” means “to deliver” or “to protect family rights.” It was a term used to describe buying back the family land after it had been sold because of debt. In Ruth 4, Boaz shows us the meaning of this word when he buys back the family land and saves Ruth from poverty.
The Israelites were God’s chosen family. They were sold into slavery in Egypt and now God had bought them back. God was not only their nation’s redeemer, He would make it clear over history that He was a personal redeemer. After humanity prostituted themselves over and over again, He would send Jesus to buy us back from our sin debt.
So, you can see, all throughout Scripture there is a common theme of redemption that is being revealed. The heart of God has always been about redemption, and the climax of this character trait zeroes in on King Jesus who makes a personal redemption for each of His children of faith!
How does this make you feel? What is your response to this kind of incredible grace?