‘Pharaoh’s chariots and his host hath he cast into . . . the Red sea’, Exod. 15. 4

‘Pharaoh’s chariots and his host hath he cast into . . . the Red sea’, Exod. 15. 4

These words form part of the song of ‘Moses and the children of Israel … [which they sang] unto the Lord’, v. 1. It was a song of victory because it marked the defeat of Pharaoh and his host, the destruction of their mortal enemy who had brought them into slavery in Egypt and who was unwilling to let them go.

The Red Sea crossing was important for a number of reasons. First, it was a comprehensive victory over Pharaoh and his forces. There was no regrouping for a second sortie for all were lost in the sea, ‘his chosen captains also are drowned . . . The depths have covered them’, vv. 4, 5. Second, it was miraculous. Verses 2 and 3 of the chapter reveal Moses’ appreciation of who was responsible for the parting of the waters and the safe crossing of the children of Israel. ‘He is become my salvation’, v. 2. Third, it established Jehovah as Israel’s God, ‘he is my God’, v. 2. Whilst it confirmed that truth, reminding them of the past (the Passover) and the present, it should have given them confidence for what was to come. Fourth, in the name of God, ‘Jehovah, his name’, v. 3 JND, there is a reminder of His covenant promises which will not fail because this is part of His character. Fifth, it revealed the glory of God, ‘Thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious’, v. 6.

Having seen His glory and power in their deliverance from Egypt in the Passover and in the parting of the Red Sea and defeat of Pharaoh, how sad it is to read at Marah, ‘the people murmured against Moses’, v. 24.

As we gather to remember the Saviour in His own appointed way, it would remind us of the need to remember the miracle of the work of Calvary, the comprehensive victory that was gained there, and the glory that it brought to God. May we rejoice in the relationship into which we have been brought as we call Him ‘my Saviour’, Luke 1. 47.