Exodus

Exodus 15: The LORD saves and leads

Begin in prayer

Before we join Israel’s song beside the sea, let us remember who gives the victory. Ask God to turn our gratitude into trust when the next need comes, and to show us Christ the Redeemer.

Praise him for his mighty acts! Praise him according to his excellent greatness!

Psalm 150:2

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Give us hearts that praise Your saving power. Show us Jesus, and teach us to trust Your care when our needs press on us. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

Moses and Israel sing of the LORD throwing Pharaoh’s army into the sea. They praise His unmatched holiness and loving kindness, looking ahead to the dwelling He will establish for His people. Miriam leads the women with tambourines and dancing as they answer the song. After three days without water in Shur, the people find bitter water at Marah and murmur against Moses. God shows Moses a tree, and when he throws it in, the water becomes sweet. The LORD tests them, gives a command with a promise about Egypt’s diseases, then brings them to the springs at Elim.

As you read Exodus 15, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

The LORD triumphs over His enemies and leads the people He has redeemed.

The song explains the rescue by giving its praise to the LORD, rather than Israel’s weapons or courage. The enemy’s boasts end beneath the water God commands. His right hand describes the power that overthrows those who rise against Him. His holiness and His mercy belong together, so the rescued people sing of both judgment and loving kindness. The song looks forward from the sea to God’s holy dwelling, where He will plant His people. Miriam and the women answer the praise with tambourines and dancing. Yet three waterless days bring Israel from singing to murmuring at Marah, whose name means bitter. God heals the water and tests His people with a command to listen and obey. The Redeemer who leads them must also teach their hearts to trust Him.

How does Exodus 15 show us that the LORD triumphs over His enemies and leads the people He has redeemed?

The LORD deserves the praise for the victory.

The song tells what God did to the horse, rider and army. Israel stood in need, and His power defeated the enemy. The glory of salvation belongs to God, who brings His people to safety through Christ.

The Redeemer leads His people toward His dwelling.

The song joins God’s loving kindness to His strength. It looks beyond the sea to the place where He will dwell among His people. His reign has no end, and His redeemed people have their hope in Him.

God teaches the people He rescues to hear His word.

Moses cries to God when the people murmur about bitter water. God makes it sweet and gives them a test of obedience. God promises Israel freedom from Egypt’s diseases if they listen diligently, do right and keep His commands.

Memorise

Yah is my strength and song. He has become my salvation.

Exodus 15:2

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, why do I forget Jesus when a new need comes?

Israel sings, “You, in your loving kindness, have led the people that you have redeemed.” The God who defeated the army will guide His people onward. At Marah their thirst shows how much they still need His care.

Our need reaches deeper than water or safety from an army. We have sinned against the holy God whom Israel praises. Jesus gave His life for His people, carrying their sins beneath God’s judgment. He rose to life after completing the sacrifice that brings them peace. His work is finished and is enough to bring the guilty into God’s presence.

Let the Redeemer become your hope. Turn from your sin and put your trust in Jesus. Forgiveness and life are His gifts to all who believe. Then praise the Lord who saves, and bring the next need to the One whose kingdom will never end.

Parent's note

Tell your children that God’s rescue deserved Israel’s song, and that Jesus' death and resurrection give sinners reason to praise Him. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for His victory and His faithful leading of the redeemed, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us;

Luke 1:71

Lord, thank You for Your mighty victory and Your patient care. Forgive our quick complaints after we have received good gifts. Please lead every one of us to repent and trust Jesus. Make our family thankful, and teach us to bring our needs to You in prayer. Amen.