Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryExodus 15

Triumphant Song of the Israelites This section records how the Israelites celebrated their victory at the Red Sea. After God rescued them from the Egyptians, Moses led the people in a song of thanksgiving and praise. This song not only expressed their immediate joy but also became a model for worship and faith. It shows how God’s deliverance should move His people to praise, and how special mercies should be remembered and celebrated. v. 1: Moses and the Israelites sang to the Lord

v. 2: The Israelites recognized God as their strength, their song, and their salvation. They declared,“The Lord

v. 3: They described the Lord

vv. 4–10: The song describes the destruction of Pharaoh’s army in detail. The Egyptians’ chariots, horses, and soldiers were all swept away, sinking like a stone in the sea (Exodus 15:4–5,10 ). The Israelites recognized that this was not their doing, but the result of God’s mighty hand. The “blast of [God’s] nostrils” divided the waters, and the Egyptians’ pride was brought down. God’s justice and power were made clear for all to see.

v. 11: Moses and the people asked,“Who is like you, O Lord

vv. 12–16: The Israelites celebrated how God’s power frightened all their enemies. Other nations would hear of this miracle and be afraid. The people believed that God would continue to guide and protect them all the way to the promised land. God’s past faithfulness was a reason to trust Him for the future.

vv. 17–18: The song looked ahead to the Israelites entering and settling in Canaan. They were confident that God would plant them in His “holy habitation” and that His kingdom would last forever (Exodus 15:17–18 ). This shows us that God’s deliverance is not just for the present, but is part of His eternal plan for His people.

vv. 19–21: Miriam, Moses’ sister, led the women in singing and dancing with tambourines, echoing the main theme of the song. She repeated,“Sing to the Lord

The Waters of MarahAfter celebrating their victory at the Red Sea, the Israelites were slow to leave the place of triumph. Moses had to encourage them to move forward, even though they faced a wilderness ahead. The journey to the Promised Land is not always easy, but we should not let our joys or successes keep us from following God’s plan. This story teaches us that sometimes God allows difficult times to train us and test our faith.v. 22: Moses led Israel from the Red Sea into the wilderness of Shur. For three days, they traveled without finding any water. This was a hard test for the people, especially after their recent joy. God sometimes lets us face difficulties to help us trust Him more. Like David, who cried out to God in a dry land, we should turn to God when we are in need (Psalms 63:1 ).

v. 23: When they reached Marah, they found water, but it was bitter and could not be drunk. Even though they were thirsty, the water could not satisfy them. Sometimes God lets things we expect to enjoy become disappointing, so we will seek Him instead. Only God can give real comfort in life’s wilderness .

v. 24: The people complained to Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” Their gladness quickly turned to fear and grumbling because they depended on what they could see and feel, not on faith. When we face problems, we should trust God and not just react with worry .

v. 25: Moses prayed to the Lord

v. 26: God told them if they listened carefully to His voice and obeyed His commands, He would protect them from the diseases He sent on the Egyptians. He said, “I am the Lord

v. 27: Finally, they came to Elim, where there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees—enough for everyone to have what they needed and a place to rest. God sometimes brings His people to places of refreshment, even in hard times. But these good things are only temporary. We are only passing through this world, and we should remember that our true home is with God (Exodus 15:27 ).