SCRIPTURE: EXODUS 15
BIBLE VERSES:
“The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name.” (Exodus 15:2-3)
“In the greatness of your majesty you threw down those who opposed you. You unleashed your burning anger; it consumed them like stubble. By the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up. The surging waters stood up like a wall; the deep waters congealed in the heart of the sea.” (Exodus 15:7-8)
“Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? “You stretch out your right hand, and the earth swallows your enemies. In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the people of Philistia. The chiefs of Edom will be terrified, the leaders of Moab will be seized with trembling, the people of Canaan will melt away; terror and dread will fall on them.” (Exodus 15:11-15)
“He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.” (Exodus 15:26)
THE SONG OF MOSES AND MIRIAM (vs. 1-21)
Moses and the Israelites sang a song to the Lord rejoicing and praising Him. It emphasized the Lord, who He is and what He has done for His people. The song described the Lord as my strength, my song, my salvation. The Lord is a warrior who was great in power to shatter the enemy. His greatness threw down those who opposed Him. He is majestic in holiness, awesome in glory and unfailing in love. the Lord is highly exalted and he will reign forever and ever.
THE WATER OF MARAH AND ELIM (vs. 22-27)
After crossing the Red Sea, they traveled for 3 days and went into the desert of Shur without finding any water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. So the people grumbled against Moses and Moses cried out to the Lord. The Lord showed Moses a piece of wood and when he threw it into the water, the water became sweet. The came to Elim where there were 12 springs and 70 palm tress and they camped there near the water. The Lord promised them no disease with the following conditions: (1)- They should listen carefully to the voice of the Lord. (2)- They should do what is right in His eyes. (3)-They should pay attention to his commands. (4)-They should keep all his decrees.
THOUGHTS:
The Israelites did not have water to drink., When they started to complain, God used a piece of wood to make the bitter water become sweet. Jesus Christ was hanged on the tree made of wood to save us from eternal damnation.
The Song of Moses and Miriam is a song of redemption, guidance and victory. It ended with glory, looking forward to His eternal reign. Let us sing Psalms and hymns to express our thanks, relief and praise to the Lord. Let us remember His wonderful works of power through music in our worship and celebration.
The Israelites had an unbelieving and grumbling attitude because they did not trust in God. They complained about the bitter water. But God made it become sweet and led them to Elim which had 12 springs and 70 palm trees. Life is combination of bitter and sweet, triumph and suffering. We need not complain nor fear if we are trusting in Him. We must accept the bitterness and sweetness of life knowing that god knows what is best for us.
God promised not to bring on Israelites any of the disease he brought on the Egyptians if they listen to His voice, do what is right in His eyes, pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees. God gave us His Words with decrees and commands as direction to follow to keep us free from sickness, trouble and harm. Are you reading the Bible and doing what He says?