The Song of Moses and Miriam

After the events at the sea, Moses and the people of Israel sang a song unto the Lord. The text records their declaration that the Lord had triumphed gloriously and thrown both the horse and the rider into the sea (Exodus 15:1). The song describes the Lord as a man of war whose right hand dashed the enemy in pieces and whose excellence overthrew those who rose up against Him (Exodus 15:3-7). It states that the depths covered the Egyptian chariots and chosen captains, who sank to the bottom like a stone (Exodus 15:4-5). The passage notes that by the blast of the Lord's nostrils the waters were gathered together and the floods stood upright as a heap (Exodus 15:8).

The song recounts the intent of the enemy to pursue, overtake, and divide the spoil until their lust was satisfied, but the Lord blew with His wind and the sea covered them (Exodus 15:9-10). The lyrics describe the Lord as glorious in holiness and fearful in praises, noting that the earth swallowed the Egyptians when He stretched out His right hand (Exodus 15:11-12). The text states that the people whom He redeemed would be guided to His holy habitation, causing fear among the inhabitants of Palestina, the dukes of Edom, and the mighty men of Moab (Exodus 15:13-15). The song concludes by stating the Lord shall reign for ever and ever (Exodus 15:18).

Miriam the prophetess, identified as the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand at the shore (Exodus 15:20). All the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. Miriam answered them by repeating the refrain that the Lord had triumphed gloriously and thrown the horse and his rider into the sea (Exodus 15:21). The text does not say how long the singing lasted or the specific melodies used by the participants during the celebration.