Daily Devotional | Song of Deliverance

There are hundreds of college fight songs. One of the oldest is Boston College’s “For Boston” which was written in 1885. These songs are memorized by generations of loyal alumni and sung at sporting events or college reunions, claiming victory for their alma mater.

After their victorious deliverance from Egypt, Moses, Miriam, and the people of Israel celebrated with a song, giving God glory for the victory! They had time to stop and rejoice because there were literally no Egyptian soldiers left to stop them. Until now, we didn’t know Moses had a musical side, but he led the people in singing (v. 1). His sister Miriam led the women in dancing and singing the chorus (v. 21)

Their song, punctuated by statements of God’s supreme greatness (vv. 11, 18), has at least three main themes. First, God is a Divine Warrior who singlehandedly won the victory. He had fought for His people and demonstrated His majesty, power, and righteous anger (vv. 3–8; see Ps. 18:6–19). Second, God’s enemies severely miscalculate. They presumptuously boast that the prize is already in their hands, but they’re wrong. In the end, they will tremble with the fear of the Lord. The song mocks not only the Egyptians (v. 9) but also future enemies (vv. 14–16) in this regard.

Third, God is relational. He once again saved His chosen people. He is “my father’s God” (v. 2). He will continue to lead and guide because of His unfailing covenant love (v. 13). The Red Sea deliverance is just the beginning: He is bringing His people— the people He Himself “bought” or “created”—to the promised land, where he will “plant them” securely (vv. 16–17).

>> It’s always a good day to sing to the Lord! Why not put on a favorite praise album and worship the Lord in music today?