Introduction
Depending on your age and the kind of music you listen to normally, you probably have not heard of the song “APT.” (pronounced “apeteu”, which is based on the Korean pronunciation of the word "apartment") by Bruno Mars and ROSÉ (from BLACKPINK). Recently, a lot of young people all over the world are singing and dancing to this song because of its catchy and addictive chorus (“apeteu”). Filipinos love to sing and dance, too. Maybe that’s another reason also why “APT” is becoming popular in the Philippines. Of course, many of these young people, if not all, perhaps, may not know (or maybe they do know) that it’s a Korean drinking game celebrating a lifestyle of drinking alcohol and partying.
Christians, too, love to sing. We love to sing worship songs. But how many of us know what we’re singing and why? For many of us, singing worship songs makes us feel good. They inspire us. Some songs may even make us cry. Other songs make us dance, jump, or shout. But singing songs holds deep significance in the Bible, reflecting God’s purpose for worship and connection with His people. Singing songs to the Lord unifies the body of believers, strengthening their faith, bringing encouragement, and reminding them of powerful truths about God’s promises and character. Songs of praise, thanksgiving, and even lament are found throughout the Bible, expressing trust in God's sovereignty even in times of suffering. Singing helps believers remember God’s faithfulness during hardships and difficulties. In other words, singing enables believers to experience breakthroughs in their lives both personally and corporately.
There are many songs in the Bible (and, sadly, we don’t sing most if not all of them). One song in particular, Exodus 15:1-21, also known as the "Song of Moses and Miriam," is a hymn of praise that celebrates the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, especially the crossing of the Red Sea. This song is sung regularly during the Passover, during Daily Prayers, and during special occasions in Israel. It reminds Israel of who Yahweh is for them, the one true Lord who reigns over all forever and ever! In other words, it is the song that reminds them -(and us) that we have the same God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. It is a song from and for victory!
The background of the song
1. They sang it after the Lord delivered them from Egypt.
Verse 1 says, “Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord: “I will sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea." Again, at the end of the song, it says, Miriam sang to them: “Sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea.” (v.21) Both Moses and Miriam led the Israelites to sing this song after they escaped from Egypt and crossed the Red Sea (or “a sea of reeds”) by a miraculous intervention from Yahweh. What is significant is that, they could not have sang this song before they actually experienced God’s deliverance. In Exodus 6:6, the Scripture says, “Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.” But then, in verse 9, we read: “Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and harsh labor.”
2. They were reminded of it while they were in the wilderness.
The text of Exodus is heavily centered on Moses, who led Israel out of Egypt but died before entering Canaan. Exodus, along with other parts of the Torah, frequently refers to Israel’s wilderness period, including specific laws and instructions that applied specifically to that nomadic lifestyle, which would no longer be relevant after settling in Canaan. The book does not include details about Israel’s interaction with Canaanite cities, suggesting it was written prior to their conquest and settlement in the region. Jewish tradition holds that the Torah, including Exodus, was written by Moses himself before Israel’s entry into Canaan. The last chapter and last verse of Exodus says, “So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the Israelites during all their travels.” (Exodus 40:38) While there is no definitive proof, these arguments provide a basis for the general consensus among scholars that Exodus was written, at least for the most part, before Israel entered the Promised Land. What that means is that the song is meant to encourage Israel concerning who the Yahwhe is, as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Verse 18 reminds them, ““The Lord reigns for ever and ever.”
The simple message of the song (for them and for us)
1. It is the Lord who has saved us for His glory.
Verse 2 says, “The Lord is my strength and my defense [i.e., song]; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him." The song reminds us of our personal experience of salvation. It is the Lord who has saved us personally. Moreover, he has done so powerfully. Verse 3 to 6 says, "The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name. Pharaoh’s chariots and his army he has hurled into the sea. The best of Pharaoh’s officers are drowned in the Red Sea. The deep waters have covered them; they sank to the depths like a stone. Your right hand, Lord, was majestic in power. Your right hand, Lord, shattered the enemy." All of this is for His glory alone. Verses 7 to 12 says, “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. The enemy boasted, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake them. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword and my hand will destroy them.’ But you blew with your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters. 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."
2. It is the Lord who will save us until we reach our final destiny.
Verse 13 says, "In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling." God promises to save us, His people, as we follow Him each day. He will do this regardless of the opposition we might encounter along the way. Verses 14 to 16 says, "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. By the power of your arm they will be as still as a stone — until your people pass by, Lord, until the people you bought pass by." Last but not the least, he will do this until we reach our final destiny. Verse 17 says, "You will bring them in and plant them on the mountain of your inheritance — the place, Lord, you made for your dwelling, the sanctuary, Lord, your hands established."
The command is to continue singing joyfully and faithfully to the Lord!
1. The command is to continue singing joyfully to the Lord.
Verses 19 to 21 says, “When Pharaoh’s horses, chariots and horsemen went into the sea, the Lord brought the waters of the sea back over them, but the Israelites walked through the sea on dry ground. Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing. Miriam sang to them: “Sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea.” The Israelites were commanded to sing the song joyfully as they journeyed toward the Promised Land. The joy of the Lord is their strength!
2. The command is to continue singing faithfully to the Lord.
Ephesians 5:18-20 says, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Conclusion
We don’t just sing to entertain ourselves or to make ourselves feel good. “We sing to God from and for victory!” He is the same God yesterday, today, and forever. He has saved us and He will continue to save us until we reach our final destiny. To God be the glory!
Discussion
1. How does the idea of "singing from victory" rather than "for victory" change our perspective on worship and praise?
2. Why do you think God commands us to sing joyfully, as seen in Exodus 15 and Ephesians 5? How can singing impact our faith and emotions during tough times?
3. The Israelites only sang their song of praise after experiencing God’s deliverance. What are some “victories” in your life that you can remember and praise God for?
4. How can we ensure that our worship songs reflect a true understanding of God’s character and His work in our lives?
5. How does singing together as a community strengthen our faith and remind us of God’s promises, especially when facing challenges? Can you think of a worship song that has personally helped you in a difficult time?