Scriptural text: Exodus 15:11-21
The Lesson Background:
After the Lord brought the tenth plague upon Egypt which was the death of all the firstborn humans and animals, the Egyptians urged the Israelites to leave Egypt immediately (see Exodus 12:31-33). Over 600,000 men plus women and children journeyed from Ramses to Succoth (see Exodus 12:37).
When the Egyptians pursued the Israelites into the Red Sea, God commanded Moses to stretch his hand over the sea and the waters returned and drowning all of the soldiers who followed after God’s people (see Exodus 14:23-28). But the children of Israel walked over on dry ground and the Lord saved them from the Egyptians. As a result the people feared God and believed Him and His servant Moses (see Exodus 14:29-31). In Exodus 15:1-10, Moses and the children of Israel began to sing a song describing how the LORD had triumphed gloriously over the Egyptians.
The Person of God (Exodus 15:11).
Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? For the perfections of his nature, for the blessings of his goodness, and for the works of his hands, and especially for the greatness and excellency of his power, seen the salvation of his people, and the ruin of their enemies: there is none like him among the mighty angels, who excel in strength, and are sometimes called gods; or among the mighty ones on earth, or the sons of the mighty kings, princes, judges, and civil magistrates of every rank and order.
“Who is like thee, glorious and holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” This is pure praise, and a high expression of humble adoration. Again, the answer to this question is absolutely no one! God is alone is “glorious” or majestic “in holiness” or purity (1 Samuel 2:2). There is no flaw in Him, for He is incomparable perfection. His “holiness” is his glory. It is that attribute that angels adore (see Isaiah 6:3). God’s holiness appeared in the destruction of Pharaoh, His hatred of sin, and His wrath against obstinate sinners.
The Power of God (Exodus 15:12-13).
“Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them.” This refers to the drowning of the Egyptian army when God returned the waters in the Red Sea and they were “swallowed” up by the sea (see Exodus 14:21-30). This song of praise declares that God “stretchedst out thy right hand.” In Scripture, the words “thy right hand” often speaks of God’s power (see Exodus 15:6; Psalms 17:7; 18:35, 139:10)).
Miriam Praises God (Exodus 15:20-21).
Miriam’s example of praise (Exodus 15:20). The singing of this song praising God for delivering Israel from the Egyptians now turns to introduce us to “Miriam” (or Mary; it is the same name) who is described as “the prophetess, the sister of Aaron.” This would also make her “the sister” of Moses (see Numbers 26:59).
Miriam exalts the Lord (Exodus 15:21). In response to all the women following her in playing the music and the timbrels and dancing. Miriam said to “them, Sing ye unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously.” She called on the women to praise the LORD because He has “triumphed gloriously” and is highly exalted.
References: International Sunday School Commentary, KJV