The Study of Exodus with Tina Rains - Chapters 15 & 16

In chapter 15 vs 1-21, we see the Israelites praising God. I love how Miriam also formed a special choir of Jewish women who participated. We see it in 1 Samuel 18:6 and 2 Samuel 1:20. She is called the Prophetess. She had the courage to stand up to Moses and criticize him (Numbers 12:1-2). I love the courage of the women of the bible. 

Up until this point, we did read that they were praising God, did we? They complained, they doubted, and finally, we see them praise the Lord. It takes maturity to praise God even in the difficult times in life. The Israelites were immature in their walk.

Let’s look at the 4 stanzas of their praise song:

1. God’s victory is announced/ He is a warrior  (vs 1-5)
2. God’s weapons were described (vs 6-10)
3. God’s character is extolled- His unfailing love and might (vs 11-16)
4. God’s promises are fulfilled. (vs 16b-18)

It was not an easy life and God had to guide them and provide for them on a daily basis. The Israelites grumbled a ton and talked about returning to slavery. It was easy to praise God right after He parted the seas and defeated the Egyptians. It was much more difficult for them to trust him on a daily basis as they walked through the wilderness. Sound familiar? We learn daily and there were some key lessons that we can relate to in these verses.

1. Trials will come! We must expect and anticipate trials. (Exodus 15:22-16:3) If you look in these scriptures, they left praising God and then start asking how they would eat and drink. Don’t get me wrong, life was tough for them, just as it is for us at times. We have to keep perspective and trust in God. When God tests us, he is wanting us to grow and become more mature. When the enemy tempts us, it is to bring out the worst in us, draw us away from God, and encourage spiritual immaturity. God wants us to be mature in our faith and for our hearts to be right. He doesn’t want us worrying about tomorrow. He wants us to trust in HIM.
1. Mathew 6:21-For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also
2. Mathew 6:25-33 Do Not Worry 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

• Trust God to supply all of your needs according to his riches and glory. (Exodus 16:4-18)

1. God’s promises will sustain us
2. God’s faithfulness – He was faithful to provide mana to the Jewish people and he will be faithful to meet your needs as well.
3. John 6:22-59. – God’s son feeds over 5000 people and preached “the bread of life” in Capernaum. 

• Obey God’s Instructions – (Exodus 16:16-31) 1 Chor. 14:33 – God is not the author of confusion. When he starts something new, he will always give instructions. We need to obey and he will bless the work of our hands.

• Remember the lessons God teaches you (Exodus 16: 16-31) Obeying God’s word means light. Just as God provided the light to the Israelites as they left Egypt, He continued to guide and provide for them. He gave the law to help them. Unfortunately, just like many of us, we repeat patterns and God had to deal with us repeatedly.