With the deliverance of Israel is associated the development of the national poetry, which finds its first and perfect expression in this magnificent hymn. It was sung by Moses and the people, an expression which evidently points to him as the author. That it was written at the time is an assertion... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THE HORSE ... - This verse does not belong to the hymn, but marks the transition from it to the narrative.... [ Continue Reading ]
AND MIRIAM THE PROPHETESS - The part here assigned to Miriam and the women of Israel is in accordance both with Egyptian and Hebrew customs. The men are represented as singing the hymn in chorus, under the guidance of Moses; at each interval Miriam and the women sang the refrain, marking the time wi... [ Continue Reading ]
SO MOSES - Literally, And Moses. The history of the journey from the Red Sea to Sinai begins in fact with this verse, which would more conveniently have been the commencement of another chapter. FROM THE RED SEA - The station where Moses and his people halted to celebrate their deliverance is gener... [ Continue Reading ]
MARAH - Now identified with the fount of Huwara. The fountain rises from a large mound, a whitish petrifaction, deposited by the water, and is considered by the Arabians to be the worst in the whole district.... [ Continue Reading ]
A TREE ... - The statement points to a natural agency, but the result was manifestly supernatural. HE MADE ... - The Lord then set before them the fundamental principle of implicit trust, to be shown by obedience. The healing of the water was a symbol of deliverance from physical and spiritual evil... [ Continue Reading ]
ELIM - The valley of Gharandel, two hours’ journey south of Huwara. TWELVE WELLS - Read springs; the Hebrew denotes natural sources. These springs may have been perennial when a richer vegetation clothed the adjacent heights.... [ Continue Reading ]