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REVIEW
Exodus 15 gives us the Bible’s first recorded worship song—and it is strikingly different from many songs we sing today. Israel celebrates God’s powerful deliverance, but they also sing about the devastating destruction of Pharaoh’s army. They praise God as a warrior who intentionally defeated His enemies, acknowledge His character and promises, and rejoice in His grace toward His people.
This difficult truth runs throughout Scripture: God’s glory is displayed in both deliverance and judgment. Exodus 15 gives us a glimpse of the larger story of Scripture, which ultimately points toward both the eternal life of God’s people and the destruction of His enemies (2 Thessalonians 1:3–10).
This can make us uncomfortable. Yet God’s wrath is not contrary to His character. Understanding His righteous judgment helps us appreciate the depth of His mercy and grace. Romans 9:14–23 reminds us that God is sovereign over both mercy and judgment, even if we can reconcile these things in a way that is emotionally satisfying or that aligns with our moral sensibilities. He is free to do what He does for His glory because He is the potter (to draw on Paul’s imagery).
Recognizing this might raise questions.
How do we reconcile this with Jesus’ command to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44)? Jesus called His disciples to “love your enemies.” But our enemies might not be God’s enemies. And even if they are, the Lord says that vengeance is to be left up to Him (Romans 12:19).
But didn’t Jesus come to announce “the favorable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:18-19)? Yes, the beginning of His ministry included the announcement of favor, but the second part of His work will include “the day of vengeance of our God” (Isaiah 61:2; the passage He was quoting).
Seeing what God has done—and what He will ultimately do—should not produce pride, but humility and gratitude. Ephesians 2:1–6 reminds us that we were once “children of wrath,” but God, because of His great love and mercy, made us alive with Christ.
Exodus 15 calls us to worship a holy God whose glory is revealed in both His mighty deliverance and His righteous judgment—and to fall on our faces in gratitude that, through Christ, He has made us His own.
REMEMBER
God’s glory is revealed in both His mighty deliverance and His righteous judgment.
REFLECT
Exodus 15 celebrates both God’s deliverance of His people and His judgment of Pharaoh’s army. How does recognizing that God is both merciful and just deepen your understanding of His character?
Ephesians 2:1–6 reminds us that we were once “children of wrath,” but God made us alive with Christ because of His great love and mercy. How should remembering what you have been rescued from shape your gratitude and humility?
Jesus calls us to love our enemies and Romans 12:19 tells us to leave vengeance to God. Is there someone you are tempted to view primarily as an enemy? What would it look like to entrust judgment to God while choosing to love that person?
Word of the week: JUDGEMENT
RESPOND
Holy God,
You are worthy of our worship
in Your mercy and Your justice.
Thank You for rescuing us
when we could not rescue ourselves.
Help us love those who oppose us,
guard our hearts wisely,
and trust You with every judgment.
May Your holiness humble us
and Your grace fill us with gratitude.
Amen.
RELATE
When you encounter someone who has wronged you or seems opposed to you, resist the urge to take judgment into your own hands. Remember that God alone sees the whole picture. Leave vengeance to Him, and choose instead to respond with humility, grace, and love.
REHEARSE
“The LORD will reign forever and ever” – Exodus 15:18
READ
Revisit: Exodus 15:1-21
Read ahead: Exodus 15:22-16:36
REJOICE
The Lion and the Lamb
God is for Us
This We Know
