248
Patriarchs and Prophets
Like the voice of the great deep, rose from the vast hosts of Israel
that sublime ascription. It was taken up by the women of Israel,
Miriam, the sister of Moses, leading the way, as they went forth with
[289]
timbrel and dance. Far over desert and sea rang the joyous refrain,
and the mountains re-echoed the words of their praise—“Sing ye to
Jehovah, for He hath triumphed gloriously.”
This song and the great deliverance which it commemorates, made
an impression never to be effaced from the memory of the Hebrew
people. From age to age it was echoed by the prophets and singers
of Israel, testifying that Jehovah is the strength and deliverance of
those who trust in Him. That song does not belong to the Jewish
people alone. It points forward to the destruction of all the foes of
righteousness and the final victory of the Israel of God. The prophet
of Patmos beholds the white-robed multitude that have “gotten the
victory,” standing on the “sea of glass mingled with fire,” having “the
harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God,
and the song of the Lamb.”
Revelation 15:2, 3
.
“Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory,
for Thy mercy, and for Thy truth’s sake.”
Psalm 115:1
. Such was the
spirit that pervaded Israel’s song of deliverance, and it is the spirit that
should dwell in the hearts of all who love and fear God. In freeing out
souls from the bondage of sin, God has wrought for us a deliverance
greater than that of the Hebrews at the Red Sea. Like the Hebrew
host, we should praise the Lord with heart and soul and voice for His
“wonderful works to the children of men.” Those who dwell upon
God’s great mercies, and are not unmindful of His lesser gifts, will
put on the girdle of gladness and make melody in their hearts to the
Lord. The daily blessings that we receive from the hand of God, and
above all else the death of Jesus to bring happiness and heaven within
our reach, should be a theme for constant gratitude. What compassion,
what matchless love, has God shown to us, lost sinners, in connecting
us with Himself, to be to Him a peculiar treasure! What a sacrifice
has been made by our Redeemer, that we may be called children of
God! We should praise God for the blessed hope held out before us in
the great plan of redemption, we should praise Him for the heavenly
inheritance and for His rich promises; praise Him that Jesus lives to
intercede for us.