Singing in Israel’s Experience
285
This song was not only historical, but prophetic. While it recounted
the wonderful dealings of God with his people in the past, it also
foreshadowed the great events of the future, the final victory of the
faithful when Christ shall come the second time in power and glory.
The people were directed to commit to memory this poetic history,
and to teach it to their children and children’s children. It was to be
chanted by the congregation when they assembled for worship, and
to be repeated by the people as they went about their daily labors.—
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Patriarchs and Prophets, 467, 468
.
God’s Commandments in Song—As the people journeyed
through the wilderness, many precious lessons were fixed in their
minds by means of song. At their deliverance from Pharaoh’s army
the whole host of Israel had joined in the song of triumph. Far over
desert and sea rang the joyous refrain, and the mountains re-echoed
the accents of praise, “Sing ye to the Lord, for He hath triumphed glo-
riously.”
Exodus 15:21
. Often on the journey was this song repeated,
cheering the hearts and kindling the faith of the pilgrim travelers. The
commandments as given from Sinai, with promises of God’s favor
and records of His wonderful works for their deliverance, were by
divine direction expressed in song, and were chanted to the sound of
instrumental music, the people keeping step as their voices united in
praise.
Thus their thoughts were uplifted from the trials and difficulties of
the way, the restless, turbulent spirit was soothed and calmed, the prin-
ciples of truth were implanted in the memory, and faith was strength-
ened. Concert of action taught order and unity, and the people were
brought into closer touch with God and with one another.—
Education,
39
.
Words of the Law in Music—Moses directed the Israelites to set
the words of the law to music. While the older children played on
instruments, the younger ones marched, singing in concert the song of
God’s commandments. In later years they retained in their minds the
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words of the law which they learned during childhood.
If it was essential for Moses to embody the commandments in
sacred song, so that as they marched in the wilderness, the children
could learn to sing the law verse by verse, how essential it is at this time
to teach our children God’s Word! Let us ... do everything in our power