After the breathtaking events captured in Exodus 14 (it's obviously the parting of the Red Sea I speak of), we are suddenly met with a burst of song: The Canticle of Moses. After experiencing the total awe-inspiring power of God, the children of Israel are compelled (rightly so) to triumphantly sing God's praises. The whole Canticle is so full of glorious praise, it's hard not to feel the unbridled jubilation of the Hebrew people while reading it.
According to Origen the Canticle of Moses is the most ancient piece of poetry! And what is so fascinating is that this song, this vibrant poem, is still today triumphantly sung! Churchmen the world over (monks, priests, bishops, missionaries, etc.) sing the Canticle of Moses (among other Old Testament canticles) weekly during Lauds.
Here is a sampling:
"Who is like to thee, among the strong, O Lord? who is like to thee, glorious in holiness, terrible and praise-worthy, doing wonders?
Thou stretchedst forth thy hand, and the earth swallowed them.
In thy mercy thou hast been a leader to the people which thou hast redeemed: and in thy strength thou hast carried them to thy holy habitation." (Exodus 15:11-13)
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