We continue to examine the song of Revelation 15:3-4, “the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb,” as a pattern for sacred song in the church. The “song of Moses” refers to Exodus 15. Significantly, Exodus 15 and Revelation 15:3-5 share similar themes and language.

First, Exodus 15 is a song about terrified enemies. “The peoples have heard, they tremble; anguish has gripped the inhabitants of Philistia. Then the chiefs of Edom were dismayed; the leaders of Moab, trembling grips them; all the inhabitants of Canaan have melted away. Terror and dread fall upon them” (vv. 14-16). Revelation 15:3-4 is also a song of terrified enemies “Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name?” We find the theme and language of terrified enemies in the Psalms (48:6; 78:33; 96:9; 99:1; 107:26; 114:7).

Second, Exodus 15 is a song of enemies destroyed: “Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has cast into the sea; and the choicest of his officers are drowned in the Red Sea” (v. 4), “You blew with Your wind, the sea covered them; they sank like lead in the mighty waters” (v. 10). There is a more general statement in verse 7: “And in the greatness of Your excellence You overthrow those who rise up against You; You send forth Your burning anger, and it consumes them as chaff.”

Revelation 15:3-4 shares the theme of enemies destroyed. Verse 3, “Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty” (v. 3). Historically, the great works of the Lord include the destruction of the enemy as God effects His salvation. The same theme and language of enemies destroyed is in the Psalms (38:1; 69:24; 78:49; 85:3; 88:16; 135:9; 136:15).

Third, Exodus 15 is a song of the kingship of Christ and of His salvation. “The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation” (v. 2). Verse 6, “Your right hand, O Lord, is majestic in power, Your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy” (v. 6). “The Lord shall reign forever and ever” (v. 18). Revelation 15:3-4 is a song of the kingship of Christ as well. “Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations!” (v. 3). The theme and language of kingship is plain in Psalm 47:8, 93:1, 96:10, 97:1, and 99:1.

Fourth, Exodus 15 looks forward to the time when the temple is built under Solomon. Speaking of redeemed Israel, verse 17 promises, “You will bring them and plant them in the mountain of Your inheritance, the place, O Lord, which You have made for Your dwelling, the sanctuary, O Lord, which Your hands have established.”

Revelation 15:3-4 fulfills Exodus 15. Jesus Christ is the “Lord God, the Almighty” (Rev. 15:3). “The Lord shall reign forever and ever” (Ex. 15:18). “All the nations will come and worship before You” (Rev. 15:4 quoting Ps. 86:9). For this same eschatological theme, compare Psalm 68:1-18 and Paul’s use of verse 18 with reference to Christ (Eph. 4:8).

We therefore see Revelation 15:3-4 uses the themes and language of the Psalms. It does not use the name “Jesus” or the title “Christ.” It does not refer to the “blood” or the “cross.” From the two previous lessons we see Revelation 15:3-4 is a gospel song like the Psalms pointing to the kingship of Christ. It is a s ong having the form of a psalm. It also quotes from the Psalms. Our critics err. Do you want to sing about Christ as King, actually using the pattern, themes, and language of this heavenly song of Revelation? Then sing the Psalms.

—Dennis J. Prutow