15th Century BC (Traditional Dating of the Exodus)
The Israelites had just experienced a miraculous deliverance from Egyptian slavery, witnessing the power of Yahweh over the gods of Egypt.
Egypt, under Pharaoh's rule, was a dominant power in the region, but the plagues and the destruction of the Egyptian army at the Red Sea marked a significant decline in its influence.
The Red Sea, where the Israelites crossed on dry ground and the Egyptian army was drowned, is a significant geographical feature in this chapter.
The chapter reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of composing victory songs to celebrate military triumphs and divine intervention.
Moses
Leader of the Israelites and composer of the Song of the Sea.
Pharaoh
Miriam
Prophetess and sister of Moses, who led the women in song and dance.