The Israelites' Song of the Sea reads like an ecstatic expression of awe, with waves of amazement at the miracle of their deliverance. Under the waves, the song has a chiastic structure, surrounding a rhetorical question: Who is like unto thee, O Lord?
A Proclamation
Anyone can declare something, but only a person with authority can proclaim it. Ancient prophets proclaimed truths to kings by divine authority. Modern prophets have also issued six declarations with specific messages and warnings for church members, world leaders, and all people.
Beautiful Garments
Isaiah expressed the joy he wanted his people to feel by encouraging them to "put on [their] beautiful garments." The phrase appears several times in the Book of Mormon and in Doctrine and Covenants 82. God wants us to celebrate our bright futuree. Temple worship and covenants can help us prepare for the Savior's return.
“Lift Up Your Heart”
Jeremiah encouraged his people to "lift up our heart" during difficult times and to remember the promises they had received from God. Jacob and Nephi echoed this invitation to their people, and the Lord has reiterated it in modern revelation. We can find joy not only in blessings received but also in promised blessings.
“Joy and Gladness”
The Lord asked Martin Harris if he could read His words without rejoicing. This is a good question for all of us. Can you find joy in the gospel? Are you artificially inhibiting that joy? How would your life be different if you allowed yourself to feel all that God wants you to feel?
The Islands of the Sea
Lehi's family took comfort in knowing that God remembers people who live on islands. Whether we are isolated geographically, or whether we isolate ourselves, He is always mindful of us, and we are more connected with other people than we may realize.
“Loose Thyself”
Do we make repentance harder than it needs to be by thinking of it as the beginning of the process instead of the end? The Savior has already paid the price for our sins in full. All we have to do is set aside our chains, let them go, and walk away.
Promised Light
After three days of darkness, when the light returned, the mourning of the Nephites and the Lamanites was turned into joy. Some of our "nights" may last weeks or months, but the promise remains: Morning will come; there will be joy.
Beautiful Garments
Isaiah urged us to put on our beautiful garments. The message is metaphorical, but there is also a literal application. The way we dress for worship activities can communicate our love and devotion to God.
Joy and Gladness
Jacob read the prophecies of Isaiah so that his people would rejoice in God's promised blessings. He said, "Let your hearts rejoice." Sometimes, we need to shift our focus and then get out of our own way in order to experience spontaneous joy.