The "Moses and Canticle" is likely referring to the Book of Exodus and the "Song of the Sea" or "Song of Moses" found in Exodus 15. The image of God presented in these texts is multifaceted and powerful, but here's a breakdown:
Key Images of God in Exodus and the Song of Moses:
* Liberator and Redeemer: This is arguably the most prominent image. God hears the cries of the Israelites in slavery and actively intervenes to free them from Egyptian bondage. He is not a distant, indifferent deity but a compassionate and powerful force for justice. "I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians" (Exodus 3:7-8).
* Powerful and Miraculous Warrior: God displays unparalleled power through the ten plagues inflicted upon Egypt. He controls nature, turning the Nile to blood, bringing swarms of insects, and unleashing devastating hail. The splitting of the Red Sea and the subsequent destruction of Pharaoh's army are powerful demonstrations of God's military might. The Song of Moses celebrates this aspect: "The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name" (Exodus 15:3).
* Sovereign King: God's authority is absolute. He commands Pharaoh to release the Israelites and punishes him for disobedience. The Israelites are brought out of Egypt against Pharaoh's will, highlighting God's ultimate control over human rulers. The Song of Moses reinforces this: "Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?" (Exodus 15:11).
* Lawgiver and Covenant Maker: After the Exodus, God establishes a covenant with the Israelites at Mount Sinai, giving them the Ten Commandments and other laws. This highlights God's role as a moral authority and the foundation for their society. He is a God of order and justice, requiring obedience and promising blessings for faithfulness.
* Provider and Protector: Throughout their journey in the wilderness, God provides for the Israelites' needs, giving them manna to eat, water to drink, and guiding them with a pillar of cloud and fire. He protects them from enemies and leads them toward the Promised Land.
* Holy and Majestic: The encounter with God at Mount Sinai is marked by fire, smoke, thunder, and earthquake, creating an atmosphere of awe and reverence. This reinforces God's holiness and otherness, setting Him apart from the ordinary and demanding respect.
* Jealous God: The Ten Commandments includes, "You shall have no other gods before me." This emphasizes God's demand for exclusive worship and loyalty. He is a jealous God in the sense that he desires the wholehearted devotion of his people.
Key Takeaways:
* Active Involvement: God is not passive but actively involved in human history, intervening on behalf of the oppressed.
* Power and Authority: God possesses absolute power and authority, capable of overcoming any obstacle.
* Holiness and Righteousness: God is holy and demands righteousness from his people, establishing a moral code for their conduct.
* Promise and Covenant: God makes promises and establishes covenants, demonstrating his faithfulness and commitment to his people.
In summary, the image of God presented in Exodus and the Song of Moses is of a powerful, liberating, sovereign, and holy God who is actively involved in the lives of his people, leading them out of oppression and into a covenant relationship with himself. He is both a fearsome warrior and a compassionate protector.