The Song of Moses Which Is Not (Also) the Song of the Lamb: An Investigation into the Number of Songs at Play in Rev. 15

Abstract

There has been a considerable amount of debate regarding the song in Rev. 15 and the possible origins of the content of this song. Many different arguments have been proposed concerning the Old Testament texts alluded to in the song. Another contentious issue relates to the interpretation of the title of the song. Some scholars read the word καί, which introduces the song, as epexegetical and therefore reason the introduction should be translated as “the song of Moses which is also the song of the Lamb.” Others argue that three songs are referred to here. The “song of Moses” refers to one of the two Old Testament songs attributed to Moses. The other is the song of the Lamb, which refers to another song which was known by the first readers of Revelation and the third is the song found in Rev. 15:3-4. In this article it will be argued that there are two songs at play here. The first is the song of Moses from Exod. 15 and the second is the song of the Lamb of which the content is then given in Rev. 15:3-4. This “song of the Lamb” is a composition by the author of Revelation consisting of many different Old Testament passages.