Exodus 15:20
Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Miriam isn't just joining the celebration; she's leading it as a prophetess, directing the women in a divinely inspired response to God's mighty act. This shows us that prophecy wasn't limited to predicting the future, but could also involve leading worship and articulating God's praise.
Immediately after the men, led by Moses, burst into triumphant song following God's miraculous deliverance at the Red Sea, Miriam, Aaron's sister and a prophetess, takes the lead. She gathers all the women, and together they respond with their own celebration, echoing the victory with tambourines and dancing. This women's chorus serves as a powerful, communal expression of joy and thanksgiving, complementing the men's song and underscoring the full scope of God's saving power.
Miriam is more than just Moses' sister; she's a prophetess and a leader in her own right. What does this reveal about God's use of women in ancient Israel?
The text introduces Miriam not just as Aaron's sister, but as a "prophetess." This title signifies someone who speaks for God, and in Miriam's case, she was recognized by God as a leader alongside Moses and Aaron (Micah 6:4).
Why did Miriam and the women use tambourines and dancing? What spiritual truth does this form of worship reveal?
The victory over Egypt was monumental, and the women's response – with tambourines and dancing – was a powerful act of worship.
Understand the original words
nebiah · Hebrew Noun
A person (male or female) chosen by God to receive and communicate His word or message to others. They are often empowered by the Holy Spirit to reveal divine truth, foretell the future, or call the people to obedience.
This verse captures a spontaneous outpouring of joy and worship immediately following the miraculous deliverance at the Red Sea, highlighting the distinct but equally vital role of women in celebrating God's mighty acts.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
Following the ten plagues, God miraculously led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt under Moses' leadership. This event marked the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Parting of the Red Sea
As the Egyptian army pursued them, God caused the Red Sea to part, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. The pursuing army was then drowned when the waters returned.
c. 1446 BC
Miriam's Song
In response to God's deliverance at the Red Sea, Miriam led the Israelite women in a song of praise and worship, accompanied by tambourines and dancing.
c. 1445-1405 BC
Wilderness Wanderings
The Israelites spent 40 years wandering in the desert after their Exodus, a period of testing, provision, and continued divine guidance.
This passage describes Jephthah's daughter coming out to meet her father with timbrels and dances after a victory, mirroring the celebratory use of music and dance by women in Exodus 15.
1 Samuel 18:6This verse highlights women coming out to celebrate Saul and David's victory with timbrels, joy, and music, showing a recurring pattern of women expressing communal joy through these means after significant events.
Psalm 68:25The psalmist describes singers, musicians, and damsels playing timbrels going together, echoing the scene in Exodus where women celebrated with instruments and dance.
Micah 6:4This verse directly mentions Miriam alongside Moses and Aaron as being sent by God to lead Israel, underscoring her leadership role and prophetic status, which is demonstrated in Exodus 15:20 through her leading the women's celebration.
Luke 1:39-45Mary's visit to Elizabeth and her subsequent prayer (the Magnificat) shows a woman, also named Mary, moved by the Spirit to prophesy and sing praises in response to God's powerful intervention in salvation history.
gillExodus 15:20: "And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances."
And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron,.... The same, it is highly probable, that is called the sister of Moses, Exodus 2:3 , her name Miriam is the same as Mary with us, and signifies bitterness; and, as the Hebrews (x) observe, had it from the bitterness of the times, and the afflictions the Israelites endured and groaned under…
cambridgeExodus 15:20: "And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances."
20 . the prophetess ] See Numbers 12:2 ; and cf. Jdg 4:4 (of Deborah). the sister of Aaron ] Miriam being more closely associated with Aaron than with Moses: cf. Numbers 12:1 ff., where Miriam and Aaron act together, even against Moses. See also on Exodus 2:1 . a timbrel ] or hand-drum , i.e. a ring of wood or metal, covered with a tight…
Miriam isn't just joining the celebration; she's leading it as a prophetess, directing the women in a divinely inspired response to God's mighty act. This shows us that prophecy wasn't limited to predicting the future, but could also involve leading worship and articulating God's praise.
Immediately after the men, led by Moses, burst into triumphant song following God's miraculous deliverance at the Red Sea, Miriam, Aaron's sister and a prophetess, takes the lead. She gathers all the women, and together they respond with their own celebration, echoing the victory with tambourines and dancing. This women's chorus serves as a powerful, communal expression of joy and thanksgiving, complementing the men's song and underscoring the full scope of God's saving power.
Immediately after the men, led by Moses, burst into triumphant song following God's miraculous deliverance at the Red Sea, Miriam, Aaron's sister and a prophetess, takes the lead. She gathers all the women, and together they respond with their own celebration, echoing the victory with tambourines and dancing. This women's chorus serves as a powerful, communal expression of joy and thanksgiving, complementing the men's song and underscoring the full scope of God's saving power.
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c. 1405 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
After the death of Moses, Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land, beginning the military campaigns to conquer its inhabitants.
"Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing." — Miriam isn't just joining the celebration; she's leading it as a prophetess, directing the women in a divinely inspired response to God's mighty act. This shows us that prophecy wasn't limited to p…
