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)
Miriam is called "the prophetess" not just because she prophesied in the sense of foretelling the future, but because she was a divinely inspired leader and instructor, specifically guiding the women in their worship and celebration. Her role here highlights that God’s prophetic call and leadership are not limited to men.
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)
Immediately following the triumphant song of Moses and the men of Israel celebrating God's deliverance at the Red Sea, Miriam, a recognized prophetess and Aaron's sister, leads the women in a separate, echoing celebration. This women's response, marked by tambourines and dancing, mirrors the men's song and signifies a communal, gender-inclusive expression of worship and victory that continues the narrative of God's powerful intervention.
Did you know Miriam was more than just Aaron's sister? She held a significant prophetic role, leading the women in worship.
The verse calls Miriam a "prophetess." This title isn't just about foretelling the future; it signifies someone inspired by God to speak His truth and lead His people.
A Voice for the Women
While Moses and Aaron led the men, Miriam was instrumental in guiding the women. She wasn't just following along; she took the initiative with her tambourine, initiating a distinct expression of worship for the women.
Recognized by God
Her prophetic role was so recognized that Micah 6:4 lists her alongside Moses and Aaron as a leader God sent to deliver Israel. This verse highlights her crucial, though often overlooked, part in Israel's redemption and ongoing worship.
What do tambourines and dancing have to say about God's power and our freedom?
The imagery of women with tambourines and dancing is a powerful picture of exultant celebration after God's miraculous deliverance.
Instruments of Joy
The tambourine (or timbrel) was a hand-drum, often adorned with jingling rings. It was used on occasions of great joy and victory. Its use here, alongside dancing, paints a vibrant scene of unrestrained celebration.
Expressing God's Triumph
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These instruments and movements weren't mere entertainment; they were a form of worship. The women are not just dancing at their freedom, but dancing to God, expressing their overwhelming joy and awe at His powerful act of salvation. This is worship that engages the whole person – body, soul, and voice.
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.
Miriam's leadership in this moment of jubilant celebration highlights the vital role women played in Israel's religious and national life, even as her later rebellion underscores the dangers of challenging God's appointed leadership.
c. 1446 BC
Israel's Exodus from Egypt
After centuries of slavery, God dramatically liberates the Israelites from Egyptian bondage under Moses' leadership.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Crossing the Red Sea
God miraculously parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry land, followed by the destruction of Pharaoh's pursuing army.
c. 1446 BC
Miriam's Song
Miriam leads the Israelite women in a celebratory song and dance, echoing the victory song sung by Moses and the men.
c. 1445-1405 BC
Wilderness Wanderings Begin
The Israelites embark on their 40-year journey through the desert towards the Promised Land.
c. 1445 BC
Miriam's Rebellion
Miriam and Aaron question Moses' authority, leading to God's intervention and Miriam's temporary leprosy.
This passage describes Jephthah's daughter coming out to meet him after a victory with timbrels and dances, mirroring the women's celebration after the Red Sea crossing led by Miriam.
1 Samuel 18:6This verse highlights women coming out of the cities of Israel with timbrels, joy, and music to celebrate David's victory, showing a recurring pattern of women expressing praise through music and dance after significant triumphs.
Psalm 68:11The psalm speaks of women proclaiming the good news, a company of them with timbrels, which likely alludes to this very event of Miriam and the women celebrating God's deliverance.
Micah 6:4Micah directly references God sending Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, acknowledging Miriam's role in leading God's people, which aligns with her prophetic and leadership position demonstrated here.
Luke 1:46-47Mary's song of praise (the Magnificat) echoes the spirit of Miriam's song, showing how women have historically been used by God to express His mighty deeds and declare His glory.
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 is called "the prophetess" not just because she prophesied in the sense of foretelling the future, but because she was a divinely inspired leader and instructor, specifically guiding the women in their worship and celebration. Her role here highlights that God’s prophetic call and leadership are not limited to men.
Immediately following the triumphant song of Moses and the men of Israel celebrating God's deliverance at the Red Sea, Miriam, a recognized prophetess and Aaron's sister, leads the women in a separate, echoing celebration. This women's response, marked by tambourines and dancing, mirrors the men's song and signifies a communal, gender-inclusive expression of worship and victory that continues the narrative of God's powerful intervention.
Immediately following the triumphant song of Moses and the men of Israel celebrating God's deliverance at the Red Sea, Miriam, a recognized prophetess and Aaron's sister, leads the women in a separate, echoing celebration. This women's response, marked by tambourines and dancing, mirrors the men's song and signifies a communal, gender-inclusive expression of worship and victory that continues the narrative of God's powerful intervention.
"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 is called "the prophetess" not just because she prophesied in the sense of foretelling the future, but because she was a divinely inspired leader and instructor, specifically guiding the women…
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Last reviewed October 2026