Exodus 15:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: 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.

NIV: Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing.

NASB: Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took the tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and with dancing.

CSB: Then the prophetess Miriam, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women came out following her with tambourines and dancing.

NLT: Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine and led all the women as they played their tambourines and danced.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

Miriam is the older sister of both Moses and Aaron. She was first mentioned in the account of Moses' infancy (Exodus 2:1–4). However, this is the first mention of her name. During the story of the exodus, Miriam will feature in several key events. She will join Aaron in objecting to Moses' non-Jewish wife (Numbers 12:1) and claiming to also be speaking for God (Numbers 12:2). For this, Miriam will suffer a week of exile with leprosy (Numbers 12:10, 15). However, she played an instrumental role in Israel's liberation (Micah 6:4). Miriam will die and be buried in Kadesh (Numbers 20:1).

In addition, Miriam is called a "prophetess:" a female prophet. In the Old Testament, the term "prophet" applies to those who bring messages from God to the people. It does not mean that Miriam predicted any future events. Old Testament Scripture does not distinguish roles between male and female prophets; other prophetesses mentioned by name include Deborah (Judges 4:4) and Huldah (2 Kings 22:14).

Here, Miriam shows a level of authority by leading the Israelite women in singing and dancing. This is part of Israel's celebration (Exodus 15:1) of their recent salvation (Exodus 14:21–29). Her song reflects the song offered by Moses (Exodus 15:1, 21); most likely, the women sang all the words recorded in this passage (Exodus 15:1–18).

Exodus 15:19–21 restates Israel's recent miraculous rescue at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21–29). Moses has offered a song of praise (Exodus 15:1–18). His sister, Miriam (Exodus 2:4–7), leads women in singing and dancing. She repeats the first words of Moses' song as the people celebrate their freedom.

Israel celebrates the supernatural event which eliminated the Egyptian army. God's power parted the waters of the Red Sea for the Hebrews to cross, then collapsed the same waters over the pursuing soldiers (Exodus 14:21–29). Moses, his sister Miriam, and the other Israelites praise the Lord for His works. They anticipate that this event will strike fear into the hearts of the wicked Canaanite nations (Deuteronomy 9:4). Yet, when the only water they find is undrinkable, the Israelites complain and criticize Moses. God provides a means to purify the water. He then provides a clear message about obedience and leads the people to a well-watered oasis.

When the nation of Israel was freed (Exodus 12:40–41), God led them to a specific place (Exodus 13:17–18). The Egyptians sent an army in pursuit (Exodus 14:5–9). God completed Israel's salvation by leading them across the Red Sea and wiping out the Egyptian army (Exodus 14:21–28). Here, the people celebrate their freedom with singing and dancing. However, they will soon complain when water runs short. In the following chapter, they will complain about food and be given the gift of "manna" (Exodus 16).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.