Exodus 15:20 Study Bible: Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand; and all the women went out after her with tambourines and with dances.

◄ Exodus 15:20 ►

Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing.

Study Bible

Then Miriam the prophetess
Miriam is recognized as a prophetess, indicating her role as a leader and spokesperson for God among the Israelites. This title is significant as it highlights the presence of female leadership in the early biblical narrative. Miriam's prophetic role is further evidenced in Micah 6:4, where she is mentioned alongside Moses and Aaron as a leader of Israel. Her prophetic gift may have included receiving divine messages or leading in worship and praise.

Aaron’s sister
Miriam is identified as the sister of Aaron, which also makes her the sister of Moses. This familial connection places her within the central leadership family of the Exodus narrative. Her relationship with Aaron and Moses is significant, as it underscores the unity and shared mission of the siblings in leading the Israelites out of Egypt. This connection is also seen in Exodus 2:4-8, where Miriam watches over the infant Moses in the Nile.

took a tambourine in her hand
The tambourine, or timbrel, was a common percussion instrument in ancient Israel, often used in celebrations and worship. Its use here signifies a moment of joy and victory following the crossing of the Red Sea. The act of taking the tambourine suggests a spontaneous expression of praise and thanksgiving to God for the deliverance from the Egyptians. The tambourine is also associated with prophetic and celebratory contexts in other scriptures, such as 1 Samuel 10:5 and Psalm 150:4.

and all the women followed her
Miriam's leadership is evident as she leads the women in worship. This communal act of following indicates a shared experience of deliverance and a collective response of gratitude. The participation of all the women highlights the inclusive nature of worship and the role of women in the spiritual life of the community. It also reflects the cultural practice of women leading in song and dance during times of celebration, as seen in Judges 11:34 and 1 Samuel 18:6.

with tambourines and dancing
The use of tambourines and dancing is a traditional expression of joy and celebration in ancient Israelite culture. This scene is reminiscent of other biblical instances where music and dance are used to celebrate God's victories, such as in 2 Samuel 6:14-15 when David dances before the Ark of the Covenant. The combination of music and movement serves as a powerful expression of worship and acknowledgment of God's mighty acts. This joyful response can be seen as a type of the ultimate victory and celebration found in Christ's triumph over sin and death.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Miriam
She is identified as a prophetess and the sister of Aaron and Moses. Miriam plays a significant role in the Exodus account, particularly in leading the women in worship after the crossing of the Red Sea.

2. Aaron
Miriam's brother, who serves as the first high priest of Israel. His mention here highlights the familial connection and leadership roles within the Israelite community.

3. Tambourine and Dancing
These are instruments and expressions of joy and celebration. The use of tambourines and dancing signifies a communal act of worship and thanksgiving to God for deliverance.

4. The Women of Israel
They join Miriam in her act of worship, indicating a collective response of gratitude and celebration among the people.

5. The Red Sea Crossing
This miraculous event is the backdrop for the celebration. It represents God's deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage and His power over creation.

Teaching Points

The Role of Women in Worship
Miriam's leadership in worship highlights the important role women play in spiritual life and community celebration.

Prophetic Leadership
Miriam is called a prophetess, indicating that God speaks through women as well as men, and they can lead in spiritual matters.

Celebration of Deliverance
The use of music and dance in worship is a biblical expression of joy and gratitude for God's deliverance and blessings.

Community Worship
The collective participation of the women with Miriam underscores the importance of communal worship and shared expressions of faith.

Remembering God's Acts
Just as Miriam and the women celebrated God's deliverance, believers today are encouraged to remember and celebrate God's faithfulness in their lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Miriam's role as a prophetess and leader challenge or affirm your understanding of women's roles in the church today?

2. In what ways can music and dance be incorporated into your personal or communal worship to express joy and gratitude to God?

3. How does the celebration after the Red Sea crossing inspire you to remember and celebrate God's deliverance in your own life?

4. What can we learn from the communal aspect of worship demonstrated by Miriam and the women of Israel?

5. How do other biblical figures, like Deborah or Mary, reinforce the themes of prophetic leadership and celebration found in Exodus 15:20?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Micah 6:4
This verse mentions Miriam alongside Moses and Aaron as leaders of Israel, emphasizing her role in guiding the people.

Psalm 150
This psalm encourages the use of musical instruments in worship, similar to Miriam's use of the tambourine.

Judges 4:4
Deborah, another prophetess, leads Israel, showing that God raises women to significant roles in His plans.

Luke 1:46-55
Mary's song of praise parallels Miriam's song, both celebrating God's deliverance and faithfulness.

Sermons

Present Gratitude	G.A. Goodhart	Exodus 15:1-21
Song of Moses and the Lamb	H.T. Robjohns	Exodus 15:1-21
The Song of Moses and of the Lamb	J. Orr	Exodus 15:1-20, 21
The Results of Deliverance to God's People	J. Urquhart	Exodus 15:3-21
Cheering Effect of Music		Exodus 15:19-21
Serving God with a Cheerful Spirit		Exodus 15:19-21
Song, Timbrel, and Dance	E. C. Wines, D. D., S. C. Bartlett, D. D.	Exodus 15:19-21
Woman's Part in the Song of Triumph	D. Young	Exodus 15:20, 21

People

Aaron, Egyptians, Israelites, Miriam, Moses, Pharaoh

Places

Canaan, Edom, Egypt, Elim, Marah, Moab, Philistia, Red Sea, Shur Desert

Topics

Aaron, Aaron's, Choruses, Dances, Dancing, Followed, Inspired, Instrument, Miriam, Music, Prophet, Prophetess, Sister, Taketh, Tambour, Tambourine, Tambourines, Tambours, Timbrel, Timbrels, Women

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Exodus 15:20

     5287   dance
     5387   leisure, pastimes
     8624   worship, reasons
     8627   worship, elements

Exodus 15:1-21

1315 God, as redeemer
5420 music

Exodus 15:19-20

8666 praise, manner and methods

Exodus 15:20-21

     5421   musical instruments
     5740   virgin
     5745   women
     8352   thankfulness

Exodus 15:20-24

1418 miracles, responses

Library

October 5. "He Hath Triumphed Gloriously" (Ex. xv. 1).
"He hath triumphed gloriously" (Ex. xv. 1). Beloved, God calls us to victory. Have any of you given up the conflict, have you surrendered? Have you said, "This thing is too much"? Have you said, "I can give up anything else but this"? If you have, you are not in the land of promise. God means you should accept every difficult thing that comes in your life. He has started with you, knowing every difficulty. And if you dare to let Him, He will carry you through not only to be conquerors, but "more …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

July 30. "If Thou Wilt Diligently Hearken unto the Voice of the Lord Thy God and Wilt Keep all his Statutes" (Ex. xv. 26).
"If thou wilt diligently hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God and wilt keep all His statutes" (Ex. xv. 26). Sometimes people fail because they have not confidence in the Physician. The very first requirement of this Doctor is, that you trust Him, and trust Him implicitly, so implicitly that you go forward on His bare word, and act as if you had received His healing the moment you claimed His promise. But no one would expect to be healed by an earthly doctor as soon as they obeyed his directions. …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

September 23. "I am the Lord that Healeth Thee" (Ex. xv. 26).
"I am the Lord that healeth thee" (Ex. xv. 26). It is very reasonable that God should expect us to trust Him for our bodies as well as our souls, for if our faith is not practical enough to bring us temporal relief, how can we be educated for real dependence upon God for anything that involves serious risk? It is all very well to talk about trusting God for the distant and future prospect of salvation after death! There is scarcely a sinner in a Christian land that does not trust to be saved some …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Ultimate Hope
Thou shalt bring them in and plant them in the mountain of Thine inheritance....'--EXODUS xv. 17. I. The lesson taught by each present deliverance and kindness is that we shall be brought to His rest at last. (a) Daily mercies are a pledge and a pattern of His continuous acts. The confidence that we shall be kept is based upon no hard doctrine of final perseverance, but on the assurance that God is always the same, like the sunshine which has poured out for all these millenniums and still rushes …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Marah
'And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah. 24. And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? 25. And he cried unto the Lord; and the Lord showed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet....'--EXODUS xv. 23-25. I. The time of reaching Marah--just after the Red Sea. The Israelites were encamped for a few days on the shore to shake themselves together, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory.
Who is like unto Thee, O Lord! among the gods? Who is like unto Thee, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou in Thy mercy hast led Thy people which Thou hast redeemed: Thou hast guided them in Thy strength to the habitation of Thy holiness ... The holy place, O Lord, which Thy hands have established.' --Ex. xv. 11-17. In these words we have another step in advance in the revelation of Holiness. We have here for the first time Holiness predicated of God Himself. He …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Marah; Or, the Bitter Waters Sweetened
I. The text directs your attention, first of all, to THE EVILS OF THE WILDERNESS. We need not spend much time in thinking of these evils, because they throw themselves in our way often enough; and the tendency of our mind is unduly to exaggerate them. Notice that the perils and trials of the wilderness occur very early in the pilgrim life. It is a notion, I have no doubt, of very young Christians who still have the shell upon their heads and are scarce hatched, that their trials are over now that …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

The Holiness of God
The next attribute is God's holiness. Exod 15:51. Glorious in holiness.' Holiness is the most sparkling jewel of his crown; it is the name by which God is known. Psa 111:1. Holy and reverend is his name.' He is the holy One.' Job 6:60. Seraphims cry, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory.' Isa 6:6. His power makes him mighty, his holiness makes him glorious. God's holiness consists in his perfect love of righteousness, and abhorrence of evil. Of purer eyes than …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Marah
"The Lord showed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet."--Exod. xv. 25. Richard Rolle, 1349. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 Many sorrows hard and bitter, Many comforts sweet and soft; Thus my cry as joyful singing Evermore shall mount aloft. Song of marvellous rejoicing As in Heaven the blessed sing, For the love of Christ has filled me With His sweetest plenishing. Joy no thought of man conceiveth, Howsoever deep his lore; None can tell but he who hath it, …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series)

The Bitter Waters. Ex 15:23-15
…
John Newton—Olney Hymns

Epistle xxvi. To Theoctista, Patrician
To Theoctista, Patrician [1704] Gregory to Theoctista, &c. That your Excellency, though placed in so great a tumult of affairs, is full of the fruitfulness of the sacred word, and incessantly pants after eternal joys, for this I give great thanks to Almighty God, in that in you I see fulfilled what is written of the elect fathers, But the children of Israel walked on dry land through the midst of the sea (Exod. xv. 19). But on the other hand, I am come into the depth of the sea, and the storm hath …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Salvation Published from the Mountains
O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid: say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! I t would be improper to propose an alteration, though a slight one, in the reading of a text, without bearing my testimony to the great value of our English version, which I believe, in point of simplicity, strength, and fidelity, is not likely to be excelled by a new translation …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

The Personality of Power.
A Personally Conducted Journey. Everyone enjoys the pleasure of travel; but nearly all shrink back from its tiresomeness and drudgery. The transportation companies are constantly scheming to overcome this disagreeable side for both pleasure and business travel. One of the popular ways of pleasure travel of late is by means of personally conducted tours. A party is formed, often by the railroad company, and is accompanied by a special agent to attend to all the business matters of the trip. A variation …
S.D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on Power

A Description of Heart-Purity
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 The holy God, who is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity' calls here for heart-purity, and to such as are adorned with this jewel, he promises a glorious and beatifical vision of himself: they shall see God'. Two things are to be explained the nature of purity; the subject of purity. 1 The nature of purity. Purity is a sacred refined thing. It stands diametrically opposed to whatsoever defiles. We must distinguish the various kinds …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Luther's First Preface.
To the "Geystliche Gsangbuechlin, Erstlich zu Wittenberg, und volgend durch Peter schoeffern getruckt, im jar m. d. xxv. Autore Ioanne Walthero." That it is good, and pleasing to God, for us to sing spiritual songs is, I think, a truth whereof no Christian can be ignorant; since not only the example of the prophets and kings of the Old Testament (who praised God with singing and music, poesy and all kind of stringed instruments) but also the like practice of all Christendom from the beginning, …
Leonard Woolsey Bacon—The Hymns of Martin Luther

The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
The first important part of the Old Testament put together as a whole was the Pentateuch, or rather, the five books of Moses and Joshua. This was preceded by smaller documents, which one or more redactors embodied in it. The earliest things committed to writing were probably the ten words proceeding from Moses himself, afterwards enlarged into the ten commandments which exist at present in two recensions (Exod. xx., Deut. v.) It is true that we have the oldest form of the decalogue from the Jehovist …
Samuel Davidson—The Canon of the Bible

The Publication of the Gospel
The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it [or of the preachers] P erhaps no one Psalm has given greater exercise to the skill and patience of commentators and critics, than the sixty-eighth. I suppose the difficulties do not properly belong to the Psalm, but arise from our ignorance of various circumstances to which the Psalmist alludes; which probably were, at that time, generally known and understood. The first verse is the same with the stated form of benediction …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus.
(at Nazareth, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 26-38. ^c 26 Now in the sixth month [this is the passage from which we learn that John was six months older than Jesus] the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth [Luke alone tells us where Mary lived before the birth of Jesus. That Nazareth was an unimportant town is shown by the fact that it is mentioned nowhere in the Old Testament, nor in the Talmud, nor in Josephus, who mentions two hundred four towns and cities of Galilee. The …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jehovah. The "I Am. "
WHEN Moses in the desert beheld the burning bush God answered his question by the revelation of His name as the "I Am." "And God said unto Moses, I am, that I am: and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you" (Exod. iii:14). He who spake thus out of the bush to Moses was the same who in the fullness of time appeared upon the earth in the form of man. Our Lord Jesus Christ is no less person, than the I AM. If we turn to the fourth Gospel in which the Holy …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

A Case of Conscience Resolved
WHETHER, WHERE A CHURCH OF CHRIST IS SITUATE, IT IS THE DUTY OF THE WOMEN OF THAT CONGREGATION, ORDINARILY, AND BY APPOINTMENT, TO SEPARATE THEMSELVES FROM THEIR BRETHREN, AND SO TO ASSEMBLE TOGETHER, TO PERFORM SOME PARTS OF DIVINE WORSHIP, AS PRAYER, ETC., WITHOUT THEIR MEN? AND THE ARGUMENTS MADE USE OF FOR THAT PRACTICE, EXAMINED. BY JOHN BUNYAN. EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. This exceedingly rare tract was first published in 1683, and was not reprinted, either separately, or in any edition of Bunyan's …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

'The Waters Saw Thee; they were Afraid'
'And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you. 6. And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people. 7. And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee. 8 And thou shalt command the priests that bear …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Of the Name of God
Exod. iii. 13, 14.--"And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." We are now about this question, What God is. But who can answer it? Or, if answered, who can understand it? It should astonish us in …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

How those are to be Admonished with whom Everything Succeeds According to their Wish, and those with whom Nothing Does.
(Admonition 27.) Differently to be admonished are those who prosper in what they desire in temporal matters, and those who covet indeed the things that are of this world, but yet are wearied with the labour of adversity. For those who prosper in what they desire in temporal matters are to be admonished, when all things answer to their wishes, lest, through fixing their heart on what is given, they neglect to seek the giver; lest they love their pilgrimage instead of their country; lest they turn …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Return to Capernaum - Healing of the Centurion's Servant.
We are once again in Capernaum. It is remarkable how much, connected not only with the Ministry of Jesus, but with His innermost Life, gathers around that little fishing town. In all probability its prosperity was chiefly due to the neighbouring Tiberias, which Herod Antipas [2583] had built, about ten years previously. Noteworthy is it also, how many of the most attractive characters and incidents in the Gospel-history are connected with that Capernaum, which, as a city, rejected its own real glory, …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

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