Topical Bible: Women: As Poets: Miriam

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Topical Encyclopedia

Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, stands out in the biblical narrative as a prominent female figure who played a significant role in the history of Israel. She is notably recognized for her poetic contribution, which is recorded in the Book of Exodus. Miriam's life and actions are emblematic of the vital roles women played in the spiritual and communal life of Israel.

Biblical Context and Background

Miriam first appears in the biblical account during the early life of Moses. She is traditionally understood to be the unnamed sister who watched over Moses when he was placed in a basket on the Nile River (Exodus 2:4). Her quick thinking and courage helped ensure Moses' safety and eventual adoption by Pharaoh's daughter.

Miriam as a Poet

Miriam's most significant contribution as a poet is found in Exodus 15, following the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea. After the Israelites safely crossed and the Egyptian army was drowned, Moses and the Israelites sang a song of triumph. Following this, Miriam led the women in a celebratory response, which is often referred to as the "Song of Miriam."

The Berean Standard Bible records this moment in Exodus 15:20-21:

"Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. And Miriam sang back to them: 'Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea.'"

This brief yet powerful song highlights Miriam's role as a leader and a prophetess. Her song is a poetic expression of praise and thanksgiving to God for His deliverance and mighty acts. It reflects the communal joy and faith of the Israelites as they witnessed God's intervention on their behalf.

Miriam's Leadership and Influence

Miriam's leadership is further underscored by her designation as a prophetess. This title indicates her role in conveying God's messages and her influence among the people. Her leadership in worship through song and dance demonstrates the integral part women played in the spiritual life of the community.

Despite her significant contributions, Miriam's account also includes moments of challenge and correction. In Numbers 12, Miriam, along with Aaron, spoke against Moses, questioning his unique relationship with God. As a result, Miriam was struck with leprosy but was later healed after Moses interceded for her. This incident serves as a reminder of the human frailty present even in those chosen for leadership.

Legacy

Miriam's legacy as a poet and leader is remembered throughout biblical history. Her song is one of the earliest recorded instances of female-led worship in the Bible, setting a precedent for the inclusion of women's voices in the spiritual and cultural expressions of Israel. Her life and contributions are celebrated as part of the rich tapestry of biblical history, illustrating the diverse ways in which women have served and glorified God.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 15:21
And Miriam answered them, Sing you to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider has he thrown into the sea.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Letter Liv. To Furia.
... Hurry from your house women who live by playing ... Like Miriam after the drowning Pharaoh
she takes up ... of rhetoricians and declamations of comic poets and writers ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter liv to furia.htm

Subject Index
... Aaron and Miriam, their sin against Moses, and its punishment, [13]573. Abel,
[14]6, [15]55, [16]89. ... testimonies to unity from Greek poets: ??schylus, [1017]290. ...
/.../irenaeus/fragments from the lost writings of irenaeus/subject index.htm

CHAP. II. 4-25 (2-23).
... Calvin says: "The prophet alludes to the impudent women who are ... much lower than that
of the Gentiles, whose poets and philosophers ... "And then Miriam answered to ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap ii 25-apr 2-23.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... Aaron, why he was not smitten with leprosy as Miriam, [657]274. ... fornication,
[693]248; is uncleanness, [694]342; forbidden to men as well as to women, [695]345 ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... when it had ceased to be with her after the manner of women, exchanged the ... He refers
to Moses and the leprosy of Miriam, who, because she chided her brother on ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

part i
... of Moses; the song of Zacharias"the father of the Forerunner; that of Hannah, the
mother of the prophet Samuel; that of the three children; and that of Miriam ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm