Topical Bible: Praise of Miriam

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Introduction:
Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, is a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible, particularly noted for her role in the Exodus narrative. Her praise is most prominently recorded in the Book of Exodus, where she leads the Israelite women in worship after the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea.

Biblical Account:
The primary account of Miriam's praise is found in Exodus 15:20-21. After the LORD delivered the Israelites from the Egyptians by parting the Red Sea, Miriam, described as a prophetess and the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand. The passage states: "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 to them: 'Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea.'" (Exodus 15:20-21).

Role and Significance:
Miriam's role as a leader in worship highlights her prominence among the Israelites. Her title as a prophetess indicates her spiritual authority and the respect she commanded within the community. The act of leading the women in song and dance signifies a communal expression of gratitude and reverence towards God for His deliverance. This moment of praise is not only a celebration of victory but also an acknowledgment of God's power and faithfulness.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In the ancient Near Eastern context, music and dance were integral to religious and communal celebrations. Miriam's use of the tambourine, a common instrument in festive occasions, underscores the joy and spontaneity of the moment. Her leadership in this act of worship reflects the important role women played in the spiritual life of Israel, even in a patriarchal society.

Theological Implications:
Miriam's praise serves as a model of worship that is both spontaneous and communal. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating God's acts of salvation. Her song is a testament to the power of music and dance as expressions of faith and devotion. Furthermore, Miriam's leadership in this moment underscores the biblical theme of God using diverse individuals, regardless of gender, to fulfill His purposes.

Legacy and Influence:
Miriam's praise has had a lasting impact on Jewish and Christian liturgical traditions. Her song is considered one of the earliest recorded hymns in the Bible, influencing subsequent biblical poetry and worship practices. The image of Miriam leading the women in song and dance continues to inspire worship leaders and musicians in their expressions of faith.

Conclusion:
While Miriam's life includes moments of both faithfulness and failure, her praise at the Red Sea remains a defining moment of her legacy. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of worship and the role of women in the spiritual history of God's people.

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

Following the Cloud.
... Moses led them in a song of praise, and Miriam, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine,
and the women followed her in dances as they answered in a chorus of ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xii following the cloud.htm

Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving
... when these same Israelites were brought through the Red Sea dry shod, while their
enemies were destroyed, there was a song of praise led by Miriam, the sister ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/iv prayer praise and thanksgiving.htm

Song of Moses and Miriam
... LYRICS III SONG OF MOSES AND MIRIAM. ... The LORD is my strength and song, And he is
become my salvation: This is my God, and I will praise him; My father's God ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/iii song of moses and.htm

Whom the Lady Miriam Sent
... "Praise God, I did not think of it, or I had gone distracted with her trouble.". ...
"I had not dreamed that there was such artifice in Miriam. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xlvi whom the lady.htm

The Otterbein Hymnal
... CM God's Constant Goodness. 93 God is Love. PM Praise for God's Love. 94 Carol. ... 119
Zephyr. LM Consecration in View of the Cross. 120 Miriam, 7s & 6s. Double. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lorenz/the otterbein hymnal/

Ebenezer!
... we not take the pure gold of thankfulness, and the jewels of praise, and make ... Ought
not the feet of our gratitude to trip as lightly as Miriam's when she led ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/ebenezer.htm

Introduction.
... get snatches of their inspired lyrics in the song of Moses and Miriam, the song ... For
what we know of the first formulated human prayer and praise we are mostly ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/introduction.htm

Israel in Egypt
... to have stood in that mighty host who sung such mighty praise. Music hath charms;
but never had it such charms as it had that day when fair Miriam led the women ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/israel in egypt.htm

Twenty Third Sunday after Trinity Enemies of the Cross of Christ ...
... to the same subject: "If there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think
on ... no one else is as eager for honor as yourself?" Just so did Miriam and Aaron ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty third sunday after trinity.htm

The New Song
... and Barak had routed the hosts of Sisera, they did not borrow Miriam's song; but ...
unto the Lord a new song." Thus the grateful notes of praise have gathered ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the new song.htm