Following the exodus, Moses and Miriam lead the people of Israel in a song of praise to God for their deliverance. The experience of emerging from slavery in Egypt through the Red Sea becomes the most significant identifying event for the people of Israel. At this pivotal moment, men and women partner together in celebratory worship.
In this paradigm-creating moment, Miriam and Moses, sister and brother, lead the congregation in celebration. After passing through the waters from slavery to freedom, men and women emerge in ministry as siblings. In the New Testament, Christ leads his people from death to life through the waters of his baptism. Men and women emerge on the other side of the true exodus as brothers and sisters, partnering in God’s ongoing work.
Miriam joins the ranks of other female prophets in the Old Testament, such as Sarah, Deborah, Hannah, Huldah, Abigail and Esther. In her prophetic ministry, she joins Moses not only in recounting God’s past actions, but also in reminding others of his continued work for his people. Through Miriam and the other female prophets, the Bible affirms the role and leadership of women in the religious life of Israel and in a way distinct from the priesthood. Women are welcomed to play an integral role in God’s work in the world.
20 Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing.
