Commentary on Exodus 15:20

Verse: "And 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."

Introduction

Exodus 15:20 serves as a pivotal moment in the account of Israel's deliverance from Egypt. This verse begins a celebration of victory that follows the Israelites' crossing of the Red Sea. It not only highlights the immediate response to God's miraculous act but also provides insight into the role of women in the early Jewish community and their contributions to worship and praise.

Miriam's Leadership

Miriam: In this verse, Miriam emerges as a significant figure. Known as a prophetess, her leadership role is crucial as she initiates the celebration of the Israelites' delivered liberty. Her designation as a prophetess (נַבִּיאָה) indicates that she had a divinely inspired role, akin to that of her brothers Moses and Aaron. Public domain commentaries, such as those by Matthew Henry, emphasize her status not merely as a sister but as a leader among the women of Israel.

• Matthew Henry: Henry suggests that Miriam deserves recognition for her guidance and strong faith, affirming her role in a predominantly male-oriented biblical narrative.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes remarks on Miriam's leadership, noting that her action inspired the women to join in praise and worship, thus uniting them in a common cause of rejoicing in the Lord's deliverance.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke highlights the cultural significance of women actively participating in the worship, which at the time was largely influenced by male figures.

The Symbolism of the Tambourine

Miriam is described as taking a tambourine in her hand, a symbol of joy and celebration in ancient Israel. The tambourine (תֹּף) is often associated with festivity and music, playing a key role in the expression of joy during religious observances.

• Matthew Henry: He notes that the tambourine symbolizes the joy of salvation. It represents how the Lord's deliverance should lead to heartfelt praise and expressions of gratitude.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke emphasizes that the use of musical instruments reflects the lawful and joyful celebration of God's acts, underscoring both the tradition of worship and the importance of music in religious life.

The Responses of the Women

The actions of the women who followed Miriam, dancing and playing tambourines, highlight a communal and spirited response to divine intervention. This gathering of women is pivotal and indicative of a societal movement towards collective worship.

• Albert Barnes: He draws attention to the significance of communal worship where every individual participates, emphasizing how Miriam’s leadership inspired the women to express their joy actively.
• Matthew Henry: Henry points out that such worship encourages unity and shared faith among the people, enhancing the collective memory of God’s deliverance.

Theological Reflections

This verse invites theologians to reflect on various aspects, such as the role of women in the church, the importance of music in worship, and the communal nature of faith responses:

• Women's Role: The inclusion of women in leadership and worship roles challenges modern interpretations of women's responsibilities within the faith community.
• Music as Worship: This passage evokes thoughts on how music serves as a medium for praise, revealing an important dimension of worship that many congregations should consider integrating fully.
• Community Worship: The spontaneous expression of joy among the women underscores the value of communal worship, where every member feels empowered to participate regardless of gender.

Conclusion

Exodus 15:20 captures a transformative moment of worship and gratitude within the Israelite community following their deliverance. Through Miriam's leadership, the joyous response of the women, and the symbolism of the tambourine, this passage offers rich insights into faith, communal celebration, and the prominent role of women in scriptural history. The lessons drawn from this verse continue to resonate within contemporary discussions on worship, community engagement, and the empowerment of women in religious spheres.