And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

EXODUS 15:20KJV
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Exodus 15:20 (KJV)

What does Exodus 15:20 mean?

Exodus 15:20 describes Miriam, called a prophetess and the sister of Aaron, leading the women of Israel in a celebration with timbrels (hand drums) and dancing after the crossing of the Red Sea. The verse highlights her role in leading the women in music and dance as part of the people's response to God's deliverance.

In this scene, the Israelites have just escaped from Egypt and witnessed the destruction of Pharaoh’s army. Miriam steps forward with a timbrel, and all the women follow her example, joining in with their own instruments and dancing. The verse shows Miriam’s recognized leadership and the communal joy expressed through music and movement.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 15:20

  • מִרְיָם (Miryam, "Miriam"): The verse identifies Miriam by name, emphasizing her importance as both a leader and a prophetess among the Israelites.
  • נְבִיאָה (nevi’ah, "prophetess"): This word means a female prophet, showing that Miriam is recognized for her spiritual role and authority, not just her family connection.
  • תֹּף (tof, "timbrel"): The timbrel is a small hand drum, often used in festive or worship settings. Its mention underlines the celebratory and musical nature of the event.
  • מָחוֹל (machol, "dance"): This word refers to a type of group dance, often circular, which was a common way to express joy and gratitude in ancient Israelite culture.

Why Exodus 15:20 matters

  • The verse clarifies that women played a visible and active role in Israel’s worship and celebration, led by Miriam, who is explicitly called a prophetess.
  • By naming Miriam as Aaron’s sister, the verse connects her to the priestly family, highlighting her significance in Israel’s history alongside Moses and Aaron.
  • The use of music and dance as a communal response to God’s deliverance shows the physical and emotional expression of faith in ancient Israel, setting a pattern for later worship practices.

Where else these words appear

“prophetess” Hebrew H5031 · used in 6 verses

  • Judges 4:4 And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.
  • 2 Kings 22:14 So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe;(now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her.
  • Nehemiah 6:14 My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.

“dances” Hebrew H4246 · used in 8 verses

  • Exodus 32:19 And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.
  • Judges 21:21 And see, and, behold, if the daughters of Shiloh come out to dance in dances, then come ye out of the vineyards, and catch you every man his wife of the daughters of Shiloh, and go to the land of Benjamin.
  • 1 Samuel 21:11 And the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands?

“Miriam” Hebrew H4813 · used in 13 verses

  • Exodus 15:21 And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
  • Numbers 12:10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.
  • Deuteronomy 24:9 Remember what the LORD thy God did unto Miriam by the way, after that ye were come forth out of Egypt.

“timbrel” Hebrew H8596 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 31:27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
  • 1 Chronicles 13:8 And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets.
  • Isaiah 5:12 And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.