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.
Moses sets this as a responsive chant: the men sang first, the women followed, whether repeating the same words or singing alternate verses matters less than understanding Miriam led her sisters in praise, not in teaching. Timbrels may seem strange to us, but it was the custom of that nation, and Christ abolished such instruments when He came; we must therefore observe greater simplicity under the Gospel.
AI summary
Those who held their peace while deliverance was working must not hold it when the work is done. Singing psalms is the language of holy joy as prayer is of holy desire. Strike while the mercy is fresh; when the heart is most affected, praise returns quickest to God, before time and our own deceitfulness dull the impression.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 15:1-21
Miriam repeated the song after Moses and the men, the women echoing their words in the same responsive manner. She sang as prophetess and leader, exhorting the women to join her in celebrating that God had triumphed gloriously and cast Pharaoh's horse and rider into the sea.
AI summary