Exodus 15:19-21

The Song of Miriam

v. 19. For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, the historian implying, at this point, that Pharaoh, riding forward at the head of his army, was destroyed with all his host, Psalms 136:15, and the Lord brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea, in the bed which the sea ordinarily filled.

v. 20. And Miriam, the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, who from now on takes her place at the side of Aaron under the leadership of Moses, although she was endowed with prophetic gifts, took a timbrel, a tambourine, in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances, in a stately, solemn religious dance, with marching and singing in unison.

v. 21. And Miriam answered them, she and her company chanted their refrain at the end of every verse, or stanza, as sung by Moses and the children of Israel, Sing ye to the Lord, for He hath triumphed gloriously, He has exalted His majesty; the horse and his rider hath He thrown into the sea. Cf v. 1. All the people, men and women, were thus engaged in the hymn of praise and thanksgiving, took part in the festival in honor of Jehovah, a fine example to the believers of all times.