Journey
Women who led
Prophets, a judge, a host and a teacher. Read the women Scripture names as leaders, from the sea crossing to the first churches.
People in this journey
Opening stop: Miriam's song, Exodus 15:20
Miriam is the first woman the Bible calls a prophetess. Her words repeat the opening of the song Moses and Israel have just sung, so she may be leading the women in a refrain. Jephthah's daughter later comes out to meet her father with timbrels and with dances, the same words (Judges 11:34). Exodus 2:4 does not name the sister who watched over baby Moses by the river's brink, but Numbers 26:59 names only one daughter of Amram and Jochebed, Miriam.
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.
King James Version
Moses and Israel sing to the Lord after the sea crossing. The song praises the Lord as strength and salvation and celebrates the overthrow of Pharaoh's chariots and army. Images of the divine right hand, wind and covering depths contrast the enemy's confident plans with their defeat. The song declares the Lord's uniqueness in holiness and wonders, speaks of the redeemed people being led, anticipates fear among surrounding peoples and looks toward their being planted in the Lord's dwelling place. It declares that the Lord will reign forever. Miriam, identified as a prophetess and Aaron's sister, takes a timbrel; the women follow her with timbrels and dancing, and she calls for song. The journey then enters the wilderness of Shur. After three days without finding water, the people reach Marah, where the water is bitter, and complain to Moses. Moses cries to the Lord, who shows him a tree. When Moses casts it into the water, the water becomes sweet. A statute, testing and a conditional promise concerning obedience and disease follow. The people then camp beside the water at Elim.
Continue the journey
This journey has 9 stops. The opening stop is free. Premium opens the rest of the guided path, and every Scripture chapter stays free to read.