A tambourine

“Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing.”

Exodus 15:20 (NIV)

THE QUESTION

After God parted the Red Sea, Moses’ sister Miriam led the women in praising Him. What did she take in her hand?

A) A harp

B) A trumpet

C) A tambourine ✓

D) A flute

A closer look

God had just led His people through the Red Sea “on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left” (Exodus 14:22). On the far shore, Moses and the Israelites sang to the Lord (Exodus 15:1).

Then Miriam took up her timbrel, a small hand drum much like a tambourine, and the women followed her with timbrels and dancing. She sang, “Sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted” (Exodus 15:20-21). The Bible calls her “Miriam the prophet.”

A harp is a fair thought: young David played the lyre, a kind of harp, to bring King Saul relief (1 Samuel 16:23).

Today’s verse says, “I will tell of all Your wonderful deeds” (Psalm 9:1). On the shore of the Red Sea, Miriam did just that, with a song and a timbrel in her hand.

We hope this helped you grow in God’s Word today. Now head back to your email and tell us how you liked today’s devotional. 🙏