Miriam ~ The Prophetess & Dance Leader

April 7, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Dance in the Word

This was originally an article published in Paneh’s Newsletter (November 2005). I’ll be slowly migrating these articles to the website. Your comments / input is welcomed and appreciated!

Miriam and David
Worship dancers and much more (part 1 of 2)

As we search the scriptures it becomes evident that dance was a part of praise and worship in the Old and New Testaments. Two prominent biblical figures are Miriam and David. Both are Israelites, one from the tribe of Levite and the other from the tribe of Judah; both in different places in Old Testament history, however, both carry lessons that are applicable today.

Miriam is commonly remembered as the as the older sister of Moses. However, she places an important role in biblical history. The fact that Miriam was a prophetess is a little known fact because everyone concentrates on Moses.

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 15:20 KJV)

Miriam was called to be a prophet. She was not called to minister on a large scale like Moses was, nevertheless her role was important and acknowledged in scriptures. Being a prophet means you are God’s mouthpiece. In additional to being a prophetess, she was a worship leader. After the exodus she led the women in a celebratory victory dance.

What can we learn from Miriam?

1. There are no “small positions” when you are fulfilling the will of God. Support roles are vital to the body of Christ.
Even though Miriam had what may be portrayed as a ‘small role’, we must remember that Miriam watched baby Moses travel down the river. It was Miriam that suggested to Pharaoh’s daughter that a Hebrew woman raise the baby. Miriam ran straight home and because she was where God needed her to be Moses was raised by his own mother…and PAID for it!

Then said his sister to Pharaoh’s daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee? 8And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child’s mother. 9And Pharaoh’s daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the women took the child, and nursed it. (Exodus 2:7-9 KJV)

2. Dance minister, we must be careful not to put God in a box. God has called you to dance – seek God and see that you are doing all that He has for you to do!
Miriam was a dance minister, but she was also a prophet. We are now living in the dispensation of grace. In this dispensation every believer receives at least one spiritual gift:

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. (1 Cor 12:7 KJV)

Spiritual gifts are defined throughout the New Testament. Some of these include but are not limited to: prophecy, evangelism, missions, teaching, encouragement, wisdom, helps, tongues, interpretation, giving, and faith. If you do not know what your spiritual gift(s) is, seek the Lord for the answer so he can fully use you! During part 2 we will explore the life of David, a radical dancer and more.