She Dances

Miriam and Worship as Prophetic Action

Abstract

Worship is our heartfelt response to God’s initiative in revealing himself and saving us. Following the crossing of the Red Sea, Moses and Miriam lead the people in celebratory worship (Exo 15). Here we are introduced to Miriam, the “prophetess.” Yet, in what way is Miriam is considered a prophet? And what does she do that is so prophetic. This paper explores Miriam’s experience in the Exodus event, focusing on her role in leading worship. As recorded in Exodus 15:20-21, Miriam plays the hand-drum, dances and instructs the Israelites to sing. These worship activities are considered prophetic as Miriam presents a prophetic performance of liberation. As a prophet, she is both an embodied communicator and communicates through an embodied message. Miriam announces through this musical performance the dismantling of Pharaoh’s power and the establishment of a new community based on God’s freedom. Connections to recent expressions of prophetic dance are explored, particularly the historic use of dance as a ritual activity among some Afro-Pentecostal communities within the COGIC community as an expression of liberation and a form of non-violent resistance. Miriam models for readers today the need for prophetic expression in worship that communicates God’s freedom.