In this episode of the Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick and Dr. Carmen Imes discuss Miriam's role as a worship leader, drummer, and moral guide in the Exodus story. They highlight her agency and affirmation of God's actions while acknowledging the cultural context of women's drumming and dancing in ancient times. They also offer a nuanced understanding of Miriam's leadership and moral responsibility in the Hebrew Bible. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Miriam was a drummer, not a tambourine player, as often depicted in art.
• Miriam played a crucial prophetic role, leading the Israelites in worship after crossing the Red Sea.
• There are parallel rescue stories in Exodus - Moses' rescue as a baby and the Israelites' rescue from Egypt - with Miriam playing a vital role in both.
• Miriam is recognized alongside Moses and Aaron as a leader of Israel during the Exodus, as mentioned in Micah 6:4.
• God treats Miriam as a moral agent with responsibility, as seen in her punishment for challenging Moses' authority.
• Studying lesser-known biblical figures like Miriam can provide deeper insights into Scripture and Israel's history. 

Episode Resources: 

Exodus (Westminster Bible Companion) by Dr. J. Gerald Janzen  

Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters by Dr. Carmen Imes  

Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters by Dr. Carmen Imes  

Torah Tuesday (YouTube Series by Dr. Carmen Imes)  

Exodus (New Cambridge Bible Commentary) by Dr. Carol Myers  

Exodus (Teach the Text Commentary Series) by Dr. T. Desmond Alexander  

The Visual Museum of Women in Christianity  

Episode Sponsor:  

The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology. Learn more about The Center for Women in Leadership at https://www.leadershipwithoutapology.org/.