“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. And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the Lord, for He hath triumphed gloriously.”
Moses’ sister, with all the women, thus responded to the song of praise in which Moses led all the people. What a thrilling scene!
Surely this was a day of thanksgiving and meditation for Moses, as he once more saw God’s mighty works displayed on behalf of His people. On the edge of the desert on which he again stood, he saw the final defeat of that great enemy and the Israelites safe at last from his mighty power. Well might his heart burst forth in song and inspire all to join with him.
The song of Israel expressed their happiness in deliverance even though aware that there was still the wilderness before them. They were not in Canaan yet, but faith can speak of future glory with as much certainty as it speaks of the past, for no one can hinder the fulfillment of God’s purposes or of blessing. We who are saved do not only hope to go to heaven; we know we are going there, because God says so.
The inhabitants of Palestina, the dukes of Edom, the mighty men of Moab, (10:14,15) could not stop the children of Israel from reaching Canaan, because they were God’s redeemed people and He was going to bring them there. Let us not forget, dear young Christians, that we trust in the living God, and He is going to fulfill His promises to us in spite of all the opposition of men and Satan.
What should ever characterize the Christian is the joy of God’s salvation being the ever-present theme to lift his heart heavenward. “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:22Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:2), “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things, which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:1818While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18).
It was Miriam’s honor and privilege to be the leader and mouthpiece of the joy of the women of Israel. The hearts of all were filled with gladness, and found their utterance in music, dancing, and song. They were redeemed, and they knew it on this happy morning; and laden with the joy of their salvation, they tell it out in these songs of thankfulness and praise.
The children of Israel, joyful at God’s deliverance for them, were soon to learn that circumstances alone form a poor basis for happiness. It is a question of that which occupies our hearts. If we are occupied with Christ, we will joy even in tribulation and suffering. A Christian who takes his circumstances from the Lord and goes on with the Lord in those circumstances will experience true joy and peace.
ML-08/03/1969