Celebrating Victory from the Sea of Reeds to the Eschatological Battle Field: Miriam’s Timbrels and Dances in Exodus 15 and Beyond

Abstract

In 4Q285 frg. 7 the eschatological Branch of David defeats the Kittim (the Roman army) and puts to death the king of the Kittim (the Roman emperor). After this victory the women of Israel beat timbrels and dance, even as Miriam and the women did (Exod 15) after the destruction of the Egyptian army in the Sea of Reeds. It is proposed that Miriam’s action reflected a custom, perhaps even inaugurated it, that is witnessed in the song of Deborah (Judges 5) and in the song of Judith (Judith 16). It is further proposed that the figure of Miriam loomed large in Israel’s sacred story—inside and outside the literature that became canon—and that her custom of timbrel, song, and dance will be observed one more time in the aftermath of the anticipated great eschatological battle.